Do You Need to Play God of War 1, 2, and 3 Before 4? A Veteran Spartan Answers

The burning question on every aspiring Spartan’s mind: Do you need to play the original God of War trilogy before diving into 2018’s God of War (often referred to as God of War 4) and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök? The short answer is no, you don’t need to. You can absolutely enjoy and understand the core narrative of God of War (2018) without intimate knowledge of Kratos’s bloody past. However, and this is a big however, you’ll miss out on a substantial layer of emotional depth, character nuance, and world-building. The game deliberately caters to both newcomers and veterans, but the experience is undeniably richer for those who know the story of Kratos’s rise and fall as the Ghost of Sparta.

God of War (2018) is a soft reboot, shifting the setting from ancient Greece to Norse mythology and fundamentally changing Kratos’s character. He’s older, more reserved, and struggling to be a better father to his son, Atreus. While the game expertly introduces Kratos’s new life and challenges, it subtly weaves in references, flashbacks, and thematic echoes of his Greek past. These moments land with far greater impact if you understand the context. You’ll appreciate the weight of his burden, the reason for his emotional detachment, and the significance of his attempts to shield Atreus from the truth about his origins.

Furthermore, the game cleverly hints at the long-term consequences of Kratos’s actions in Greece. Certain character arcs and plot developments in Ragnarök will resonate much stronger if you’re familiar with the characters he wronged and the gods he slaughtered. Think of it like watching a sequel to a beloved movie without seeing the original – you’ll get the gist, but you’ll miss the subtle callbacks, inside jokes, and the emotional resonance built upon years of character development.

Ultimately, while not a prerequisite, playing the original trilogy (or at least watching a comprehensive story summary) is highly recommended for the most complete and satisfying God of War experience. It transforms God of War (2018) from a great game into a truly exceptional one.

Unveiling the Depth: Why Knowing the Original Trilogy Matters

The God of War franchise is more than just button-mashing combat and mythological monsters; it’s a saga of vengeance, regret, and redemption. Each game builds upon the last, crafting a complex tapestry of character motivations and thematic explorations.

Understanding Kratos’s Transformation

The Kratos of the original trilogy is a rage-fueled killing machine, driven by a thirst for revenge against the gods who betrayed him. He’s a tragic figure, manipulated and haunted by the memories of his past. God of War (2018) shows us a Kratos who is actively trying to suppress that rage, to learn from his mistakes, and to protect his son from following the same destructive path. Without knowing the extent of his past atrocities, it’s difficult to fully grasp the magnitude of his transformation and the challenges he faces.

Appreciating the Subtext and Symbolism

God of War (2018) is filled with subtle nods and symbolic references to the original trilogy. From the way Kratos handles his Blades of Chaos to the echoes of his past echoing in his nightmares, these moments are designed to reward long-time fans. Understanding the context behind these references enhances the game’s narrative depth and adds another layer of appreciation for the character’s journey.

The Power of Foreshadowing in Ragnarök

God of War Ragnarök picks up where God of War (2018) left off, continuing Kratos and Atreus’s journey through the Norse realms. But the ripples of Kratos’s past actions in Greece are felt even here, subtly influencing events and character interactions. Knowing the history makes the foreshadowing more potent and the reveals even more impactful. Certain characters and their motivations, particularly those connected to revenge, become far clearer with the knowledge of the Greek saga.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the God of War Saga

Here are some of the most common questions regarding the God of War series and the order in which to experience them:

1. What order should I play the God of War games in? Chronologically, the order is: God of War: Ascension, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War II, God of War III, God of War (2018), and God of War Ragnarök. However, for the best narrative experience, consider playing them in release order (skipping Ascension until later if desired).

2. Are the PSP God of War games important? While not essential, God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta provide valuable backstory on Kratos’s motivations and relationships, particularly with his brother Deimos. They enrich the overall narrative and add depth to Kratos’s character.

3. Is God of War: Ascension worth playing? Ascension is a prequel that explores Kratos’s early days as a Spartan warrior and his rebellion against Ares. It offers a different gameplay style with a greater focus on multiplayer, and while it’s not crucial to the main story, it provides additional context for Kratos’s character.

4. Can I just watch a summary of the original trilogy instead of playing the games? Yes, watching a comprehensive story summary is a viable option if you don’t have the time or inclination to play the original games. Several excellent summaries are available on YouTube that cover the key plot points, character arcs, and thematic elements.

5. Does God of War (2018) explain Kratos’s backstory? The game provides some exposition about Kratos’s past through flashbacks and dialogue, but it doesn’t delve into the details as thoroughly as the original trilogy. It focuses more on his present struggles and his relationship with Atreus.

6. Will I be confused if I start with God of War (2018)? You won’t be completely lost, as the game does a decent job of establishing Kratos’s new life and the Norse setting. However, you’ll likely have questions about his past and the significance of certain references.

7. Is God of War Ragnarök a direct sequel to God of War (2018)? Yes, Ragnarök is a direct sequel, continuing the story of Kratos and Atreus as they navigate the events leading up to Ragnarök, the end of the world in Norse mythology.

8. Does God of War Ragnarök require knowledge of the Greek games more than God of War (2018)? To some extent, yes. While both benefit from that knowledge, Ragnarök builds upon the themes introduced in God of War (2018) and explores the consequences of Kratos’s past actions with more depth, making the prior knowledge even more rewarding.

9. Are there any God of War games I can skip without missing much? Arguably, God of War: Ascension is the most skippable entry, as it’s a prequel that doesn’t significantly impact the main storyline. However, even Ascension provides valuable insights into Kratos’s character.

10. Where can I find summaries of the God of War games? YouTube is a great resource for finding comprehensive story summaries of the God of War games. Search for “God of War story recap” or “God of War lore explained” to find videos that cover the key plot points and character arcs.

11. Are the God of War games available on modern consoles? God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök are available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The original trilogy has been remastered for PlayStation 3 and is available on PlayStation Now (subscription service).

12. Is the combat in God of War (2018) similar to the original games? The combat in God of War (2018) is significantly different from the original games. It features a more over-the-shoulder perspective, a heavier emphasis on tactical combat, and a deeper RPG system.

13. Will knowing the Greek mythology help me understand the God of War games? A basic understanding of Greek mythology can enhance your appreciation of the original trilogy, as the games draw heavily from those myths and legends.

14. Does Atreus know about Kratos’s past in the Greek games in God of War (2018) or Ragnarök? This is a key plot point. In God of War (2018), Atreus is largely unaware of Kratos’s past. The revelation of Kratos’s true identity and his past actions is a major turning point in the story and a crucial element of Atreus’s character development, which is further explored in Ragnarök.

15. Are there any educational resources related to video games? Yes! Organizations like the Games Learning Society are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of video games. They offer resources, research, and community support for educators and game developers interested in using games for learning. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, while you can jump into God of War (2018) and Ragnarök without prior knowledge, experiencing the original trilogy first significantly enhances the emotional depth, narrative richness, and overall impact of the modern games. Whether you choose to play them or watch a summary, familiarizing yourself with Kratos’s past is a worthwhile investment for any aspiring God of War enthusiast.