Can You Wield the Axe Without Knowing the Blades? Exploring God of War’s Play Order
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The God of War franchise is a titan of the gaming world, a saga spanning multiple consoles and boasting a rich, often brutal, tapestry of lore. But with so many installments, a common question arises: Is it OK to play God of War without playing the others?
The short answer is a resounding yes. You can absolutely jump into the Norse sagas (God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök) without having played the original Greek games. The developers at Santa Monica Studio have crafted these newer entries to be accessible to newcomers, focusing on a new chapter in Kratos’s life and presenting a self-contained narrative. However, while entry is permissible, know that you will miss out on the rich lore, character development, and world building laid out in the previous games.
Think of it like watching a sequel to a movie years after the original. You’ll understand the basic plot, appreciate the action, and enjoy the characters. But you won’t grasp the nuances of their relationships, the weight of their past decisions, or the subtle references that resonate with longtime fans. In short, if you want a deeper experience that is colored by the history that preceded Kratos’ arrival to Midgard, you will want to check out the earlier games.
To fully appreciate the evolution of Kratos, the reasons behind his stoicism, and the true significance of certain moments in the new games, diving into the Greek saga is highly recommended. But if you’re eager to experience the acclaimed gameplay and compelling story of God of War (2018) or Ragnarök, don’t let the lack of prior knowledge hold you back.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about God of War and Play Order
H2 Do I need to play previous God of War games before God of War (2018) or Ragnarök?
No, it’s not strictly necessary. Both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök are designed to be accessible to new players. The story is largely self-contained, and the game provides enough context for you to understand the main plot and Kratos’s current situation.
H2 Will I miss out on anything if I skip the previous games?
Yes, you’ll miss out on the rich backstory of Kratos, the reasons behind his anger and regret, and the significance of certain callbacks and Easter eggs. You won’t have the same emotional connection to the character or the same understanding of his motivations. In short, you will be missing out on a deeper understanding of the character if you choose not to play the earlier games.
H2 What’s the chronological order of the God of War games?
The chronological order of the main God of War games by release date is:
- 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 Ragnarök (2022)
Note that the in-universe chronological order is slightly different, with Ascension being the earliest in Kratos’s timeline.
H2 Is God of War: Ascension a good starting point?
While Ascension is chronologically the first game in Kratos’s story, it’s generally not recommended as a starting point. It’s arguably one of the weaker entries in the series, and its story isn’t crucial for understanding the later games. You will be better served playing through these in the order they were released.
H2 If I only have time to play a few of the older games, which ones should I choose?
If you’re short on time but want a good understanding of Kratos’s origins, play God of War (2005), God of War II (2007) and God of War III (2010). This trilogy provides the core of Kratos’s backstory and explains his transformation into the Ghost of Sparta. This is an excellent way to get up to speed on the character and his past.
H2 Are the PSP God of War games (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) important?
While not essential, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta add depth to Kratos’s character and explore specific events in his past. They’re well-regarded games and worth playing if you have the opportunity.
H2 Does playing the older games affect the gameplay experience in God of War (2018) and Ragnarök?
Not directly, but understanding Kratos’s past can enhance your appreciation for his actions and decisions in the new games. You’ll recognize certain combat moves, understand the origins of his rage, and feel the weight of his past mistakes.
H2 Can I watch a story summary of the previous games instead of playing them?
Yes, watching a story summary is a viable option if you don’t have the time or access to play the older games. There are numerous excellent summaries available on YouTube that can provide you with the necessary background information.
H2 Is God of War Betrayal considered canon?
God of War: Betrayal, a mobile game released between God of War and God of War II, is considered canon within the God of War universe. While it is canon, you can certainly skip it if you’re focused on the main storyline and narrative without worrying too much.
H2 What if I start with God of War (2018) and then want to go back and play the older games?
That’s perfectly fine! Many players have started with God of War (2018) and then gone back to explore the earlier games. Knowing Kratos’s future can even add a new layer of intrigue to his past. If you find yourself wanting a deeper understanding of the character, go back and play the older games.
H2 Are the God of War games connected?
Yes, all the God of War games are connected and form a cohesive narrative. While the Norse games represent a new chapter, they are still directly tied to Kratos’s past in Greece.
H2 How long does it take to beat the God of War games?
The length of the God of War games varies:
- God of War (2005): ~9 hours (main story), ~13 hours (100% completion)
- God of War II: ~12 hours (main story), ~18 hours (100% completion)
- God of War III: ~10 hours (main story), ~15 hours (100% completion)
- God of War (2018): ~20 hours (main story), ~50 hours (100% completion)
- God of War Ragnarök: ~25-30 hours (main story), ~55-60+ hours (100% completion)
H2 What order should I play the God of War games in for the best experience?
For the best overall experience, it’s recommended to play the games in the order that they were released: God of War (2005), God of War II, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War III, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War: Ascension, God of War (2018), and God of War Ragnarök. This way, you’ll see the story and gameplay evolve over time as intended.
H2 Is Kratos a God?
Yes, Kratos starts as a demigod (son of Zeus) but becomes the God of War after killing Ares. His complicated relationship with divinity is a central theme throughout the series.
H2 Will playing the God of War games help me in other areas of my life?
While the God of War games are primarily entertainment, they can offer valuable lessons in perseverance, dealing with grief, and the importance of confronting your past. The Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ explores how games can be used for educational purposes and skill development.
In conclusion, while you don’t need to play the previous God of War games to enjoy the latest installments, doing so will undoubtedly enhance your experience and provide a deeper understanding of the characters, story, and world. Choose the path that best suits your time and interests, and prepare to be immersed in a truly epic saga.