For a first playthrough, start with God of War (2005), then play God of War II, God of War III, God of War (2018), and God of War Ragnarök. That route follows the series’ release-era reveals and gives you Kratos’ Greek story before his Norse-era story. Play Valhalla afterward if you want its optional epilogue. You do not need to play every entry to understand the main arc.
If you would rather follow events in-world, begin with God of War Sons of Sparta (2026), the earliest released story chronologically. That is an alternate order, not the easiest beginner route.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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God of War Ragnarök - PlayStation 4 | $28.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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God of War | $23.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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God of War: Saga - Dual Pack | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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God Of War | $22.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
God of War Hits - PlayStation 4 | $19.50 | Buy on Amazon |
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Recommended order for a first playthrough
- God of War (2005)
- God of War II (2007)
- God of War III (2010)
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarök (2022)
- God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (2023), optional epilogue
The first three games give you the central Greek-era arc; the 2018 game begins the Norse saga, with Ragnarök continuing it. The order above prioritizes how the main story unfolded for players, rather than arranging every event by its place in Kratos’ life. PlayStation distinguishes Valhalla as a digital add-on to Ragnarök, not a separate numbered game. PlayStation’s series page describes it as taking place after Ragnarök.
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To include the released Greek-era prequels and side entries, use this practical release-oriented path:
#1 Best Overall
- 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)
- God of War (2005)
- God of War II (2007)
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
- God of War III (2010)
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarök (2022)
- God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (2023), optional DLC
This is a path through released story games, not a claim that every title is a numbered mainline sequel. The 2005 and 2018 games share the same title, so keep the year in mind: the 2005 game is the PS2 original, while the 2018 game is the start of the Norse saga.
Chronological order of released story games
For the in-world sequence, the released games fit this order. It places prequels before the games audiences first encountered them.
Rank #2
- God of War Sons of Sparta (2026)
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
- God of War (2005)
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
- God of War II (2007)
- God of War III (2010)
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarök (2022)
- God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (2023 DLC)
PlayStation calls Sons of Sparta a prequel to the series and dates its PS5 release to February 12, 2026. Its early chronological placement does not make it a prerequisite for the other games. Valhalla belongs after Ragnarök.
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| Route | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended first-playthrough order | Following the Greek arc into the Norse saga with a manageable number of games | Leaves out Greek-era prequels and side entries |
| Expanded release-oriented order | Playing the released story games in a release-based sequence | Requires more games, including older titles from previous console generations |
| Chronological order | Following Kratos’ events in-world, starting with the earliest released story | Prequels come before games that originally introduced their characters and story developments |
The 2018 game is a reasonable starting point if you specifically want the Norse story. The 2005 original is the more direct starting point for Kratos’ Greek story; the chronology route is for players who value event order over release-era reveals.
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)
Where the games are available
The original Greek games span PS2, PSP, and PS3 releases; those original versions are not all natively available on a current console. PlayStation lists Sons of Sparta for PS5, Ragnarök for PS4 and PS5, the 2018 game for PS4, Ascension and God of War III for PS3, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta for PSP, and the 2005 original and God of War II for PS2. Check the current catalog and your access options before committing to the expanded or chronological route.
PlayStation also lists the 2018 game and Ragnarök for PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. For Valhalla, PlayStation says the DLC is free for PS4 and PS5 owners of Ragnarök and included with the PC purchase of the game. Catalogs and availability can change.
Rank #4
- 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
What is and is not included in the count
This guide orders released story games and identifies Valhalla as DLC. PlayStation’s page uses a count of 10 main entries that includes God of War Laufey, but as of October 4, 2026, it lists that PS5 game for February 16, 2027. It is upcoming, so it does not belong in a playable order yet.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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.
