Do You Have to Play the Other God of Wars?
The God of War series has undergone significant changes since its first introduction in 2005. The games are now more focused on narrative, character development, and less on the hack-and-slash combat that defined the initial trilogy. With the latest releases, God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022), fans may be wondering if they need to play the older games in the series to fully understand and enjoy the newer titles.
Short Answer: No, You Don’t Have to Play the Other God of Wars.
But Why Not?
While the series’ history and lore can enhance the overall experience, playing only the newer games will still yield an engaging and emotional storyline. The developers, SIE Santa Monica Studio, took significant steps to make each installment accessible to new players:
- Story Recap: A detailed recap of the events preceding God of War (2018) is presented at the beginning of the game.
- Character Overhauls: The main protagonist, Kratos, and his companions undergo significant changes, making their journeys more relatable and contemporary.
- Self-Contained: God of War Ragnarök (2022) includes references and nods to the older games, but it is not a necessary prerequisite to understand the plot or mechanics.
What Can Be Lost by Not Playing the Previous Games?
While the essential storyline and characters’ personalities can be grasped by jumping into the newer games, fans familiar with the series’ lore and characters may miss:
Some Key Points That Players of the Previous Games Can Appreciate:
- Familiarity with Norse Lore: Knowing the mythological backdrop and characters from the Greek mythology games can add an extra layer of depth to the Norse stories.
- Continued Development of Characters: Characters from the older games, such as Hermes and Poseidon, do appear in the newer titles. Knowing their backstories and interactions adds nuance to the overall story.
- Cameos and References: God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) contain nods to the original God of War games and Kratos’ Greek life. Recognizing these easter eggs can enhance the player’s emotional connection to the game.
- Contextual Clues: Familiarity with the older games can aid players in interpreting subtle hints and symbols within the newer games.
- Emotional Connections: Seeing the growth and maturity of characters, like Kratos, from their younger incarnations to the older versions can provide an emotional payoff for dedicated fans.
Table: Which Games to Play
| Game Title | Release Year | Plot Line | Connectivity to Other Games | Necessary to Play the Rest? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | 2005 | Greek mythology, Kratos’ Greek life | Relevant to God of War Ragnarök (2022) | Yes, for deeper connections and character development. |
| God of War II (2007) | 2007 | Sequel to God of War (2005) | Relevant to God of War: Ascension (2013) | Yes, for continuation of Kratos’ story |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2008) | 2008 | Sequel to God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) | Relevant to God of War III (2010) | No, a side game, but can be skipped for newcomers. |
| God of War: Ascension (2013) | 2013 | Prequel to the series | Relevant to God of War III (2010) | No, a prequel, can be skipped for newcomers. |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | Norse mythology, New direction for the series | Connects to God of War Ragnarök (2022) | No, stand-alone game, new characters, and story. |
| God of War Ragnarök (2022) | 2022 | Continues the story from God of War (2018) | Referred to the older games and their characters | No, but appreciated by fans familiar with the series |
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
FAQ1: Do I need to play all the previous God of War games to appreciate the new ones?
Answer: No, but playing the new games only may lead to missed easter eggs and character developments for those familiar with the series’ lore.
FAQ2: Is the newest God of War game connected to the old ones?
Answer: The game is connected to the original games, with nods and references throughout.
FAQ3: Can I jump right into the new God of War without playing the previous games?
Answer: Yes, the new games are designed to be played as standalone experiences.
FAQ4: How much of the original trilogy is necessary to understand the newer games?
Answer: Only God of War (2005) is crucial for understanding the series’ start, but the rest of the original games offer added depth and character connections.
FAQ5: Are the previous God of War games still worth playing for the narrative?
Answer: For series enthusiasts, playing the older games provides richer insights into the characters, plot developments, and mythological backdrop, while for newcomers, the newer games remain standalone.
FAQ6: Can I start playing with God of War Ragnarök without any prior knowledge of the series?
Answer: Yes, God of War Ragnarök (2022) is designed as an introduction to the series, making it easy to jump in with little prior knowledge.
FAQ7: Do I have to play the games in the specific release order?
Answer: No, you can start with God of War (2018) or God of War Ragnarök (2022) for an engaging experience.
FAQ8: Is there a recommended playing order for those familiar with the series?
Answer: Yes, play the games in chronological order (God of War (2005) > God of War II (2007) > God of War III (2010) > God of War Ragnarök (2022)) to get the most out of the narrative, characters, and connections.
By embracing the series’ evolution, you can engage with the God of War series on your own terms, even skipping some of the older games without drastically impacting your experience.