The God of War franchise has established itself as one of Sony’s flagship series since its debut in the mid-2000s. The series allows players to embody Kratos, a Spartan warrior whose tragic past and unquenchable rage drive him to challenge the gods themselves.
From the PlayStation 2 to modern consoles, each installment offers a unique experience. The franchise has also had its share of highs and lows over the years. Let’s look at how each game in the series stacks up, from the least impressive to the pinnacle of Kratos’ adventures.
9. God of War: Betrayal
God of War: Betrayal is a mobile game vastly different from its console counterparts, and is the weakest entry in the series. This side-scrolling 2D beat-em-up was designed for mobile phones, which limited its reach and impact. Despite being canonical, the game’s narrative did little to improve the lore of the overall series, making it a forgettable chapter in Kratos’ saga.
8. God of War: Ascension
“God of War: Ascension” is unique for its multiplayer modes. As another prequel, it explores Kratos’ early rebellion against Ares. While its story and multiplayer elements are interesting, they don’t contribute significantly to the main story of the series, making it less essential for newcomers but still enjoyable for fans.
7. God of War: Chains of Olympus
“God of War: Chains of Olympus” is the first PSP entry and a notable spin-off that holds up well even today. This prequel adds valuable context to the series’ lore, showing events before the original game. While not essential to the core plot, its robust gameplay and engaging story make it a worthwhile addition, particularly in its HD re-release in the “God of War: Origins Collection.”
6. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
“God of War: Ghost of Sparta,” the second PSP game, offers a more polished experience than “Chains of Olympus.” It explores Kratos’ human side and relationship with his brother, Deimos. While not critical to the main storyline, its detailed plot and improved gameplay mechanics make it a solid entry, showcasing the series’ depth even in spin-offs.
5. God of War
The original “God of War” is a classic that set the stage for the series’ success. Its blend of brutal combat and a tragic, engaging story set against Greek mythology made it a standout title on the PS2. Despite its groundbreaking nature, some late-game segments were frustratingly under-tested, preventing it from ranking higher compared to its more polished successors.
4. God of War 2
“God of War 2” was built on its predecessor’s foundation. It offers better graphics, refined gameplay, and an engaging story. However, its cliffhanger ending left many fans frustrated, having to wait years for resolution in “God of War 3.” Despite this, the improvements in gameplay and storytelling ensure it remains one of the series’ standout titles.
3. God of War 3
Serving as the epic conclusion to Kratos’ saga, “God of War 3” delivers on many fronts. It offers a satisfying end to the revenge arc against Zeus, coupled with refined combat and impressive graphics. Although later games have surpassed it, “God of War 3” remains a high point for its narrative and gameplay innovations.
2. God of War (2018)
The 2018 reboot, simply titled God of War, reinvented the franchise by shifting its setting to Norse mythology. This game focused on Kratos’ relationship with his son, Atreus. The gameplay also evolved, incorporating RPG elements and providing a more open-world experience. This entry revitalized the series, introducing it to a new generation of players while maintaining its core essence.
1. God of War Ragnarök
The latest installment, God of War Ragnarök, is widely regarded as the best game in the series. Building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, it further developed the characters of Kratos and Atreus while refining the gameplay mechanics. The game’s stunning visuals, fluid animations, and engaging story set a new standard for the franchise. It seamlessly blends profound storytelling with gameplay, making it a must-play for both new and longtime fans.
