Play God of War Chronologically for Max Immersion

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 starting point a frequent point of contention.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles):

While ten games exist, only eight are crucial to the overarching narrative:

1. God of War 1
2. God of War 2
3. God of War 3
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök

Popular Playthrough Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

• Release Order: This follows the games' original launch sequence, offering a glimpse into the evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, note that some prequels (like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) may not match the production quality of the main trilogy.

  1. God of War 1 (2005)
  2. God of War 2 (2007)
  3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  4. God of War 3 (2010)
  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)
  9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but be aware of potential inconsistencies in graphics and gameplay across different titles. The initial game in this order is often considered the weakest.

  1. God of War: Ascension
  2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
  3. God of War 1
  4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
  5. God of War 2
  6. God of War 3
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök
  9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (Free DLC)

Recommended Play Order:

This order balances narrative coherence and gameplay experience, aiming for a smoother introduction to the series.

1. God of War 1
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
4. God of War 2
5. God of War 3
6. God of War: Ascension
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode

This sequence strategically places prequels before their respective main entries, ensuring a logical progression. Ascension, often considered the weakest, is placed later but can be skipped with a quick story recap if needed.

Alternative Play Order (Norse Saga First):

This unconventional approach starts with the newer, visually stunning Norse Saga, potentially offering a more modern and engaging introduction. However, this order sacrifices chronological narrative order.

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode
4. God of War: Ascension
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus
6. God of War 1
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
8. God of War 2
9. God of War 3

Ultimately, the "best" order depends on individual preferences. Consider your priorities – narrative flow, gameplay evolution, or a balance of both – when selecting your preferred playthrough sequence.