God of War Titles: Chronological Playthrough Guide

This guide explores the optimal order for experiencing the God of War series, 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.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles Only):

The series comprises ten games, but only eight are pivotal to the overarching narrative. We'll exclude God of War: Betrayal (mobile) and God of War: A Call from the Wilds (Facebook). The core games are:

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War II (2007)
3. God of War III (2010)
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
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)

Popular Play Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

• Release Order: This follows the games' original launch sequence. While offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics, it presents a potentially uneven experience due to varying production values across titles. The order is: 1, 2, 4, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (referencing the numbered list above, and adding Ragnarök Valhalla Mode as #9).

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but might lead to gameplay inconsistencies. It begins with the arguably weakest entry, Ascension. The order is: 6, 4, 1, 5, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9.

Recommended Play Order:

This approach balances narrative coherence with a smoother gameplay progression. It avoids overwhelming new players with dated mechanics while maintaining story integrity. The suggested order is:

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
4. God of War II (2007)
5. God of War III (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)

This order strategically places prequels before their respective main entries, ensuring a logical narrative flow. Ascension, while considered the weakest, is included for completeness; however, skipping it and watching a summary is acceptable.

Alternative Play Order (Norse Saga First):

For players prioritizing modern gameplay and visuals, starting with the Norse Saga offers a compelling alternative. This approach might enhance the mystery surrounding Kratos' past. The order is: 7, 8, 9, 6, 4, 1, 5, 2, 3.

Ultimately, the "best" order is subjective. This guide offers various options to cater to individual preferences and priorities.