The God of War Timeline – An Overview
The timeline of the God of War franchise is a complex web of mythologies and events that span multiple generations. It follows the journey of Kratos, a Spartan warrior who becomes a god after slaying Ares and eventually moves on to other pantheons. The story is divided into different chapters, including the original trilogy, prequels, and spin-offs. Each chapter builds upon the previous one and adds new layers to the narrative.
The God of War Timeline showcases Kratos’ journey from a vengeful Spartan soldier to a powerful god who battles fierce enemies from different mythological realms. It starts with the original game, where Kratos receives powers from Ares in exchange for his loyalty and sets on a quest for revenge after Ares betrays him. The prequels serve as an introduction to Kratos’ backstory, highlighting his relationship with his family and how he became entangled in Olympus’ political affairs.
The timeline includes significant events such as Kratos’ confrontation with Zeus and his death in God of War III. It also features new characters such as Atreus, Kratos’ son who accompanies him in the latest installment. The latest games pay homage to Norse mythology instead of Greek mythology.
Many might not know that the development team almost scrapped God Of War’s iconic sliding mechanic due to budgetary constraints but Santa Monica Studio’s creative director at the time managed to convince them otherwise, ensuring one of GOW’s most memorable gameplay sequences stayed in-game and remained a significant feature up until 2018’s reboot that did away with it altogether.
For those who weren’t born when the original God of War trilogy was released, fear not – Kratos’s midlife crisis will still make perfect sense.
The Original Trilogy Timeline
In exploring the timeline of the God of War trilogy, the crucial part is understanding the timeline of the original three series. The timeline significantly contributes to the story’s entirety of the game. Here’s a breakdown of the Original Trilogy Timeline:
| Game | Release Date | Period Covered |
| God of War | Mar 22, 2005 | 431 BCE |
| God of War II | Mar 13, 2007 | Unknown-After 420 BCE |
| God of War III | Mar 16, 2010 | Unknown |
During his journey, Kratos met different characters and gods that helped him, impeded him, or crossed him. Moreover, Kratos developed various abilities, such as jumping, climbing up walls, and using magic. The Original Trilogy Timeline provided players with an in-depth understanding of Kratos and his motivations that spanned across three games.
For those who want to experience the entire story arc from start to finish, playing the games in the order of their release date is the suggested method. Replaying the games more than once is also recommended to get the full experience of the story. By doing so, players can understand the full range of Kratos’ abilities and how he develops across the trilogy.
When Kratos first appeared in 2005, he wasn’t the dad of war, but he was definitely the angriest dude in Greece.
God of War (2005)
Kratos was introduced to the world in the 2005 video game, which ushered in a new era of action-adventure gaming. This epic adventure of revenge follows Kratos as he battles his way through ancient Greece and takes on the gods themselves. The game’s innovative combat system, immersive setting, and compelling story have made it a classic of the medium.
Deeply embedded in Greek mythology, God of War (2005) has Kratos on a quest to slay Ares after serving him for ten years. His family’s murder haunts him throughout his journey. With breathtaking graphics and intense gameplay, players experience the ferocity of Kratos at their own fingertips. The soundtrack complements each battle scene perfectly, captivating gamers while they rip apart mythological beasts.
God of War (2005) marks the beginning of an iconic trilogy that launched several sequels to follow. It paved the way for more recent adaptations of Norse mythology and even explores father-son dynamics with Kratos’ son Atreus. As one of the best-selling video game franchises worldwide, this trilogy remains a fan favourite.
There is nothing quite like experiencing the epicness that is God of War (2005). Dive into this phenomenal piece of media before missing out on what solidified its status within gaming culture forevermore.
Get ready to channel your inner Kratos as we dive into the epic sequel, God of War II.
God of War II (2007)
God of War II, released in 2007, is a rewarding action-adventure game with an engaging storyline that continues from the previous game. The main character, Kratos, embarks on a thrilling journey to overthrow gods and demigods as he seeks revenge against his enemies.
In the table below, we have highlighted some details about the exciting God of War II (2007) for our readers:
| Column – 1 | Column – 2 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 13, 2007 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 2 & PlayStation 3 |
| Developer | SCE Santa Monica Studio |
| Publisher | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
In God of War II (2007), players experience epic boss battles and level design that keeps them engaged throughout their journey. The gameplay mechanics are very intuitive and offer challenging puzzles to solve in between combat sequences which keeps players on their toes.
As you get lost in Kratos’ world and his tragic backstory, do not fail to miss out on this incredible gaming experience. Get your hands on this classic-action adventure and immerse yourself in the thrilling journey of God of War II (2007).
May the Force be with Kratos as he takes on the gods in God of War III (2010).
God of War III (2010)
The 2010 hit game, Kratos’ third adventure, wreaked havoc on PlayStation 3. God of War III presents epic gameplay and an immersive storyline.
Release Year Developer Publisher Platform(s)
| 2010 | Sony Santa Monica Studio | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita (remastered version) |
This finale of the original trilogy follows the story of protagonist Kratos as the vengeance-seeking ghost of Sparta sets his sights on Mount Olympus. The game features larger-than-life boss fights and impressive graphics.
Pro Tip: Remember to upgrade your weapons and abilities to take on tougher enemies more easily.
Get ready for a timeline that’s more twisted than Darth Vader’s family tree.
The Ascension Timeline
Paragraph 1 – The God of War Ascension Timeline
Explore the journey of Kratos in the God of War Ascension universe. Discover the chronological sequence of events in the game with the Ascension Timeline.
Paragraph 2 – From the Beginning to the End
The Ascension Timeline covers Kratos’ journey from the time he is tricked into killing his family to the events that occur in God of War III. The timeline also includes the prequel, Ascension, where Kratos’ backstory is revealed.
Paragraph 3 – Kratos’ Epic Feats
In God of War III, Kratos battles against the Olympian gods in his quest for revenge. He faces massive creatures, including the mighty Titan Gaia and the fiery god, Hades. Kratos also travels back in time to encounter the powerful Sisters of Fate in God of War II.
Paragraph 4 – Don’t Miss Out
Experience the epic journey of Kratos with the Ascension Timeline. Don’t miss out on the chance to follow the beloved Spartan warrior as he conquers impossible odds and defeats powerful enemies. Join the adventure now. Kratos is back and he’s angrier than ever in God of War: Ascension, proving that even in prequels, he’s not one to hold a grudge.
God of War: Ascension (2013)
The 2013 release of the popular game franchise featured the storyline of Kratos, the God of War, ascending towards redemption after betraying his oath to Ares. The prequel dives into various dimensions of the character with players experiencing more emotional depth through flashback sequences and dynamic fighting styles. This version was a crucial addition to the game’s chronological order.
Kratos’s journey in God of War: Ascension (2013) was not only centered around violence but also evolved around his bittersweet past. The story chronicles Kratos’ descent before he became a god alongside his attempt to break out from Ares’ influence. With new weapons and abilities at hand, players could explore this darker side by combating powerful mythological creatures.
What sets this particular game apart is how it expands on Kratos’ backstory while updating gameplay. It remains true to its roots as a hack ‘n slash game while bringing an added nuance that both old-school fans and new enthusiasts will enjoy.
According to IGN.com, “God of War: Ascension (2013) may be relegated as merely another entry in the long-running series, it does manage to tell an interesting story”. If you’re wondering about game mechanics, you may be interested in knowing what Vitality does in God of War.
Looks like the writers hit the reset button on this one, let’s hope they remember to save their progress this time.
The Soft Reboot Timeline
The New Beginning of God of War
God of War has undergone a soft reboot timeline, introducing new gameplay and story elements. The events of the previous games, such as those with gods and Kratos’s past, have undergone significant changes. The storyline follows Kratos, who has moved from the Greek gods to the Nordic gods after the death of his family.
Kratos encounters Norse legends and mythology while embarking on a quest with his son, Atreus, to spread his wife’s ashes. The game offers new gameplay mechanics, such as weapon customization, crafting, and a skill tree system. The change in the game’s presentation, such as a camera angle change from fixed to over-the-shoulder, also adds to the game’s new feel.
\nTo know about Atreus’s age in the upcoming game “God of War Ragnarok,” check out How Old is Atreus in God of War Ragnarok?
The game’s unique elements are immersive and distinguishes it from previous installments of the series. The game’s director, Cory Barlog, said that the game was meant to be a fresh start for new players and a continuation for previous players.
According to an interview with Gamereactor, Kratos’s voice actor, Christopher Judge, called the game a “veiled teaching story.” It also offers insights into Norse mythology and the life of a father and son.
God of War‘s soft reboot timeline offers a new beginning for both Kratos and the franchise itself.
“You thought Kratos couldn’t get daddy issues? Think again with the 2018 reboot of God of War.”
God of War (2018)
The Kratos Saga continues in the 2018 soft reboot to one of Sony’s greatest hit game series. This iteration uses Norse mythology, takes place after the previous games but is a fresh start for new and old fans alike. The hack-and-slash gameplay has been revamped to include a third-person camera view with an over-the-shoulder perspective and introduces a more mature story arc.
The plot centers around Kratos raising his son Atreus while teaching him how to become a God as they journey through dangerous lands on a quest to complete his wife’s final wish. The father-son dynamic adds emotional depth to the story unlike previous entries in the franchise. Kratos, once known as the God Of War who wreaked havoc across Greece, now lives secluded in Midgard, regretful of his past actions.
If you’re wondering what is New Game Plus God of War, it’s a game mode that becomes available after completing the main story. Players can replay the game with all their previous upgrades and gear, facing tougher enemies and new challenges.
God of War innovates within its genre by trading QTEs for RPG mechanics, crafting weapons and gear, leveling up stats, and unlocking new abilities for both characters. The new world design also introduces an ‘open-world’ like exploration with side quests that provide players with more insight into Norse mythology while unlocking upgrades.
The soft reboot was led by director Cory Barlog who took inspiration from epic fantasy titles like Game of Thrones and Dark Souls for this installment. Cory has been open about his vision for this game being more approachable without alienating fans of the previous titles – citing it as “a reimagining of sorts that delivers on what many fans want.“
Overall, God of War (2018) exudes excellence both in its storytelling and gameplay mechanics which help establish it as not only one of the best games in its respective universe but also one of the most impactful releases ever made at large. “Why bother understanding the God of War timeline when you can just enjoy the game and pretend it’s all one big hallucination?”
Conclusion – Understanding the God of War Timeline
Understanding the Chronological Order of God of War
God of War is a gripping video game franchise that has amassed millions of fans worldwide. But with multiple installments, it can be challenging to determine the games’ chronological order. As a player, understanding the sequence is essential in comprehending how the storyline unfolds. If you’re wondering about the ages of the characters, such as Thrud, you can check out this guide on how old Thrud is in God of War.
The games are not presented in chronological order, and some entries/expansions take place before the main events. In God of War’s prequel, Chains of Olympus, Kratos battles mythological creatures to save the ancient world gods from destruction. Similarly, Ghost of Sparta shows his journey before the first installment’s events occurred. Therefore, playing them out-of-order will affect your comprehension of this epic saga.
Furthermore, players must play the remastered version as they include features/cutscenes absent in earlier releases that narrate additional storylines. It is also crucial to pay attention to objects and dialogues as they aid in deciphering each game’s timeline.
Fun Fact: The franchise sold over 32 million copies worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the God of War Timeline?
The God of War Timeline is the chronological order of events that take place in the God of War game series, beginning with Kratos’ first adventure in Ancient Greece and following his journey through the Norse realm in the latest installment.
2. What Games are included in the God of War Timeline?
The God of War Timeline includes the main games in the series: 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), and God of War (2018).
3. Who is the Roman God of War?
The chronological order of the God of War games is: God of War: Ascension, God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War (2005), God of War II, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, God of War III, and God of War (2018).
4. Do I need to play the God of War games in order to understand the timeline? If you’re curious about how old Angrboda is in God of War Ragnarok, it might be helpful to play the previous games in the series to fully understand the timeline.
It is recommended that you play the God of War games in order to fully understand the timeline and the story of Kratos’ journey. However, if you are just interested in the Norse realm storyline, you can start with the 2018 God of War game as it is a soft reboot of the series.
5. Are there any novels or comics that expand on the God of War Timeline?
Yes, there are several novels and comics that expand on the God of War story and the timeline. These include the novelization of the 2018 God of War game by J.M. Barlog, as well as the comic book series God of War: Fallen God and God of War: Ragnarok.
6. Will there be more God of War games in the future?
Yes, it has been confirmed that there will be more God of War games in the future. The latest installment, God of War (2018), was a critical and commercial success, leading to the announcement of a sequel, God of War: Ragnarok, set to release in 2022.