The Best Order to Play God of War Games
God of War is a world-famous franchise of action video games, featuring the main character Kratos, a Greek warrior who must fight mythological creatures and even gods. God of War games are known for their hack-and-slash gameplay, featuring diverse enemies, weapons and upgrades throughout the gameplay.
The God of War series achieved mainstream success and reached millions of players worldwide. The God of War video games became extremely popular among many gamers, and over time the series expanded with multiple games. While Kratos is the protagonist character of the God of War games, this multitude of games expanded Kratos' story as well as the storyline of the God of War series.
While some people may have mostly played the numbered God of War games (God of War, God of War II and God of War III), it is important to mention that the other God of War games expand on the backstory of the series also the origin story of Kratos, the series main character. For this reason, playing all of the games of the God of War series is important to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the character development that Kratos goes through, as well as of all the nuances and details in the story of the God of War games series.
In regards to the first era portrayed in the series, the Greek mythology era, the God of War games are mostly centered on vengeance, and this is the main theme across these initial video games. Over the time, and specially starting in God of War (2018), the focus of the story of the games transitions to character development, as opposed to vengeance in previous games. However, while these changes exist, the core gameplay of the God of War games is consistent across the different games in the series.
The God of War games series has had an impact on the video games industry, with its action combat gameplay, diverse weapons, and cinematic gameplay. Ever since the first God of War game, released in 2005, the God of War video games have featured an action experience that keeps players thrilled for each next moment. Indeed, the God of War games are often a fan-favorite in regards to action video games.
Is There an Order to Play the God of War Games?
The God of War games, due to their action gameplay nature, can be played and enjoyed in any order. However, for players who want to have a comprehensive understanding of the backstory of the God of War series, it is suggested to play the God of War games in story order, which is presented in this article.
For players who want to start playing the God of War series in the Norse mythology era, it is possible to do so, because the first main game in the Norse mythology era, God of War (2018), is meant as a reboot of the God of War series, and as such, it's meant to introduce new generations of players to the God of War series. For this reason, while it is suggested to play all of the God of War games in story order for the best possible story experience, it is theoretically possible to start the series with God of War (2018). However, it is important to remember that the previous God of War games in the chronological story order are important to understanding the story of the God of War series as well as of Kratos, the series protagonist. For this reason, it is suggested to play the God of War games in the chronological story order.
The Story Timeline Order of the God of War Video Games
This is the chronological story order of the God of War video games. In other words, this is the chronological order of the story events of each God of War game. For players looking for the best possible story experience in the God of War games series, this is the suggested order in which to play the games.
It is interesting to note that there are multiple God of War games that expand on the story and on the events that lead to the first God of War game ever released, God of War (2005). Other God of War games present more information regarding the God of War games universe and Kratos' background.
God of War: Ascension
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War (2005)
God of War: Ghost of Sparta
God of War: Betrayal
God of War II
God of War III
God of War: A Call from the Wilds
God of War (2018)
God of War Ragnarök
The Eras of the God of War Video Games
While the chronological story order list in this article organizes the God of War games in chronological order of events of each game, some God of War fans may prefer a list that organizes these games according to their setting. In other words, considering that some God of War games take place in ancient Greek mythology, and that some God of War games take place in ancient Norse mythology, some players may want to see a list that organizes these games according to their theme and location. Thus, I created this list organizing God of War games according to their eras: the Greek mythology era and the Norse mythology era. This list is also in chronological order, such as the chronological story order list of this article, but with the difference that now the games are separated according to their theme and setting.
Greek Mythology Era
These are the God of War games of the Greek mythology era, which are inspired by ancient Greek mythology. Some of these video games were the first games in the God of War game series. Most of these games are centered in vengeance.
God of War: Ascension
God of War: Chains of Olympus
God of War (2005)
God of War: Ghost of Sparta
God of War: Betrayal
God of War II
God of War III
Norse Mythology Era
These are the God of War games of the Norse mythology era, which are inspired by ancient Norse mythology. Starting with the reboot God of War (2018), these games represent a new phase in the God of War games series. Unlike the games from the Greek mythology era, these games are more centered in character development.
God of War: A Call from the Wilds
God of War (2018)
God of War Ragnarök
What Was the First God of War Game?
While some people may think that God of War (2018) is the first game in the God of War series, it is actually a reboot of the game series. The God of War series of games features other games that were released before God of War (2018). More than that, the first ever God of War game to be released was released in 2005, and is called God of War. Despite God of War (2018) and God of War (2005) sharing the same name, they are different games that tell different stories. God of War (2018) is a reboot of the God of War game series. The series actually started with God of War, the first God of War game, which was released in 2005.
Are God of War Games Historical?
Mythology is a way of an ancient civilization explaining different phenomena according to their perspective. For this reason, while it is possible that some parts of mythology have historical roots, such as certain characters and heroes, mythology often incorporates supernatural elements, such as gods and monsters. For this reason, there is a difference between mythology and history, and most often than not, this difference is based on available evidence. While mythology is mostly a product of culture and tradition, history is a result of evidence, research and science. For these reasons, it is not possible to say that mythology is a historical depiction of the past; instead, it is more accurate to say that mythology can be an ancient civilization's culture's unique perspective on certain events of the past, specially considering that mythology was often used to explain situations and phenomena that these ancient cultures could not explain otherwise.
The God of War video games are largely inspired by the mythologies of different cultures. The first games of the series are inspired by Greek mythology, while later games are inspired by Norse mythology. Due to their mythological inspiration, the God of War games feature fictional, mythic creatures and beings, such as gods, monsters and heroes. For this reason, while the games are inspired by the culture of ancient civilizations, these stories should be considered a work of fiction. With that said, the God of War games portray the mythology of these ancient cultures, and this portrayal is based on available research and knowledge about the mythology of these cultures. For this reason, while God of War games may not be considered historical, they can be considered an interesting window into the mythology of ancient civilizations.
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