This guide explores the optimal order for playing the God of War games, catering to both newcomers and seasoned fans. The series boasts a rich history spanning Greek and Norse sagas, making the choice of starting point crucial.
Essential Games & Skipped Titles:
Of the ten God of War games, eight are considered essential to the overarching narrative. God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook) can be safely omitted without impacting the core story.
Popular Play Orders:
Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.
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Release Order: This follows the games' original launch sequence, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, the quality varies, with some prequels falling short of the main trilogy's polish. The order is: 1. God of War 1 (2005) 2. God of War 2 (2007) 3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) 4. God of War 3 (2010) 5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) 6. God of War: Ascension (2013) 7. God of War (2018) 8. God of War Ragnarök (2022) 9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)
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Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but involves gameplay inconsistencies across titles. The weakest game is the starting point, potentially impacting initial impressions. The order is: 1. God of War: Ascension 2. God of War: Chains of Olympus 3. God of War 1 4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta 5. God of War 2 6. God of War 3 7. God of War (2018) 8. God of War Ragnarök 9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Free DLC)
Recommended Play Order (Balancing Narrative & Gameplay):
This order prioritizes a smoother gameplay experience while maintaining narrative coherence.
- God of War 1
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War 2
- God of War 3
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarök
- God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
This approach strategically places prequels to enhance understanding and avoids jarring transitions in gameplay quality. Ascension, while considered the weakest, offers noteworthy action sequences. Consider skipping it and watching a summary if the gameplay proves too challenging.
Alternate Play Order (Norse Saga First):
This unconventional approach prioritizes the modern, polished experience of the Norse Saga before tackling the older Greek Saga. This might enhance the mystery surrounding Kratos' past.
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarök
- God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
- God of War: Ascension
- God of War: Chains of Olympus
- God of War 1
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta
- God of War 2
- God of War 3
Ultimately, the best order depends on individual preferences. This guide provides various options to ensure an enjoyable journey through the epic world of God of War.
