In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

This guide explores the optimal order to play 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 playing order crucial for an optimal experience.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles):

While ten God of War games exist, only eight are essential for a complete narrative:

1. God of War 1
2. God of War 2
3. God of War 3
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök

Popular Playing Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

• Release Order: This follows the games' original release dates, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, the quality varies across titles. The release order is: 1, 2, Chains of Olympus, 3, Ghost of Sparta, Ascension, 2018, Ragnarök, Ragnarök Valhalla Mode.

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but the varying game quality might disrupt the experience. The chronological order is: Ascension, Chains of Olympus, 1, Ghost of Sparta, 2, 3, 2018, Ragnarök, Ragnarök Valhalla Mode.

Recommended Playing Order:

This order balances narrative coherence and gameplay enjoyment, preventing player fatigue.

1. God of War 1
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
4. God of War 2
5. God of War 3
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

This sequence starts with the original, then strategically incorporates prequels before moving to the sequels. Note that Ascension is often considered the weakest; skipping it with a YouTube summary is acceptable.

Alternative Playing Order (Norse Saga First):

For players prioritizing modern gameplay and visuals, starting with the Norse Saga offers a compelling alternative:

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
4. God of War: Ascension
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
6. God of War 1
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
8. God of War 2
9. God of War 3

This approach might spoil some aspects of the Greek Saga's narrative, but it provides a smoother transition into the series' more modern entries. Ultimately, the best order depends on individual preferences.