Delving into the Timeline: How Much Time Passes Between God of War 3 and God of War (2018)?

The narrative gap between God of War III and God of War (2018) is substantial, spanning approximately 999 years. This significant time jump follows the apocalyptic ending of God of War III, where Kratos seemingly destroyed the Greek world, and sets the stage for his new life in the Norse realm. The destruction of Sparta, which occurred due to a major earthquake in 464 BC, provides a historical anchor point mentioned by a Redditor, suggesting the timeframe between the ending of GOW3 and the start of GOW4. This near-millennium gap allows for the complete collapse of the Greek pantheon and civilization, Kratos’ subsequent journey north, and the establishment of a new life and family, ultimately leading into the events of God of War (2018).

Understanding the God of War Timeline

The God of War series boasts a complex timeline, spanning numerous games and untold years. To truly appreciate the gap between God of War III and the 2018 installment, it’s crucial to understand the chronological order of the games and the approximate lifespan of Kratos himself.

The Chronological Order of the God of War Games

Here’s the chronological order of the core God of War games:

1. God of War: Ascension
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus
3. God of War (2005)
4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta
5. God of War II
6. God of War III
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök

Kratos’ Estimated Age

Kratos’ age is a matter of much speculation, but based on various lore details and timelines, it’s estimated that he’s over 1000 years old by the time of God of War (2018). This estimation considers his years as a Spartan general, his service to Ares, his time as the God of War, and the long period of self-imposed exile leading up to the Norse saga. By the end of God of War III, Kratos is already around 50. So, adding the 999 years to his age during the end of God of War III, he would be around 1,050 years old.

God of War III and God of War (2018): A Tale of Two Worlds

The transition from the Greek to the Norse setting is more than just a change of scenery; it represents a fundamental shift in Kratos’ character and motivations.

The Aftermath of God of War III

God of War III concludes with Kratos seemingly destroying the Greek world in his quest for vengeance against the gods of Olympus. He releases Hope upon the world and stabs himself with the Blade of Olympus, leaving his fate ambiguous. This act signifies the end of an era and leaves a void that Kratos would later attempt to fill.

Kratos’ Journey to Midgard

The exact details of Kratos’ journey from Greece to Midgard are largely unknown. It’s implied that he spent centuries wandering, trying to escape his past and find a new purpose. This period of isolation and reflection allowed him to grapple with the consequences of his actions and slowly begin to heal.

A New Beginning: Family and Redemption

In Midgard, Kratos finds love and starts a family with Faye, a giantess. The birth of their son, Atreus, marks a turning point in Kratos’ life. He strives to be a better father than his own and to protect Atreus from the horrors of the past. This new relationship and the desire for redemption are central themes in God of War (2018).

The Length of the Games Themselves

While the chronological gap between the games is significant, the length of the games themselves varies.

God of War III’s Playtime

God of War III is generally considered a shorter game compared to its successors, with an average playtime of around 10 hours. Some estimates suggest it could take up to 20 hours, depending on difficulty and completionist tendencies.

God of War (2018)’s Playtime

God of War (2018) offers a much longer and more expansive experience. The main story typically takes around 20.5 hours to complete, with additional side quests and exploration extending the playtime considerably.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into God of War’s Timeline and Lore

1. Are all the God of War games connected? Yes, all the core God of War games are connected and contribute to the overarching narrative of Kratos’ journey. They tell a continuous, chronological story of his life.

2. Which God of War game is the longest? God of War Ragnarök is currently the longest God of War game, with an average playtime of around 25.5 hours for the main story.

3. Which God of War game is the shortest? God of War: Ascension is the shortest main entry in the series, with an average playtime of about 8.5 hours.

4. How tall is Kratos? In God of War’s Greek era, Kratos is about 7’6″. But in God of War Ragnarök, Kratos is exactly six feet and four inches tall (or about 1.93 meters).

5. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök? It is most likely that Kratos is approximately 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök.

6. Does Kratos die in God of War Ragnarök? No, Kratos does not die in God of War Ragnarök.

7. Why is Kratos’ skin white? Kratos’ skin is white due to a curse placed upon him by a village oracle. After Kratos unknowingly killed his family, their ashes clung to his skin, turning it pale white and earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta.”

8. What is the best order to play the God of War games? While release order is perfectly fine, playing in chronological order helps fully understand the story. This would be: Ascension, Chains of Olympus, God of War (2005), Ghost of Sparta, God of War II, God of War III, God of War (2018), God of War Ragnarök.

9. How did Kratos survive the events of God of War III? The ending of God of War III is left ambiguous, Kratos stabs himself with the Blade of Olympus and bleeds out, leaving his fate unknown. It is later revealed that he survived, and fled to Midgard.

10. Is the Norse saga the end of Kratos’ story? While God of War Ragnarök concluded the Norse saga, the ending leaves Kratos’ future open to interpretation. It’s entirely possible that he will return in future games set in new mythological settings.

11. How powerful is Kratos? Kratos’ power level is a subject of much debate, but he’s undeniably one of the most formidable characters in gaming. He has defeated gods, titans, and monsters, and possesses immense strength, durability, and combat skills. He can lift around 30-24 quintillion tons, that’s around 1/3 the mass of the moon.

12. What makes God of War (2018) so different from the previous games? God of War (2018) features a more intimate and character-driven narrative, a new Norse setting, a revamped combat system, and a focus on the relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus.

13. What happened to the Greek world after God of War III? God of War III ends with the destruction of the Greek world and the death of the Olympian gods. The exact state of the world after Kratos releases Hope is left ambiguous, but it’s implied that civilization collapsed.

14. What are some things to do after beating God of War III? One can play on the Give Me God Of War Difficulty, face the Valkyrie Queen, deal with all three Dragons, explore Midgard and accomplish everything in store, complete side quests, and journey through the Poisonous Realm Of Niflheim.

15. How does gaming benefit students? Gaming can offer a wealth of educational benefits, helping students develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Research has proven that playing video games can improve cognitive functions, promote learning through trial and error, and foster collaboration. Organizations like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games and promoting their use in classrooms.

The God of War series is a testament to storytelling in video games, demonstrating how characters can evolve and how worlds can change across vast stretches of time. The almost 1,000-year gap between God of War III and God of War (2018) is not merely a plot device; it’s a critical element that shapes Kratos’ journey and allows for the profound narrative shift that defines the Norse saga.