All God Of War Games Ranked By Story

God of War is a highly notable and easily identifiable video game series, particularly within the hack-and-slash category, boasting immense popularity.

Initially, Kratos was characterized by unbridled fury and an obsessive desire for vengeance against the gods of Olympus, but in more recent games, he has displayed a more mature side and a willingness to show mercy.

Over ten games in the series, there have been numerous evolutions. For instance, the innovative mechanic of time manipulation was introduced in God of War: Ascension, and significantly, the characters have undergone a transformation, taking on distinct personalities in the Norse world.

Among the God of War series, certain titles have aged more gracefully regarding game mechanics, puzzles, and battles.

However, let’s not forget to discuss their narrative. Indeed, when it comes to evaluating these games based solely on their stories, some clearly stand out as more compelling than others.

To honor two decades of these captivating series and with anticipation for further adventures starring Kratos and Atreus, here’s a list ranking each God of War game based on their compelling narratives.

10. God Of War: A Call From The Wilds

Atreus’ First Solo Adventure Before Ragnarök

Among the unusual names in the series, “A Call from the Wilds” stands alone as the singular text-based adventure within the God of War franchise.

Sony launched it on Facebook Messenger, and you could complete in around 45 minutes to an hour.

In a text-driven setting, you’d advance the narrative by typing out various actions such as “leave the bed”, “dress yourself”, or “grab the book”.

Unfortunately, I can’t seem to find that game anymore, which means I can’t continue my adventure. But don’t worry! You can catch up on the storyline on PlayStation’s official channel instead.

The narrative unfolds as Atreus hones his archery skills and learns Norse lore under his tutelage, which is his mother. Subsequently, he encounters voices in his mind that plead for aid and beckon him towards the woods.

Caught up in the din, I abandon my protective staff and delve into the forest, seeking a wounded deer on its last breaths.

Or,

Swamped by the cacophony, I forsake my guardian rod and penetrate deep into the woods, on a quest to find a dying doe.

Following the deceased doe and performing burial rituals, he ventures further into the woods, only to encounter draugr who wound Atreus in combat. Miraculously, Kratos locates his son and manages to rescue him just in time. On their journey back, they engage a revenant before ultimately making it home unscathed.

9. God Of War: Betrayal

Kratos’ 2D Adventures Before The Shovel Knight Cameo

Following the triumph of PlayStation 2 games, the creators started brainstorming about adapting God of War into a mobile game format. However, this wasn’t just another ordinary mobile game flooded with annoying microtransactions. Instead, it was an engaging 2D side-scrolling action-adventure that offered a fun gaming experience.

The game titled “God of War Betrayal” is set within the timeline, between the occurrences of the initial two games, on the Java Micro Edition platform.

Although the game occasionally feels monotonous, its captivating visuals make it worthwhile, and there’s potential for future games in the style of 8-bit or 16-bit God of War.

Following the slaying of Ares and assuming the title of the New God of War, Kratos chooses to part ways with his divine peers and instead, marshals his Spartan forces for a campaign against Greece.

To prevent Kratos, Hera sets Argos and his troops against him in battle. Yet, a hidden assassin slays Argos and falsely accuses Kratos, inciting the ire of Olympus towards him.

To uncover the identity of the assassin, Kratos pursues them relentlessly. However, Hades’ forces obstruct him at every turn, causing more carnage and devastation along the way.

In an attempt to put an end to this chaos, Zeus dispatches Ceryx, Hermes’ son, as a messenger, instructing him to order Kratos to cease his actions. Yet, instead of heeding the message, Kratos confronts Ceryx in battle, leaving Zeus with no choice but to intervene directly, as portrayed in God of War 2.

In Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope, you’ll encounter Kratos following the acquisition of the Puzzling Map. This situation will simulate a boss battle against Kratos.

8. God Of War: Ascension

The Game With Few Hits And Several Misses

The following game, God of War: Ascension, has its audience divided. Some enthusiasts are deeply fond of it, while others find it uninteresting and forgettable.

From my perspective, labeling it as “forgettable” might not quite capture its essence since there are indeed captivating moments and innovative mechanics that make it stand out. These elements hold promise for reappearing in a future installment.

Following Ares’ deception, Kratos unknowingly slays his own family as part of Ares’ scheme to mold him into a flawless warrior, capable of aiding Ares in battling and dethroning Zeus.

In a break from his ancient vow, Kratos defies the now divine embodiment of war, and as a consequence, he is confined by the vengeful Furies, who themselves have fallen under the corrupting influence of Ares.

The tale revolves around Kratos uncovering the truth, eluding his confinement, chasing down the Furies, and breaking his blood vow. However, this odyssey won’t be straightforward; he requires the assistance of Orkos, Oracle Alethia, and the Amulet of Uroborus to accomplish these tasks.

Following numerous tests and overcoming the cunning deceits of the Furies, Kratos eventually manages to escape from the confinement. However, to completely free himself from his vow of blood, he must also slay Orkos.

He concludes that the definitive solution to banish his recurring nightmares forever is by devoting himself to Olympus and earning the title of Champion among the Gods.

Unfortunately, Ascension’s story, while interesting in some parts, feels more of an afterthought.

While his imprisonment period is briefly touched upon, it doesn’t significantly contribute to the central narrative of the trilogy beyond perhaps offering an explanation for Kratos’ prolonged service to the gods.

7. God Of War (2005)

The Foundation

Remarkably, the initial God of War title stands out as a contender for one of the greatest games ever made, given its abundance of appealing aspects.

In this narrative, you assume the role of the enigmatic character Kratos, whose relentless pursuit is directed at the God of War, Ares. Regardless of the guilt or innocence of those he eliminates, he continues unyieldingly on his path.

In this game, we were introduced to Kratos’ famous Blades of Chaos, along with numerous other features. Additionally, we uncovered the heartbreaking tale behind his appearance – his pale skin is a curse from an oracle, binding the ashes of his deceased family whom he unwillingly killed, serving as a perpetual reminder of his gruesome past actions. This event also earned him the moniker, Ghost of Sparta.

We have the opportunity to observe a bitter dispute between Athena and Ares, with Athena offering Kratos pardon for his past actions against his family on the condition that he eliminates Ares.

Presently, we trace his path from Athens to the barren wasteland known as the Desert of Forgotten Spirits, on a quest to find Pandora’s box. His goal is to harness its power to eliminate a divine being.

Personally speaking, I found the narrative rhythm in this tale to be expertly managed, avoiding any sense of haste. Coupled with its engaging hack-and-slash gameplay, revisiting this game is a promise of enjoyable moments should you choose to do so!

6. God Of War: Chains Of Olympus

Bringing God Of War To Your Pocket

Moving backward in time following the initial game, Chains of Olympus unfolds after Ascension and finds Kratos still obliging the Gods, hoping they can help him escape his haunting dreams.

The narrative begins with him safeguarding the city of Attica, fighting off the Persian king and his troops, and warding off a fearsome creature known as the basilisk, thereby preserving the city.

In this battle, he observes the sun descending from its celestial abode, with Morpheus blanketing the earth in his dark mist to enslave the deities forever. Once more, Kratos is commissioned by Athena to locate Helios and restore the sun to its heavenly position.

In the course of his travels, it becomes clear that Morpheus and Persephone are now working against the gods. They’ve taken steps to put the gods into a deep slumber, with the intention of destroying the Pillar of the World themselves.

In the narrative of Chains of Olympus, we witness a poignant story unfold. Here, Kratos makes a heartrending decision: he gives up the prospect of reuniting with his family and sacrifices himself, in order to rescue their spirits and the world as well.

Regardless of his efforts, the deities failed to keep their promise, driving him closer to defying them instead.

This game, designed specifically for the PlayStation Portable, transported the thrill of playing a God of War game to a compact, portable format. Despite its focus on puzzles rather than action, this aspect doesn’t detract from its appeal.

One potential rephrase could be: This game’s main disadvantage lies in its brief campaign duration, which stands out significantly against other games in the same series. Consequently, although the narrative itself is engaging, it can be finished comfortably within one continuous session due to its brevity.

5. God Of War (2018)

Revival Of The Series Done Right

Back in the days of God of War 3, I thought it was all she wrote for this epic saga. I mean, Kratos had finally taken down Zeus and it felt like the perfect ending. But then, out of nowhere, in 2016, a new chapter of God of War was unveiled, leaving me utterly stunned!

Refreshed and armed with a striking new arsenal, Kratos made his return, however, unlike before, he had undergone a transformation. The relentless warrior who once sought revenge against all those who wronged him now yearns for nothing more than tranquility, sharing it with his son.

Although he might not actively seek out conflict, conflict seems to find him instead.

This game seamlessly moves from its origins in Greek mythology to delve into Norse folklore.

Initially, a father and his son embark on a seemingly straightforward quest to scatter their deceased wife and mother’s ashes from the summit of the highest peak across all realms. Yet, their peaceful mission is disrupted upon encountering an unexpected visitor – a deity in disguise.

This game masterfully demonstrates how to breathe new life into an established series, adapting it seamlessly to fit today’s trendier, more contemporary style of gaming. From its gameplay dynamics, narrative, graphics, and treatment of secondary characters and adversaries, God of War 2018 strikes the ideal balance.

In my opinion, the aspect that could use improvement is the boss battles. Unfortunately, the main narrative doesn’t offer many distinct battle experiences, but the post-game content more than compensates with Valkyrie encounters. I strongly recommend taking on Sigrun, as she’s a fight you wouldn’t want to skip.

4. God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta

Become Death, Destroyer Of Worlds

In this enhanced version, the Game of Sparta surpasses the quality of Chains of Olympus by refining its elements. The narrative of this game underscores the wisdom in heeding ancient prophecies.

Looking back, we find scenes depicting the seer forewarning Zeus of Olympus’ downfall, this time not at the hands of the Titans but a mortal instead. This prophecy weighs heavily on Zeus, prompting him to take action.

Nevertheless, Zeus and Ares wrongly identified the harbinger of death as Deimos because of a distinctive mark on his body, not realizing it was Kratos. Ares seized Deimos, delivering him to Thanatos for confinement and torment.

Returning to the current narrative of this game, after Kratos has dethroned Ares and assumed the title of God of War, he finds that his dreams and visions continue to haunt him. Weary of the divine manipulations, he chooses to disregard Athena’s counsel and delve into his past instead.

In this game, events reach a critical point where they push Kratos over the edge, leading him to do everything possible until Olympus lies in ruins.

Should an opportunity arise for you to acquire this game, whether on its own or as part of the Origins collection, I strongly recommend you don’t let it pass by. The character Kratos gets to utilize the Arms of Sparta, his reliable shield and spear from his days as a mortal, leading his Spartan forces. This weapon was so impressive that it reappeared in later installments under the name Draupnir spear.

3. God Of War 2

There’s A New War God In The Pantheon

At this stage of the tale, Kratos should hardly find deceit from the gods surprising. Yet, in the initial part, Zeus succeeds in catching Kratos off guard by deceiving him, causing him to lose his powers and seemingly take his life.

However, this journey won’t deter our hero, given that in numerous Greek myth-based video games, he’s visited the Underworld and returned so often, it feels like Kratos has another residence there.

The primary difference between God of War 1 and God of War 2 lies in their narratives. Despite this change, both games offer an equal dose of combat, intriguing puzzles, and platform challenges.

In this iteration of the game, we witness a greater incorporation of various gods and Titans from Greek mythology compared to the initial version. Notably, Gaia, one of the primordial beings, plays a more significant role, acting as a guide for Kratos in a bid to seek revenge on Zeus along with the Titans.

As a fellow enthusiast of mythology, I can’t help but emphasize that you’re in for an enthralling ride! The narrative isn’t just about vengeance; it also includes the enigmatic sisters of fate, making it a truly captivating tale that blends myth and reality in a mesmerizing way.

In essence, if you found the initial game pleasurable, you’re likely to find the sequel equally captivating. That’s because it retains the familiar elements that made the first one special, only now they’ve been refined and improved upon.

2. God Of War 3

Grim, But A Fitting End

If a series consistently outdoes its predecessor by enhancing an established game, none surpasses God of War in this regard. The epitome of such progression can be seen in God of War 3.

Back in its original release, I found this gem on the PS3, and to this day, it’s undeniably one of the most visually stunning games for that system. Picking up right where God of War 2 ended, this game delivers an epic opening battle reminiscent of Ragnarök, boasting some of the best first-boss fights ever created.

Nearly every boss battle in this game is exceptionally crafted, with Kratos’ encounter against Hades serving as the prime illustration. At first glance, it’s evident that Hades is the ruler of the Underworld and the realm of the dead.

Through the occurrences in God of War 2, Kratos had provided ample opportunities for redemption to the gods, yet he had solid justification to annihilate the entire Greek pantheon. The narrative swiftly forgoes any hesitation on this matter, and instead, you’re consistently pursuing one god after another.

Even as a relentless force of destruction, Kratos retains a glimmer of compassion. This is evident when, amidst his quest for vengeance, he nearly abandons it to protect Pandora. In his heart, he recognizes a semblance of his daughter Calliope.

Yet, destiny had another plan for him. Eventually, he accomplishes what he initially intended, and their climactic battle against Zeus was unparalleled. The series’ choice of ending cleverly paves the path for future Norse narratives.

1. God Of War: Ragnarök

The Sequel That Surpasses The Original

If you enjoyed God of War (2018), I strongly recommend giving God of War Ragnarök a try! Not only does it build on the strengths of its predecessor, but it takes them to new heights.

The experience is a continuous up-and-down journey, where one instant fills you with exhilaration (such as when Freya attempts to kill you at the beginning), only for it to be immediately followed by heartfelt moments like Atreus saying goodbye to Fenrir, his dying wolf. You won’t have much time to process these emotions before being thrust into another event, like an exceptional boss fight against Thor in the next scene.

This game offers numerous engaging instances, ensuring continuous novelty. Instead of simply hurling your axe to tackle puzzles, you must strategize by adjusting the angle and direction for it to ricochet off multiple targets. Likewise, Sigil arrows are introduced, allowing you to set off chain reactions.

In comparison to God of War 2018, the primary narrative of Ragnarök boasts improved boss battles, addressing one of the significant criticisms from the previous game. Among the numerous commendable aspects of

In the game, we witness the transformation of Atreus, moving beyond his earlier arrogant phase to a point where he can safeguard those dear to him. Simultaneously, Kratos learns to give Atreus space for self-discovery, allowing him to walk his own path. Notably, our trusted blacksmith duo, Brok and Sindri, significantly contribute to the game’s unfolding events.

After wrapping up the primary narrative, there’s still more to come! Similar to tracking down Valkyries in the previous installment, this time around, your mission is to pursue and defeat Berserkers if you wish to engage with King Hrolf Kraki the Berserker King.

In addition to fighting Gna, the newly crowned Valkyrie queen, there are also several essential boss battles you should tackle in the post-game. Some quests are particularly noteworthy and worth completing, such as the exciting Secrets of the Sand quest.

After wrapping up every last detail of the main campaign, I strongly recommend diving into the Valhalla DLC. This expansion does a fantastic job of rehabilitating Tyr’s image, who seemed somewhat underdeveloped in the main storyline. However, the DLC brilliantly demonstrates that Tyr, the Norse God of War, is no pushover and certainly not the coward that Odin made him out to be throughout the game.

2025-03-30 16:41