When Does God of War Take Place?
The God of War franchise, developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, has been a beloved series among gamers since its inception in 2005. The game has undergone significant changes over the years, from its first person perspective to its more recent third-person perspective. Despite these changes, the franchise’s setting has remained largely unchanged. But when exactly does the God of War series take place?
Early God of War Games: Ancient Greece
The early God of War games, including God of War (2005), God of War II (2007), and God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), take place in ancient Greece during the Mythic Era. This era spanned from around 8th century BCE to the Peloponnesian War in 431 BCE. The games’ storylines revolve around Kratos, the main protagonist, and his struggles against the gods of Olympus.
Here is a breakdown of the time periods and events covered in the early God of War games:
- God of War (2005): Set in 432 BCE, the game takes place during the Peloponnesian War. The game’s story follows Kratos’ quest for revenge against Ares, the God of War, after Ares kills Kratos’ wife and child.
- God of War II (2007): The game takes place eight years after the events of the first game and spans from 424 BCE to 418 BCE. The game’s story sees Kratos’ struggles against the gods of Olympus and his attempts to prevent a catastrophic war.
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008): This prequel to the first God of War game takes place before the events of the first game, in 446 BCE. The game follows Kratos’ adventures with his daughter Calliope in Atlantis.
God of War (2018): A New Beginning
Fast forward to God of War (2018), a soft reboot of the franchise that takes place many years after the events of the previous games. The game’s storyline takes place in Norway, during the 8th century, about 1,000 years after the events of the previous games. This marks a significant change in the franchise’s setting, shifting from ancient Greece to the mythological world of Scandinavia.
Here’s a breakdown of the time periods and events covered in the 2018 God of War game:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 711 CE | The death of Odin, All-Father |
| 755 CE | The death of Freya, Queen of the Valkyries |
Significant Changes: Timeline and Setting
The 2018 God of War game introduces several significant changes to the franchise’s timeline and setting:
- Timeline: The game takes place 1,000 years after the events of the previous games, making it a new chapter in the franchise’s storyline.
- Setting: The game shifts from ancient Greece to the mythological world of Scandinavia, exploring the realms of Niflheim, Jotunheim, and Midgard.
- New Protagonist: The game introduces Kratos’ son, Atreus, as the new protagonist, making Kratos a supporting character.
- New Gameplay Mechanics: The game introduces a variety of new gameplay mechanics, such as talking to NPCs, exploration, and combat strategies.
In conclusion, the God of War series takes place across multiple time periods and settings. The early games take place in ancient Greece during the Mythic Era, while the 2018 God of War game marks a significant change, shifting the setting to the mythological world of Scandinavia, about 1,000 years after the events of the previous games. As the franchise continues to evolve, fans can expect to see more exciting developments and storylines in the future.
