Can You Play God of War 3 Remastered Without Playing the First Two?
The short answer is: yes, you can play God of War 3 Remastered without playing the first two games, God of War (2005) and God of War II (2007). However, while technically possible, and you won’t be completely lost, it’s highly recommended that you experience the preceding titles before diving into the epic conclusion of the original trilogy. Here’s why:
Why Playing the First Two Games Is Highly Recommended
While God of War 3 Remastered is a phenomenal action game in its own right, jumping straight into it means missing a crucial amount of context, narrative depth, and character development. Think of it like starting a film series with the final installment – while you might enjoy the spectacle, you’ll lack a full understanding of the characters’ motivations, relationships, and the overarching plot.
Understanding Kratos’s Journey
The original God of War trilogy follows the brutal and tragic journey of Kratos, a Spartan warrior consumed by rage and vengeance. His transformation from a loyal soldier to the God of War is a complex and compelling story that unfolds gradually throughout the first two games. Starting with God of War 3 skips over key events like:
- Kratos’s servitude to Ares and the tragic events that led to his burning rage.
- His quest for vengeance against the gods.
- The crucial events of God of War 2 that set up the entire premise of God of War 3; including Kratos’s betrayal and his alliance with the Titans.
Without this background, many of Kratos’s actions and motivations in God of War 3 may seem arbitrary or lacking emotional impact. The game’s impact is significantly enhanced by witnessing his journey from the beginning.
Missing Key Abilities and Story References
Several key abilities and items that Kratos utilizes in God of War 3 are earned in God of War 2. Playing the previous games provides context on how Kratos obtained these skills and further solidifies how Kratos grew stronger. Furthermore, God of War 3 picks up directly from where God of War 2 ends. Skipping this game would mean not understanding the immediate setup of God of War 3. Moreover, the game is full of references and callbacks to earlier events, which will be lost on a player who hasn’t experienced them firsthand. These references add layers to the narrative and enrich the overall experience.
A Superior Experience
While you can technically play God of War 3 first, the experience will be far superior and more fulfilling if you play the first two games in order beforehand. You’ll understand the story, appreciate the character development, and grasp the significance of the game’s epic moments.
Should You Play God of War 1 or 2 First?
If you’re wondering where to start, the best approach is to begin with God of War (2005) and follow it with God of War II (2007). Although God of War 2 is often considered superior in terms of gameplay and scale, experiencing the original allows players to fully grasp the roots of Kratos’s journey and appreciate how the series evolved, and also understand the story better overall. Many people who played God of War 2 and then went back to God of War 1 felt a decline in quality, which can be off-putting, and this demonstrates how much better God of War 2 was over its predecessor.
The Chronological Order
For those keen on experiencing the entire franchise, here is the chronological order based on release date:
- God of War (2005)
- God of War II (2007)
- God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
- God of War III (2010)
- God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
- God of War (2018)
- God of War Ragnarok (2022)
While the chronological order helps fully grasp the overarching narrative, the core trilogy (God of War, God of War II, and God of War III) is paramount for understanding Kratos’ journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of God of War:
1. Do I need to play the first three God of War games before the 2018 reboot?
No, it is not necessary. The 2018 God of War is a soft reboot and provides a fresh start, with a new storyline and setting. However, playing the originals will enrich your understanding of Kratos’ past and the references made.
2. Is the story from the original trilogy connected to the 2018 God of War and Ragnarok?
Yes, the 2018 game and its sequel, Ragnarok, are continuations of Kratos’s story, even though the setting and mythology have changed. The past games are referenced quite often.
3. Can I play God of War 2018 before God of War Ragnarok?
While it’s possible, it’s highly recommended to play the 2018 game before Ragnarok. Ragnarok directly continues the narrative set up in the 2018 title.
4. Is God of War 3 Remastered worth playing?
Absolutely. The remaster offers improved graphics and a smooth 60fps experience. It’s considered a must-play for fans of the series. Even today it still holds up incredibly well.
5. Does God of War 3 Remastered include all the DLC?
Yes, the remaster includes all previously released DLC content, including costumes.
6. Can I play God of War 3 on PlayStation 5?
Yes, God of War III Remastered is playable on PS5 through backward compatibility, but some PS4 features may not be present.
7. How long does it take to complete God of War 3?
The game typically takes between 10 to 20 hours to complete, depending on difficulty and play style.
8. What is the difference between God of War 3 and God of War 3 Remastered?
The remastered version features higher resolution, improved textures, and a smoother framerate at 60fps on the PS4, with improved visuals and performance.
9. Is God of War 3 better than God of War 2?
While this is a matter of opinion, many consider God of War 3 to be superior in terms of scale, graphics, and overall epicness. It continues the story to its conclusion.
10. Is God of War 2 better than God of War 1?
Yes, God of War 2 is generally considered better in terms of gameplay, graphics, and scale. However, God of War 1 is a classic and provides important story context, as stated before.
11. Can I skip the PSP God of War games (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta)?
While not necessary, the PSP games do add to Kratos’s story, and are worthwhile for any fan of the series, especially for lore enthusiasts.
12. Is it okay to skip the first God of War?
It’s possible to skip the first God of War, however you will have a far more in-depth understanding of Kratos’s journey, and a more enjoyable experience by playing it first.
13. What are the key differences between the original trilogy and the 2018 reboot?
The main differences lie in the camera perspective, combat system, setting, and storytelling focus. The original trilogy has a fixed camera and more hack-and-slash combat, whereas the reboot features an over-the-shoulder perspective with a more narrative and character focused story.
14. How old is Kratos in God of War 3?
By the end of God of War 3, Kratos is believed to be around 50 years old, with a much longer life expectancy than a normal human.
15. Is it best to play all of the God of War games in release order?
Yes, playing the games in release order allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of the gameplay, story, and characters. It’s the recommended way to experience the franchise.
Conclusion
While it’s possible to play God of War 3 Remastered without playing the first two games, doing so will diminish the impact of the story and gameplay. Playing the original God of War and God of War II first allows for a far more enjoyable and complete experience. If you have any interest in the franchise, playing the games in release order will give you a deeper appreciation for the whole story, and understanding of Kratos’ tragic journey. Therefore, it is absolutely recommended that you start with the first two games before jumping into God of War 3 Remastered.