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You can play God of War Laufey without finishing any earlier game: PlayStation describes it as a standalone story. For more context on its world and characters, PlayStation recommends God of War (2018) followed by God of War Ragnarök. Add Valhalla only if you want optional post-game material after Ragnarök.
Which God of War games should you play first?
For the most useful preparation, play the two Norse-saga games in story order: God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök. PlayStation names both as the games to play for fuller appreciation of Laufey’s world and characters. They provide context, but they are not prerequisites.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
God of War Ragnarök - PlayStation 5 | $37.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
God of War Hits - PlayStation 4 | $19.50 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
God of War: Saga - Dual Pack | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
God of War Ragnarök | $31.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
God of War: Ragnarok (PS4) | $29.88 | Buy on Amazon |
- Play God of War (2018).
- Play God of War Ragnarök.
- Optionally play God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla after finishing Ragnarök.
You do not need to work through the earlier Greek-era catalogue for this focused path. The suggested order follows the two games’ story sequence; it is not a claim that every past entry is required.
Can you play the new God of War without playing the older games?
Yes. PlayStation says God of War Laufey can be enjoyed completely standalone. Start there if you would rather meet its story on its own or do not have time for earlier games. Playing the 2018 game and Ragnarök first is for added familiarity with the world and characters, not basic access to the new story.
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- Feel your journey through the Norse realms, made possible by immersive haptic feedback and adaptive trigger functionality.
- Take advantage of multidirectional 3D Audio; hear enemies approaching from any direction. (3D audio with stereo headphones (analog or USB))
- Bask in the beautiful worlds you travel through, brought to life by precise art direction and arresting attention to detail.
- Switch between full 4K resolution at a targeted 30 frames per second, or dynamic resolution upscaled to 4K at a targeted 60fps. (4K resolution requires a compatible 4K TV or display)
Which option fits your time and goals?
| Your priority | What to play | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fuller context for Laufey | God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök | These are the two games PlayStation recommends for deeper appreciation of the new game’s world and characters. |
| Only one older game | God of War Ragnarök | It is the later Norse-saga entry and therefore closer to the current story. This is a practical editorial shortcut, not a separate PlayStation ranking; the character arc begins in the 2018 game. |
| The Norse story plus its optional follow-up | God of War (2018), Ragnarök, then Valhalla | Valhalla is additional material set after Ragnarök, not part of the two-game preparation recommendation. |
| A fresh start with no backstory | God of War Laufey | PlayStation describes it as standalone. |
How much time do the games take?
PlayStation’s official series FAQ gives estimates, not guarantees, and advises players to enjoy the games at their own pace. Its main-story estimate for God of War is around 20–25 hours, depending on difficulty; a completionist run is estimated at around 40–50 hours. For Ragnarök, PlayStation estimates up to 40 hours for the main story plus a selection of side quests, and 55–60 hours to see everything.
These figures use different definitions of completion, so they should not be treated as a guaranteed combined total for the two-game path. If your time is limited, decide whether you want the main story or a completionist run before choosing how much to play.
Rank #2
- Physical combat over the shoulder free camera brings the action closer than ever combat in God of war is up close frenetic and unflinching. Kratos' Axes powerful, magic and multi faceted is a brutal weapon as well as a versatile tool for exploration
- Midgard and beyond: Set within the untamed forests, mountains, and realms of Norse lore, God of war features a distinctly new setting with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods
- Vicious, physical combat with an over the shoulder free camera that brings the player closer to the action than ever before
Where can you play each game?
PlayStation lists God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök for PS4, PS5, and PC. It lists God of War Laufey for PS5. Check the platform and edition shown by the storefront before buying.
How Valhalla access works
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla is a free add-on set after the events of Ragnarök. PlayStation says it is available through PlayStation Store to PS4 and PS5 owners of Ragnarök, and included with the PC game. It is optional; you do not need it before playing Laufey.
Rank #3
- Includes
- God of War collections 1 and 2
- God of War 3
- God of War Collection (Chain of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta)
When does God of War Laufey release?
As of October 4, 2026, PlayStation’s US series page lists God of War Laufey for PS5 on February 16, 2027. Release dates and platform listings can change, so check the official PlayStation series page for the latest information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 711719407492
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
