The God of War franchise is one of PlayStation’s most successful and critically acclaimed series, blending action-adventure gameplay with mythological storytelling. Created by David Jaffe and developed primarily by Santa Monica Studio, the series debuted on March 22, 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and has since expanded across multiple platforms, amassing nine main installments and numerous spin-offs.
The story follows Kratos, a Spartan warrior whose tragic past leads him to become the God of War. The franchise is divided into two main eras: the Greek mythology saga, which focuses on Kratos’ brutal path of vengeance against the Olympian gods, and the Norse mythology saga, where Kratos seeks redemption while raising his son, Atreus, amidst conflict with Norse deities.
Over the years, God of War has become synonymous with cinematic storytelling, brutal combat, and rich world-building, winning multiple Game of the Year awards and selling over 66 million copies worldwide.
God of War – Official Story Trailer PS4
What Is the God of War Franchise About?
At its core, God of War blends mythological fantasy with deeply personal storytelling. The early Greek-era games follow Kratos as he takes revenge on the gods of Olympus after being tricked into killing his family. These games are known for fast-paced hack-and-slash combat, elaborate puzzles, and cinematic boss fights.
In 2018, the series shifted to Norse mythology, introducing a slower, more grounded combat system, an over-the-shoulder camera, and a more emotional narrative as Kratos journeys with his son Atreus. This era reimagined the series while keeping its brutal combat and epic scope intact.
How Many God of War Games Are There?
The franchise is split into two major eras:
Greek Era (2005–2013)
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God of War (2005) – PlayStation 2
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God of War II (2007) – PlayStation 2
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God of War: Betrayal (2007) – Mobile
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God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) – PSP
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God of War III (2010) – PlayStation 3
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God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) – PSP
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God of War: Ascension (2013) – PlayStation 3
Norse Era (2018–2023)
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God of War (2018) – PlayStation 4, later on PC
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God of War Ragnarök (2022) – PlayStation 4 & 5, later on PC
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God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (2023) – Expansion
What Makes God of War Unique?
The God of War franchise stands out for several reasons:
Epic Mythological Settings
Each game blends real-world mythologies with original storytelling, reimagining gods, creatures, and legends in bold and cinematic ways.
Brutal, Fluid Combat
From the iconic Blades of Chaos to the Leviathan Axe, combat is fast, visceral, and rewarding, with combo systems, magical attacks, and devastating finishers.
Cinematic Presentation
The games are famous for seamless camera work, stunning visuals, and grand set pieces that feel like playable blockbuster movies.
Emotional Depth in Later Installments
The Norse era introduced a more mature Kratos, exploring themes of fatherhood, loss, and redemption.
Is God of War Worth Playing Today?
Absolutely. Whether you start with the Greek-era classics or dive straight into the Norse saga, God of War offers some of the best action-adventure experiences in gaming. The earlier games deliver pure, adrenaline-fueled action, while the newer entries combine intense combat with deep emotional storytelling.
For newcomers, starting with God of War (2018) is a great choice, but those wanting the full backstory should begin with the 2005 original.
God of War Game Release Order (Chronological)
Greek Era
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God of War: Ascension (2013) – Prequel
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God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) – PSP
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God of War (2005) – PS2
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God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) – PSP
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God of War: Betrayal (2007) – Mobile
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God of War II (2007) – PS2
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God of War III (2010) – PS3
Norse Era
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God of War (2018) – PS4, PC
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God of War Ragnarök (2022) – PS4, PS5, PC
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God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (2023) – Expansion
God of War – Frequently Asked Questions
When was God of War first released?
The first game was released on March 22, 2005, for the PlayStation 2.
Who is the main character in God of War?
Kratos, a Spartan warrior turned god, is the protagonist of the entire series.
Which mythology does God of War cover?
The Greek era focuses on Olympian gods, while the Norse era centers around Norse mythology.
Is there a God of War TV series?
Yes, an Amazon Prime Video series based on the Norse saga is currently in development.
How many copies has the series sold?
As of November 2023, the franchise has sold over 66 million units worldwide.
Conclusion
The God of War franchise has evolved from a relentless hack-and-slash series into one of the most emotionally resonant and cinematic experiences in gaming. From Kratos’ rage-fueled vendetta against the Olympians to his heartfelt journey with Atreus through the Norse realms, the series continues to set the standard for action-adventure storytelling. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, there has never been a better time to experience the saga of the Ghost of Sparta.
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