God of War is worth playing if you enjoy substantial single-player adventures with forceful combat and stories that earn your attention. Its strongest appeal is story-led action, although the Greek and Norse games deliver different experiences.
You might want spectacular boss fights, a character-focused journey or an older title that offers good value without demanding weeks of play. Choosing well means understanding those differences, rather than assuming the newest release suits everyone.
Start with the style of adventure you prefer, then check the playing order, platform and edition before spending money; the recommendations below keep major story spoilers out of the picture.
Key Takeaways
- God of War combines mythology, memorable characters and weapon-based combat, but its pace changes across the series.
- The 2018 game is the easiest modern starting point, followed by God of War Ragnarök.
- Earlier Greek adventures offer faster action and large-scale spectacle without the same lengthy exploration.
- Compare equivalent editions, then confirm platform support, UK activation and account requirements.
- Choose sellers with clear refund terms and support, rather than trusting the lowest advertised price.
God of War: what makes the series worth playing?
Santa Monica Studio’s action-adventure game series is published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It pairs brutal encounters and imposing mythological settings with a protagonist who has a complicated past. Players value the weight of its weapons and the scale of its confrontations.
However, its lasting appeal also comes from how much Kratos changes. The series gives you different reasons to follow him across its two principal settings.
From Greek mythology to the Norse saga
The earlier games place Kratos amongst Greek mythology’s gods, monsters and monumental temples. Their stories push forward through revenge, conflict and increasingly extravagant battles.
The Norse saga draws on Norse mythology and introduces a different rhythm. Kratos travels with his son, Atreus, while characters such as Mímir and Freya add context to their journey. Their relationship gives conversations greater importance, and gods and creatures remain central. Bear McCreary’s score adds atmosphere to quieter journeys alongside the fighting.
Neither era follows mythology faithfully. Instead, both adapt familiar figures into their own stories, so you don’t need prior knowledge of ancient myths.
The combat, exploration and storytelling that define the games
Across the series, you fight enemies, solve environmental puzzles and confront bosses. Earlier entries use pulled-back cameras, chained weapons and broad attacks that encourage aggressive crowd control.
The newer games bring the camera close behind Kratos. Consequently, positioning and defensive timing matter more. The Leviathan Axe’s throw-and-recall mechanic feels satisfyingly heavy, whilst companion commands add another tactical layer.
Exploration also grows more substantial. Optional areas reward curiosity with equipment and additional encounters, although these remain structured adventures rather than unrestricted open-world games.
AI-created illustration of a Norse-inspired journey, not an in-game screenshot.
Which God of War games should you play, and in what order?
You don’t need every release to appreciate the series. Release order preserves the original progression, whilst a modern starting route saves time and avoids hunting down older hardware.
For most newcomers, the practical recommendation is the 2018 game, followed by its sequel. The Greek games are worthwhile if you want Kratos’s earlier story or prefer faster action.
A quick guide to the main Greek-era games
The original trilogy consists of God of War (2005), God of War II (2007) and God of War III (2010). Play them in that order to follow the main Greek storyline.
Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta expand Kratos’s background. Ascension is another prequel, but it arrived after the trilogy. So, story chronology and release order aren’t identical.
These additional games are worth trying if the original trilogy appeals to you; they aren’t compulsory preparation for the Norse adventures. For spectacle, God of War III remains a standout, with its Remastered version offering a more accessible console option.
However, beginning with III means entering an ongoing story. Start with the first game if narrative continuity matters most.
Why God of War (2018) is a strong starting point
Despite sharing its title with the 2005 original, the 2018 release begins a new chapter. It provides enough context for newcomers, although returning players will recognise more of Kratos’s history.
Directed by Cory Barlog, its story introduces the changed tone through the relationship between Kratos and Atreus. The game also received Game of the Year honours from several outlets.
Equipment upgrades, deliberate defensive moves and the close camera establish the modern combat system. God of War Ragnarök continues the story, so save it until afterwards.
These two games are the priority purchases for modern players, but buying both immediately isn’t necessary.
How the games compare on story, combat and value
The strongest God of War purchase depends on your preferences. Longer games provide more activities, but extra hours don’t automatically mean better value.
What stands out in the modern Norse games
The modern entries excel at character relationships. Christopher Judge’s restrained performance as Kratos gives ordinary conversations weight, especially in scenes with Atreus. Detailed environments make journeys rewarding between battles.
Their continuous-camera presentation keeps exploration, dialogue and combat closely connected. Weapon skills, runic attacks and equipment choices invite experimentation. The Blades of Chaos add a distinctive edge to combat.
However, the close viewpoint can make enemies behind you harder to track. Optional bosses demand precise timing, and lengthy conversations can frustrate players seeking uninterrupted action.
- The main strengths are convincing performances, weighty combat and rewarding optional encounters.
- The drawbacks include slower stretches, equipment management and demanding fights that can interrupt progress.
God of War Ragnarök offers broader combat options and more varied encounters. Nevertheless, the 2018 game’s tighter focus makes it a sensible first purchase, not a lesser substitute.
What to expect from the older action games
The Greek titles favour direct momentum. Their chained attacks cover wide areas, and large-scale set pieces deliver spectacle with less attention to equipment statistics.
However, fixed viewpoints, quick-time events and older presentation can feel dated. Their harsher tone also differs from the Norse games’ greater interest in relationships.
God of War III is worth trying if you want concentrated spectacle. For alternatives, Devil May Cry 5 prioritises stylish combat, whilst Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice offers a shorter, more intimate myth-inspired journey. Neither replaces the series’ particular mix, but both suit different priorities.
AI-created illustration inspired by Greek mythology, not an in-game screenshot.
Choosing a platform, edition and safe place to buy
Shopping online makes it easier to compare editions, find older releases and check competing prices. However, the comparison only works when the products match.
God of War (2018) has PlayStation 4 and PC versions; compatible copies also work on PlayStation 5. Ragnarök has PS4, PS5 and PC releases. God of War III Remastered is a PS4 release, also playable through PS5 backwards compatibility.
Older entries have different access routes, so confirm current support before purchasing.
Check platform compatibility and edition contents
A console purchase doesn’t unlock a PC copy. Likewise, a standard edition doesn’t automatically include deluxe bonuses.
Check the exact title, platform, edition, included content and UK compatibility. For digital codes, confirm the activation service, account requirements and any sharing or device restrictions.
PC players should compare the game’s requirements with their processor, graphics card, memory and available storage. Meanwhile, disc buyers need a console with a compatible disc drive.
Deluxe extras can include digital artwork or cosmetic items. Pay more only if the listed extras interest you; a longer edition name doesn’t promise more playable content.
AI-created illustration of a gaming purchase setup.
Compare prices without taking unnecessary risks
Choose legitimate sellers with clear product descriptions, visible refund terms and accessible support. Secure payment options such as PayPal can add protection, subject to their rules.
A cheap code offers no saving if its platform, activation rules or UK compatibility don’t match your account.
An unusually low price warrants scrutiny when the code’s origin or restrictions are unclear. Reviews are more useful when they describe resolved disputes than when they merely praise fast delivery.
Finally, check the total in pounds, including fees or postage. Confirm delivery timing, download instructions and refund conditions before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to finish a God of War game?
The Greek adventures generally have shorter main campaigns than the Norse games. As a broad guide, allow roughly 20 to 35 hours for a modern game’s main story, depending on the title and your pace. Optional bosses, quests and collectibles can extend that considerably, especially if you retry difficult encounters.
Can you play God of War with friends?
The main adventures focus on solo play, and Atreus isn’t a human-controlled co-op partner. God of War: Ascension is the exception, as it included competitive multiplayer. Before buying an older game for online play, check whether its multiplayer services are still available.
What age rating should UK parents check?
God of War (2018) and Ragnarök carry PEGI 18 ratings. However, check the rating and content information for the specific release rather than treating the whole series as identical. Graphic violence, strong language and mature themes warrant attention when choosing a game for a younger player.
Do the God of War games have extra content after the main story?
Extra activities vary by title. The modern games offer optional encounters and New Game Plus, whilst God of War Ragnarök also has the free Valhalla expansion, built around repeatable combat runs and further story material. Play Valhalla after Ragnarök’s main story, and check each older game’s features before expecting comparable extras.
Final verdict: buy for the adventure you want
Buy it if you enjoy story-led action, rich mythology and combat that rewards practice. God of War (2018) is the easiest modern starting point, with Ragnarök the natural follow-up once you’ve finished it.
Skip it if you want quick, lightweight sessions without lengthy conversations or demanding encounters. The Greek games offer faster momentum, but their older design brings different compromises.
Before paying, confirm the platform, UK compatibility and edition contents. The best-value purchase is the game you’ll enjoy playing on the hardware you own, with a licence that works as advertised.