What Order Should I Play God of War?
As a gaming enthusiast, you’ve likely heard of the popular franchise, God of War, which has garnered a devoted fan base across the world. With over a decade of gaming excellence, this action-adventure series has evolved significantly, introducing new characters, locations, and gameplay mechanics. So, if you’re new to the franchise, it’s natural to wonder: What order should I play God of War in?
Contents
Option 1: Chronological Order (God of War: Greek Era to Norse Era)
GOD OF WAR (2005) – GOD OF WAR II (2007) – GOD OF WAR: BROTHERS (2008)
This order will allow you to follow Kratos’ journey from the Greek gods to the Norse gods, showcasing his rage-filled and brutal quest for revenge against the Olympians.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the games in chronological order:
- God of War (2005): Kratos serves as a captain in the Spartan army during the Persian Wars, becoming disillusioned with the Olympian gods, who had tricked him into killing his own wife and daughter.
- God of War II (2007): After the death of his parents, Kratos seeks vengeance against Olympus, ultimately finding himself torn between his wrath and humanity.
- God of War: Brothers (2008): In a prequel of sorts, Kratos visits his parents’ tomb to make sense of his tumultuous relationship with them. This story serves as an origin point for Kratos’ growth as a character.
Pros:
• Story coherence, as you see Kratos’ character evolution unfold naturally
• Insight into his motivations and growth throughout the series
Cons:
• Less variation in game mechanics (Greek-era gameplay may be less exciting to new players)
• Character introductions and development slow pace might not engage younger gamers
Option 2: By Popularity or Critical Acclaim (A More Modern and Diverse Approach)
GOD OF WAR (2018) – GOD OF WAR III REMASTERED (2018) – GHOST OF SPARTA (2010)
This route focuses on modern acclaim, showcasing the shift from ancient Greece to Scandinavia while highlighting key stories, characters, and gameplay developments.
Table: Ranked Order (Popularity, Critical Acclaim, or New Games First)
| Title | Release Date | Review Score (GameRankings) | Average Metacritic Score | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2018) | 2018-04-20 | 94.62% | 90/100 | General praise |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) | 2010-11-17 | 82.14% | 76/100 | Solid story, decent mechanics |
| God of War III Remastered (2018) | 2018-07-31 | 88.65% | 79/100 | Consistent reception, no surprises |
Pros:
• Balances the popularity of individual games with notable critical reception
• The 2018 God of War has received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling and mechanics
• This approach is easier to follow if you enjoy the new era and settings
Cons:
• A more scattered chronological approach (Greek era comes later, but in 2018)
• Limited connection to Kratos’ past if you don’t start at the beginning
• Possible confusion due to varying environments and character backstories
The Ultimate Playing Order: Combine the Two Options
Option: Alternate Chronological Order
Play God of War (2018) as your entry point, enjoying the story and gameplay revolution. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), and Ghost of Sparta (2010) to get deeper into Kratos’ ancient Greek story arc. From there, journey through the Greek era to the prequel, God of War: Blades of Chaos (2002) (not part of this table). After finishing the prequel, complete God of War III (2007) before starting God of War (2018), closing the trilogy.
This blend offers an engaging, mixed-order adventure:
• Familiarizes you with modern gameplay
• Connects the stories and characters you know best
• Satisfies your curiosity regarding Kratos’ past, and leads you into a chronological tale
Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive choice, but one that compromises between both routes, resulting in an order that takes you on an emotional ride through Kratos’ trials and tribulations.
When deciding which God of War order to choose, prioritize your personal interest:
- Emphasis on storytelling: Try the Chronological Order.
- Innovation and mechanics: Go with the Alternative Order (play God of War (2018), then follow with the original trilogy).
- A mix of both: Combine the chronological order of the Greek era with the modern era by following Option: Alternate Chronological Order.
Now you know how to navigate the complex narrative of God of War in a way that suits you best. Pick your adventure, and begin your legendary journey through Kratos’ world.
