Kratos’ story in the God of War series now spans more than twenty years of video games. Throughout that time, the character has appeared across different eras and mythologies, making him one of the most developed characters in the gaming industry. Because the games were not released in chronological order, it can be confusing to follow the full story.
In fact, the most recent game released is actually the first one in the timeline. To make things easier, here is the full chronological order of the God of War story.
All God of War Games in Chronological Order
From the first God of War released in 2005 to the newest God of War: Sons of Sparta, these are all the games from Santa Monica Studio’s franchise in chronological order. We also mention the easiest way to play them today, although some of them can be difficult to access.
God of War: Sons of Sparta (2026)
Platform: PS5
The newest game released for PS5 is actually the first one in the overall timeline. God of War: Sons of Sparta tells the story of Kratos’ early years alongside his brother Deimos, before he made his pact with Ares. It is also one of the most different entries in the series, as it follows a metroidvania-style structure.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
Platform: PS3 (available through the PS Plus Premium classics catalog)
For many years, Ascension was considered the first game in the timeline. The story takes place shortly after the family tragedy that shapes Kratos’ entire journey.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Platform: PSP (available through the PS Plus Premium classics catalog)
This PSP entry also acts as a prequel. In Chains of Olympus, Kratos goes on a mission to rescue Helios from the Underworld while serving the gods.
God of War (2005)
Platform: PS2 (available through the PS Plus Premium classics catalog)
The original God of War appears later in the chronological order. In this story, Kratos searches for Pandora’s Box to defeat Ares and free himself from his servitude.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Platform: PSP (available through the PS Plus Premium classics catalog)
Although it was released later, this game is actually the first direct sequel to the original God of War. After becoming the new God of War, Kratos travels to Atlantis while searching for answers about his lost brother.
God of War: Betrayal (2007)
Platform: Java Mobile
This game is difficult to play today unless you still have an old Java mobile device. However, God of War: Betrayal is part of the official story. It shows Kratos leading the Spartans against the gods in a short 2D adventure.
God of War II (2007)
Platform: PS2 (available through the PS Plus Premium classics catalog)
In the sequel, Kratos is betrayed by Zeus. After escaping from the Underworld, he forms an alliance with the Titans to carry out one of the most iconic revenge stories in gaming.
God of War III (2010)
Platform: PS3 (available through the PS Plus Premium classics catalog)
God of War III completes the original trilogy and brings the Greek mythology storyline to its climax, as Kratos launches his final assault on Mount Olympus.
God of War (2018)
Platform: PS4
Despite being seen by some as a reboot, the 2018 game continues Kratos’ story. The series moves into Norse mythology and changes its gameplay style, but Kratos is still haunted by his past. In this story, he travels with his son Atreus to fulfill the final wish of his wife.
God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Platforms: PS4 and PS5
This game concludes the Norse saga and currently marks the latest point in Kratos’ story. In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos and Atreus face the events leading to Ragnarok and try to fulfill their destiny.
All God of War Games by Release Order
If you prefer to play the series in the order the games were released, this is the list you should follow:
- God of War (2005)
- God of War: Betrayal (2007)
- God of War II (2007)
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
- God of War III (2010)
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
- God of War: Sons of Sparta (2026)
Following either order will let you experience the full story of Kratos so far. Santa Monica Studio is also reportedly working on remakes of the original trilogy, which means players may soon revisit the events of the Greek saga again. Rumors also suggest that a new game could arrive in the future as a sequel to God of War Ragnarok.
