The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked

Key Takeaways

  • God Of War is known for its bone-shattering combat and brutal storytelling, with each game adding more evil characters to the mix.
  • The franchise features sinister characters like Ares, Persephone, Odin, Cronos, and Heimdall, all with cruel intentions.
  • Kratos is the anti-hero of the God Of War franchise, committing unspeakable atrocities fueled by rage and vengeance.

As I delve into the captivating world of the God of War franchise, I am struck by the intricate tapestry of characters that populate these games. Each figure is woven with their own unique threads of power, ambition, and ultimately, redemption.


The God of War series is globally recognized for its intense action combat that shatters bones and a brutal storyline centered around Kratos, a scorned demigod who brought down an entire pantheon through sheer determination driven by vengeance. Determined by his thirst for revenge, Kratos faced the Greek pantheon head-on, systematically eliminating every deity that opposed him one after another.

In the realm of the God of War series, there abound wretched beings, some naturally malevolent and others tainted by external influences. These wicked entities have left entire cities in ruins; some even cast curses upon the innocent for their own amusement. As the God of War franchise expands beyond the initial trilogy, the roster of villains increases with each revelation of new sinister schemes. Here are some of the most malicious characters from the God of War series.

7 Thanatos

Tortured Deimos In The Realm Of Death For Years

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta

In the game “God Of War: The Ghost of Sparta,” Thanatos takes on the role of the principal adversary. During this narrative, it is revealed that Kratos has a younger brother who was kidnapped by Ares. Thanatos functions as Deimos’ captor, and when Kratos arrives to free Deimos, he instantly becomes aggressive, aiming to harm Deimos and inflict pain upon Kratos due to the death of his son.

Thanatos is the ancient Greek deity of death, responsible for reaping souls, even older than Hades himself. Throughout the entire struggle, Thanatos delighted in tormenting Kratos about his lost family, despite Kratos repeatedly striking him with his weapons. In essence, Thanatos was a truly malevolent entity who found joy in inflicting suffering.

6 Ares

Ruined Kratos’s Childhood And Orchestrated The Fall Of The Gods

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War (2005)

In the epic saga of “God of War,” Ares serves as the pivotal figure who sets the narrative in motion. As the primary villain in the original “God of War” game, Ares initiated a series of events by kidnapping Deimos based on a prophecy predicting the demise of Olympus. Later, Ares would reappear in Kratos’s life, not as an enemy but as a savior.

As he faced his approaching demise, Kratos invoked the deity of war, vowing to surrender his life for forgiveness. The god of war, Ares, obliged by tying Kratos’s existence to him in servitude. This bond made Kratos perform Ares’ malevolent tasks. Ares was personally responsible for the deaths of Kratos’ family and inciting Kratos on a rampage to slay every deity within the Greek pantheon. Even prior to the narrative of God Of War, Ares was despised by his own father.

5 Heimdall

Attempted To Kill Kratos For His Father

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War: Ragnarok

In the game “God of War: Ragnarok,” Heimdall is depicted as a deity who possesses wisdom, foresight, and vigilance. He assumes the role of an adversary to Kratos and his son, being a devoted servant of Odin and his desire to maintain the gods’ dominion. Throughout history, Heimdall has perpetrated numerous atrocities, not only under Odin’s command but also due to his own arrogance, viewing himself as superior to all races dwelling in Midgar, much like his father.

Heimdall, however, aims to eliminate Loki, hoping to accomplish what his brother could not. Unlike many of his kin, Heimdall derives satisfaction from his cruelty rather than showing any trace of compassion.

4 Persephone

Sought To End All Of Existence

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War: Chains Of Olympus

In the realm of God of War, I can’t help but be captivated by the enigmatic figure of Persephone. As the primary antagonist in God Of War: Chains of Olympus, she came dangerously close to obliterating our world entirely. Bored and discontented with her life as Hades’ captive bride, Persephone devises a malevolent plan to unleash pandemonium on Earth, thereby ending her own eternal existence.

She aimed to accomplish this by giving Atlas permission to release his burden and summoning the God of Slumber to keep the other gods from intervening. Granted, Persephone’s desire to break free from her destiny was relatable, but her intention to bring an end to everything, including herself, is a merciless pursuit nonetheless.

3 Odin

Schemed To Kill Kratos And His Son

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War: Ragnarok

In various mythologies, Odin stands supreme as the ruler of crows and the patriarch of all deities, comparable only to Zeus. In the game “God Of War: Ragnarok”, Odin is depicted as skulking in the shadows as the impending Ragnarok casts its ominous shadow across the sky.

To amass absolute power and thwart a prophecy threatening his reign and kingdom, Odin demonstrates his readiness to perform any act deemed necessary for victory, even resorting to killing Kratos and his son. Odin appears to have no moral boundaries or constraints in his machinations, as he espouses peace throughout the game but deceives everyone by pretending to be an ally.

2 Cronos

Lead Kratos To Pandora’s Box

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War 2

In Greek mythology, Cronus – father of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades – is portrayed as an embodiment of evil within the pantheon. He was overthrown by his own children due to his attempt to devour them. Throughout the God of War video game series, Cronus has repeatedly attempted to aid and ultimately destroy Kratos. In the God of War narrative, Cronus represents the last surviving Titan, a race of colossal beings with immense power that ruled prior to the Olympians seizing control.

In a twist of fate, Zeus overpowered Cronus, compelling him to roam the earth burdened by Pandora’s Box-like structure, which contained pandemonium and wickedness that could unleash havoc upon the world. Out of vindictiveness, Cronus plotted revenge against his offspring, aiding Kratos in reaching the box to slay Ares. Once confined within Tartarus, he shifted his malice towards Kratos, fuming with resentment and blaming him for his tormented existence.

1 Kratos

The Once-Feared Ghost Of Sparta

The Most Evil God Of War Characters, Ranked
  • Appeared In: God Of War 3

In the narrative of God of War, it’s generally perceived that Kratos plays the role of the hero. Yet, for much of Kratos’s journey, he is more accurately characterized as the antagonist. From his initial portrayal as a warrior on the battlefield to his self-sacrificing act before Ares, the former god of war, Kratos’s life undergoes a significant transformation.

As Ares’ loyal enforcer, Kratos carries out horrendous acts in God of War 2. His anger and brutality escalate throughout the game as he takes on the role of the active god of war. It’s not until after a lifetime filled with suffering and vengeance that Kratos comes to understand that his younger self was his biggest adversary.

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2024-09-23 22:54