God of War has long been a highly-regarded series within the PlayStation space that has only grown with Sony’s expansion to PC. However, it’s probably safe to say that this is the most recent wave of excitement over the franchise, which is partly due to the second wind it received when God of War launched on the PS4, bringing players to the world of Norse mythology. The series has a long string of installments that each help tell the tale of Kratos at different points in his life, opening him up to us more than he would probably be comfortable with.
To celebrate all the games that are a part of the franchise, I wanted to rank them all. This ranking is really only according to the way I personally felt about the games as they were launched and what I feel they did for the series as a whole. There might be some justifications that won’t make sense to everyone, so this is your warning now.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
There are a lot of people who really liked God of War: Ascension, but I was not one of them. It details Kratos’s life pretty much just after he is betrayed by Ares and kills his family. It adds a lot of context that helps you better understand why the God of War is the way that he is, but it lacked all the same depth. At the time of its release, it did feel as though Santa Monica Studios was gearing up for something new within the franchise, so I am glad that it helped share the glory of God of War with people who might not know of it otherwise. I also think that it really helped that the God of War Saga launched around the same time. It was also strange to find a game in the series that had a multiplayer aspect, even if it was strangely fun.
God of War Sons of Sparta (2026)
The game highest on this list of God of War installments is the most recently released God of War Sons of Sparta. This isn’t to say that this is a bad game, but it simply doesn’t compare to the others on here. I also feel that, since this is the very first time a lot of newer players are experiencing the Greek side of Kratos’ history, a lot of it fell sort of flat, relying too much on the PSP games. Personally, I felt that if you hadn’t played those or even known much about Kratos’ past, then it’s almost as though you’re playing as a completely different character (and I’m not talking about the fact that he’s a child here)
God of War 2 (2007)
The second God of War game really does just act as a sequel to the first, now that Kratos has officially killed Ares and become a stain on the gods of Olympus. The only reason it isn’t much higher is because of most of the other games that were released in the series. It has some of the best combo-based combat and secondary weapons to earn and choose from that just adds to the overall feel of progression. At the time of release, it was considered to be among the greatest PS2 games of all time alongside the first game, which really means something in the world of over-the-top gameplay.
God of War (2005)
The first God of War, the one that started it all. This is the game that officially introduced everyone to Kratos and the madness he has had to endure at the hands of Ares. Players weren’t just met with a badass bald guy who was killing gods, but a sad father and husband who only wanted to make sure his family was taken care of in an era of war and suffering. There aren’t many similar games that came before this one, and it’s safe to say that its legacy is felt throughout the entirety of gaming.
God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
Chains of Olympus was the very first God of War game to launch on the PSP. Similar to the PS2 games, this was widely regarded as one of the greatest PSP games of all time, alongside Ghost of Sparta. It followed the same combo-based gameplay while carving a bit o=more knoweldge of the world for players eager for more. This game takes place between God of War: Ascension and the first game, giving players a look at what the man was like just as he was officially granted his Blades of Chaos and tortured the Furies.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
Ghost of Sparta really expands the God of War franchise beyond Kratos and introduces his brother Deimos. It gives a more narrative look into the story rather than relying primarily on visuals and combat, and sort of paves the way for the PS4 God of War , as we are introduced to his son, Atreus. It is also the game that probably explains the most about Kratos as a person and makes him out to be more than just a bald, angry guy. I also have really vivid memories of playing this game in the locker room before PE in high school.
God of War Ragnarok (2022)
Ah, God of War Ragnarok. The reason this game is the third on this list is that it’s not the PS4 God of War or God of War 3. Now that Kratos has killed Baldur, Ragnarok has come, and it’s up to Kratos and his son to protect the nine realms. I felt that this is the first game that makes Kratos feel as though he is aging beyond what the franchise is able to offer. I don’t think the character is “getting old,” but it’s clear that Atreus is likely going to become far more central moving forward now that this game has launched. Even though the ending might paint a bit of a different picture, that’s still something I believe.
God of War (2018)
God of War is listed second on this list because, well, it brought back one of the greatest series of all time. I firmly believe that the entire franchise would have been left on older generations of PlayStation if it weren’t for this second wind. The game also introduced Atreus and really paves the way for so much more that doesn’t solely have to do with Kratos. Personally, I think that without this game, the gaming landscape wouldn’t be nearly as narratively and visually competitive as it is now.
God of War 3 (2010)
The game that officially got me into the entire God of War franchise was the third one. I had known it was going to be coming out, and that prompted me to pick up the first two and really get myself into the series. Then, when the third game launched, it was nothing like anything I could have ever expected. At the time, it was also meant to sort of be an end to Kratos’ story, so just knowing that it has become a turning point in Kratos’ history is another huge reason why it’s my top game.
