As a huge PlayStation fan, it’s hard to think of a series that’s had as much impact as God of War. I first got hooked back in 2005 when Santa Monica Studio introduced us to Kratos – this incredibly intense Spartan warrior on a brutal quest for revenge against the Greek gods. The original God of War games were some of the best action titles ever made, and then, unbelievably, they managed to completely reinvent the series in 2018! It was a fresh start that I’m really hoping continues for years to come.
Because the God of War games have changed so much over time, how someone ranks them really depends on what kind of gameplay they enjoy most. I especially love the games from the PlayStation 2 and 3 era and would love to see another one like those. But God of War (2018) and Ragnarok are also incredible games, and Sons of Sparta is a great addition to the series. Let’s look at Kratos’s entire story so far by ranking all the God of War games.
Who’s That Character? 
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Results
High Score: 0 —
11. God of War: A Call From The Wilds
A Fascinating Prologue To 2018’s God Of War
Prior to the release of the critically acclaimed God of War in 2018, Sony published God of War: A Call from the Wilds on Facebook. This short story offered fans a glimpse into Atreus’s past and his connection with his parents. Though primarily text-based with a few images, A Call from the Wilds demonstrated the impressive writing and more thoughtful approach of the game’s reboot.
Should You Play God of War: A Call From The Wilds In 2026?
The original source for the animated short God of War: A Call From The Wilds is no longer available, but Sony has uploaded it to YouTube. Although it doesn’t reveal anything beyond what’s already known from the 2018 God of War game, it’s a good way to get to know the character Atreus, and it’s quite brief.
10. God Of War: Betrayal
Respectable Mobile Game
Among all the God of War games, Betrayal is the one that even dedicated fans may not remember. Released on mobile devices soon after God of War 2, Betrayal fits between the first and second games and does a good job of adding to Kratos’s story.
Betrayal is a 2D side-scrolling game that successfully brings the feel of God of War to mobile devices. Though streamlined for mobile, it still delivers the action and puzzles fans expect. While it’s not the best God of War title, it was a solid game for a Java ME release in the mid-2000s. However, it wasn’t a must-play, and most players didn’t miss out by skipping it.
Released in 2007, the mobile game Betrayal probably seemed good at the time, though it doesn’t hold up as well today. The fighting was surprisingly brutal and featured a surprisingly complex combo system.
Should You Play God Of War: Betrayal In 2026?
Unfortunately, God of War: Betrayal is no longer available to buy, and most people probably don’t have a phone from the mid-2000s that it would even run on. While there are ways to play it, I won’t be discussing those methods here.
Let’s be honest: is Betrayal worth playing today? Probably not. It was a decent game for its time on older mobile devices, but in 2026, there’s little reason to bother with it. The only exception might be if you’re a completionist aiming to experience every piece of God of War lore. And even then, you’d be better off reading the God of War comic books from DC before revisiting this title.
9. God Of War: Ascension
A Mostly Underwhelming Attempt To Shake Up The Classic Formula
Released in 2013, God of War: Ascension could have been a fitting end to the PlayStation 3 era, but that role ultimately went to The Last of Us. While not a bad game, Ascension showed the first signs of the God of War series becoming repetitive, as it was the sixth installment in just eight years. Though each game was generally well-received, the core gameplay hadn’t changed significantly over the decade. The developers at Santa Monica Studio did try to innovate, but unfortunately, their changes ended up disrupting the classic God of War formula and diminished some of the fun.
A particularly frustrating change in the game was adding a Rage meter. Players had to fill this meter to use Kratos’s strongest attacks, which made combat feel repetitive because those powerful moves weren’t available for most of the game. Ascension attempted to address this by letting Kratos collect weapons from defeated enemies, but these weapons were much weaker than his signature Blades of Chaos and weren’t very enjoyable to use. While the Blades could be imbued with elemental powers, these were only moderately effective.
Changing how easily enemies could be stunned turned out to be a mistake, as it made combat harder and dragged out fights. These problems are especially noticeable in the Trials of Archimedes, a late-game section of the game. This area is small and throws waves of tough enemies at you, making it one of the few times God of War feels truly unfair. Beyond being mostly pointless, the game also struggled with its villains – the Furies simply weren’t as compelling as previous antagonists like Ares or Zeus.
Despite its flaws, Ascension still offers some good qualities as a God of War game. It remains a visually stunning title on the PS3, and the puzzles are consistently well-designed. Uniquely, Ascension includes a multiplayer mode that still has an active player base. Plus, the game’s opening section is truly remarkable.
Should You Play God Of War: Ascension In 2026?
If you’re playing the God of War games in the order the stories happen, Ascension is the first one you’d encounter. However, I wouldn’t suggest starting with it if you’re new to the series, as it’s not the most beginner-friendly game. Still, I think Ascension is worth playing, but save it until after God of War 3 and only if you’re up for more after finishing that one.
8. God Of War: Chains Of Olympus
A Well-Done, If Unspectacular Portable God Of War Game
Honestly, playing God of War: Chains of Olympus on the PSP totally blew me away. I was worried about how a God of War game would feel on a handheld, but it proved it could work. It’s got all the awesome polish and epic scale of the console games, and it still feels incredible to just slice through enemies like it always has. It really holds up!
While the streamlined design of the game focuses heavily on puzzle-solving with block-pushing, it comes at the expense of exciting combat. The story doesn’t feel fully connected to Kratos’s journey until the very end, and Chains of Olympus is the shortest game in the series on consoles. It doesn’t offer much reason to play through it again. Players can finish the story in just a few hours, and then there’s little to do besides replaying the same levels. This can be satisfying in games that emphasize mastering complex combat, but Chains of Olympus doesn’t provide that kind of depth.
Despite being a good game on its own, Chains of Olympus is overshadowed by the other titles in the God of War series. When combined with Ghost of Sparta in the God of War Origins Collection on PS3, the two games together offer a similar experience to one of the main God of War installments.
Should You Play God Of War: Chains Of Olympus In 2026?
To be honest, Chains of Olympus isn’t one of the most memorable God of War games, and its main appeal was that you could play it on the go. While shorter than a typical console game, it still felt like a true God of War experience, which was amazing for the PSP. Now, most people probably play these PSP games on their TVs, and that really takes away from what made them special.
Despite its brevity, Chains of Olympus is a solid game. While it doesn’t often reach the heights of other God of War titles, it’s still enjoyable and perfectly adequate.
7. God of War: Sons of Sparta
An Enjoyable GOW Spin-Off That Takes A Look At Kratos’ Spartan Years
Sony’s February 2026 State of Play presentation was full of exciting reveals, but the biggest surprise was the sudden release of God of War: Sons of Sparta. Despite some rumors about a 2.5D side story, the game was released unexpectedly, which is always a fun way to launch a title and something fans would love to see more often.
This approach worked well for this game because a typical announcement with a release date probably wouldn’t have generated much buzz, especially since the trailer was decent but not spectacular. Plus, there are already a lot of 2D Metroidvania games available, though the genre has produced some truly excellent indie titles. I do wonder if Sons of Sparta would have gained any traction without being connected to the well-known God of War franchise.
This game is a solid action-platformer that successfully fits into the world of God of War, with combat that feels like the classic, fast-paced hack-and-slash gameplay. It’s set before the events of Ascension, showing Kratos as a human Spartan before he became a god and fought against Olympus. The story explores his life before the tragedies that would later impact the world, and focuses on his relationship with his brother, Deimos. While the reason for their departure from Sparta isn’t groundbreaking, this aspect will likely appeal to dedicated God of War fans.
Putting the story aside, the core of God of War – its combat and puzzles – are solid in Sons of Sparta, though the 2D perspective holds them back a little. In terms of gameplay, it feels most similar to Blasphemous, but doesn’t quite reach the same level of quality. It’s a fairly easy game, so I recommend playing on Spartan difficulty if you want a real challenge. Some of the attacks could be more impactful, and it’s surprisingly not very gory considering Kratos’ violent past. The puzzles are a highlight and fit well with the series. Despite its flaws, Sons of Sparta is still enjoyable, and its different art style and gameplay offer a welcome change, even though similar games are common elsewhere.
The art style in Sons of Sparta isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t quite reach the visual polish of many recent indie or major-studio Metroidvania games like Metroid Dread.
Should You Play God Of War: Sons of Sparta In 2026?
While it’s a fun game, Sons of Sparta is really aimed at dedicated God of War fans who want something to play while waiting for the next big release, like the God of War Trilogy Remakes or a new main God of War game. If you enjoy 2D action Metroidvania games, it’s worth checking out.
6. God Of War (2005)
An Impressive Start With A Great Story & Fun Combat, Along With Some Pacing Issues
Looking back at the first game in any series is always interesting, and the original God of War from 2005 is no exception. It established everything that followed in the God of War series, and it did so brilliantly! The game’s action-packed, fast-paced combat is immediately engaging, blending quick thinking with powerful attacks. The controls are easy to pick up, making it simple to pull off impressive combos, and the upgrade system provides a satisfying sense of growth as you progress.
Honestly, I was really surprised by how well the story handled Kratos. It didn’t just dump everything on you at once; it slowly built up his character and his drive for revenge, and by the end, I was totally hooked. My biggest issue with replaying God of War, though, is that some parts drag with clunky platforming and puzzles that feel a little too samey. Playing the newer games definitely made me notice the original’s flaws more, even though a lot of what made it great still holds up. But even with those issues, God of War is still one of the most impressive first games ever made.
God of War HD is on PS Plus Premium.
Should You Play God Of War In 2026?
Even though the first God of War game doesn’t feel as modern as the newer one, it’s still worth playing, especially if you’re new to the series. If you’re struggling to get into it, feel free to jump ahead to God of War 2, which is better in almost every way – the story is the only area where the first game shines more.
5. God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta
A Powerful Story & Just An All-Around Great Entry
With Ghost of Sparta, the developers at Ready at Dawn built on their experience from the first PSP God of War game, creating a more assured and insightful sequel that delves deeper into Kratos’s character. This is especially noteworthy so late in the series. Instead of focusing on massive scale, Ghost of Sparta emphasizes inventive storytelling and visuals. The game draws on lesser-known myths and cleverly connects them to Kratos’s personal journey, resulting in gameplay and presentation that surpass those of Chains of Olympus.
While the environments aren’t the most striking, Ghost of Sparta delivers consistent excitement, a compelling personal story, and continues to explore Greek mythology in a fun way (with plenty of Atlantis references!). It really showed off what the PSP could do, and still looks great on the PS3. Don’t overlook this game just because it’s a side story – Ghost of Sparta is easily one of the best God of War titles.
Should You Play God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta In 2026?
If you’re a big fan of the God of War series, Chains of Olympus might be worth playing, as its unique combat isn’t found in many other games. However, Ghost of Sparta is essential; it’s more than just a God of War experience on a handheld console, and its story is arguably better than the games on PlayStation 3. Like Chains of Olympus, Ghost of Sparta has a relatively short campaign that you can finish in a weekend.
You should play everything from this point on.
4. God Of War: Ragnarok
Intense Action, Varied Locations, Plenty Of Companions, And Consistently Engaging Story
The 2018 game God of War successfully reinvented Kratos’s story, creating high anticipation for its sequel. Ragnarok was arguably the biggest game release of 2022, rivaled only by Elden Ring, and it lives up to the hype. While it shares the strong combat and compelling characters of the first game, Ragnarok doesn’t just repeat the same formula. It carefully builds upon what worked before, adding new and improved elements.
As a story, Ragnarok delivers a grand and visually impressive finale to the Norse saga. The game draws on the ancient myth of Ragnarok – a devastating event foretelling the end of the world and the deaths of gods like Odin and Thor. Santa Monica Studio uses this myth as a framework for an epic journey, sending Kratos and Atreus on an adventure through all Nine Realms.
Like the first game, Ragnarok encourages players to explore large, open areas filled with treasure and optional activities. The side quests, though relatively short, add depth to the game’s story and world, often focusing on the backstories of characters like Freya. The game features a diverse cast of companions who join Kratos and Atreus on their adventures, with a few unexpected characters along the way. Combat has also been greatly improved, offering more diverse options and ways to customize your fighting style.
Ragnarok is a powerful, character-focused story about loss, rage, and remorse, skillfully blending intimate scenes with grand, sweeping action. However, the game’s biggest weakness is its final act. Despite being built up as a massive, world-ending event, the actual ‘Ragnarok’ feels surprisingly short and anticlimactic, lasting only around two hours. The ending, especially Kratos’ confrontations with Thor and Odin, feels hurried and doesn’t quite live up to expectations.
Some players find Atreus’ sections less enjoyable, especially a lengthy side trip to Ironwood. While this excursion reveals key story elements and background information, it disrupts the flow of the main game. Atreus’ gameplay, which emphasizes ranged attacks, feels quite different from Kratos’, and this has both advantages and disadvantages. Although he shouldn’t simply be a clone of his father, many find Atreus less engaging to play as than Kratos.
God of War Ragnarok became available on PC on September 19, 2024, bringing the biggest game in the series to even more players. While it’s a shame that older God of War titles aren’t on PC – meaning new players won’t experience Kratos’s backstory – both God of War and Ragnarok are still excellent games on their own. If you’re new to the series, it’s best to play the first game, God of War, before starting Ragnarok.
Valhalla
Ragnarok is already an excellent God of War game, but the free ‘Valhalla’ DLC makes it even better. Santa Monica Studio doesn’t usually release a lot of post-launch content, so Valhalla was a welcome surprise. It adds many hours of gameplay and is so well-made that it could have easily been released as a standalone game without feeling like a simple money-making tactic.
Kratos is brought to Valhalla, where he’s forced to confront memories of his violent past. Stripped down to his basic gear, he must fight his way through the halls of Valhalla, facing enemies he’s battled before. He can find upgrades and resources to help him, but he’ll lose them if he dies. This downloadable content is designed like a ‘roguelite’ game – meaning it focuses on challenging combat, similar to the main Ragnarok game, but also tells a compelling story.
3. God Of War 3
A Relentless Blockbuster And The End Of Kratos’ Original Story
While titles like Ascension exist, God of War 3 is often considered the most controversial, yet still highly-regarded, game in the series. It represents the peak of Santa Monica’s original vision for the games, particularly when looking at the earlier, more action-focused installments. As the epic conclusion to the Greek mythology storyline, God of War 3 fully embraces over-the-top violence, with Kratos destroying an entire pantheon of gods to get his revenge. He’d already killed gods before, but this game shows him utterly annihilating them in a massive, bloody rampage.
As a huge fan, I honestly think God of War 3 has some of the best gameplay I’ve ever experienced. The combat is just so quick, polished, and non-stop action. It’s fun even on the easier settings, but it really comes into its own when you crank up the difficulty – it proves there’s a lot of strategy involved, not just button mashing. And visually, it’s stunning! The fight with Cronos is the perfect example of an epic battle. The whole story builds up so well to the final showdown with Zeus, which feels like a perfect ending to Kratos’ original journey.
While God of War 3 is an excellent game, its story isn’t as complex as the ones in the earlier titles. Kratos is almost entirely driven by revenge at this point, which makes him feel less developed. This somewhat weakens the tragic themes that were so strong in the first two God of War games, making the experience feel a bit less meaningful. In many ways, after this game, Kratos needed a fresh start because his story had run its course.
While God of War 3 Remastered is the best way to experience the game today, it doesn’t differ enough from the original to need its own dedicated listing.
2. God Of War (2018)
Starting A New Era On A High Note
In 2018, the God of War series received a much-needed and dramatic overhaul. This PS4 installment focuses on a slower-paced, character-driven story. We see an older Kratos grappling with his past while trying to forge a better future with his son, and their evolving relationship is incredibly moving, offering some of the most heartfelt moments the series has ever seen.
The game feels very personal, with a slower pace that emphasizes careful planning and a close-up view of the action. Though it’s a little less polished than earlier games, the combat remains powerfully brutal and true to the spirit of God of War. Like its predecessors with Greek mythology, this installment draws heavily on fascinating stories from Norse legends. This fresh approach breathed new life into the series, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter, Ragnarok.
The release of God of War was a first for the series, as it was the first main game to be released outside of PlayStation consoles (excluding mobile). In January 2022, it came to PC, joining other PlayStation exclusives like Days Gone and Horizon Zero Dawn in expanding to a wider audience. The PC port is well-done and allows players who might not own a PlayStation to experience Kratos’s journey.
Read More
- How to Get the Wunderbarrage in Totenreich (BO7 Zombies)
- Change Your Perspective Anomaly Commission Guide In NTE (Neverness to Everness)
- How to Beat Turbines in ARC Raiders
- NTE Drift Guide (& Best Car Mods for Drifting)
- Robinhood’s $75M OpenAI Bet: Retail Access or Legal Minefield?
- Beware! Phishing Emails Are Deceiving Robinhood Users in a Sneaky Plot!
- All Nameless Hospital Endings Full Guide In NTE
- NTE Banners (Current, Next, And Upcoming Banners)
- NTE Fan Shows Off Mint Cosplay
- Deltarune Chapter 1 100% Walkthrough: Complete Guide to Secrets and Bosses
2026-05-10 16:43