Exploring the God of War Games Chronological Order

God of War’s Norse-set masterpieces has cemented it as one of PlayStation’s most iconic franchises. Born during the PS2 era, the God of War franchise made a name for itself with excellent action gameplay, an intriguing tale of divine revenge, and a memorable lead in the Spartan demigod Kratos.

Born during the PS2 era, the God of War franchise made a name for itself with excellent action gameplay, an intriguing tale of divine revenge, and a memorable lead in the Spartan demigod Kratos. 20 years later, God of War has grown into gaming’s seminal action-adventure series, blending that increasingly fine-tuned action with deeper lore and a stronger narrative hook, anchored by an older, more empathic Kratos.

Now that we know the next God of War game will follow Faye in some overlapping timelines, we’ve created this chronology of the series for those interested in playing (or replaying) it from the start.

Sony has released 11 God of War games in the series — seven on home consoles, two on portable consoles, one on mobile, and one text-adventure on Facebook Messenger. A twelfth game, God of War Laufey, was recently announced during a State of Play but does not yet have a release date.

We’re excluding its second mobile release, God of War: Mimir’s Vision, as this AR game doesn’t add to the ongoing narrative but instead provides players with background lore from the world of God of War. We’re also excluding PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale in this chronology, despite its comical inclusion in the God of War canon.

Although technically the first game in the series chronologically was God of War: Ascension, realistically you'll probably want to start with God of War (2018). Not only is it available on both PS4 and PS5, you can also play it on PC. It's a great starting point for anyone just getting into the series.

These blurbs contain mild spoilers for each game, including characters, settings, and story beats.

1. God of War Sons of Sparta (2026)
God of War Sons of Sparta is the latest game in the series, but chronologically it takes place before any of the others. Sons of Sparta acts as a prequel, following the story of Kratos and his brother Deimos as they undertake their brutal training as Spartans. The gameplay breaks from the usual God of War formula in favor of a retro-inspired Metroidvania style.

2. God of War: Ascension (2013)
Ascension, the seventh God of War game by release date but the first chronologically, is a revenge tale that explores the early days of Kratos’s transformation from a Spartan demigod into the God of War.

3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Kratos’s next adventure is told in the PSP game aptly named God of War: Chains of Olympus. Olympus takes place halfway through Kratos’s ten-year servitude to the gods (five years before God of War) — a servitude that, once completed, will free him from the torturous visions of his past.