Finest God Of Conflict Video games Ranked

God of Conflict is without doubt one of the most enduring franchises in gaming. Santa Monica Studio’s epic saga of an indignant Spartan hacking and slashing his method by the good Greek myths stretches again to 2005. The franchise has given gamers no scarcity of hack-and-slash thrills over time, and most of them are exceptionally excessive in high quality. Every entry maintains a palpable ardour, presumably resulting from not popping out yearly like another long-running collection.

Sadly, no property is ideal. God of War has gone by a number of modifications to remain recent, however these added gimmicks and narrative angles do not all the time repay. This inevitably makes some entries extra interesting than others. On the finish of the day, everybody has their favourite, however let’s undergo the franchise and choose the finest God of Conflict video games.

Up to date on October 30, 2025, by Mark Sammut: A brand new God of Conflict might be nonetheless a great distance off, though it ought to occur in the end. To go the time, you possibly can clearly replay the primary entries, as they’ve almost all aged gracefully; conversely, you possibly can attempt to discover a few of Kratos’s uncommon visitor appearances in different video games. We added a piece on the finish to assist with that!

Each God Of Conflict Sport

Sony and Santa Monica have produced fairly just a few God of Conflict video games during the last twenty years, most of that are usually extremely regarded. To make this data as accessible as attainable, the next desk accommodates each God of Conflict sport, not counting remasters and collections.

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10

God of Conflict: A Name From The Wilds

A Fascinating Prologue To 2018’s God Of Conflict

Earlier than God of Conflict‘s huge 2018 return, Sony launched God of Conflict: A Name from the Wilds on Fb, offering followers with some perception into Atreus’ backstory and relationships with each of his dad and mom. Whereas primarily consisting of textual content and a handful of photos, A Name from the Wilds showcases the reboot/revival’s robust writing and shift towards introspection.

Sadly, these days, the unique Fb sport doesn’t appear to be accessible. Luckily, Sony uploaded the story onto YouTube, so it’s not fully misplaced to time both.

9

God Of Conflict: Betrayal

Respectable Cellular Sport

Out of all of the God of Conflict video games, Betrayal is the one which even die-hard followers might need forgotten about. Launched to cellular units shortly after God of Conflict 2‘s debut, Betrayal takes place between the primary and second entries, and it does a good job of increasing upon Kratos’ story.

A 2D side-scroller, Betrayal impressively adapts God of Conflict‘s type of gameplay for a mobile setting. Whereas naturally simplified, Betrayal has all of the violent motion and puzzles any fan may need. This spin-off is actually removed from the finest God of Conflict sport, nevertheless it was fairly respectable when in comparison with different Java ME initiatives launched within the mid-2000s. That stated, gamers who skipped this launch weren’t lacking a lot.

For a cellular sport launched in 2007, Betrayal was more likely to meet expectations when it debuted, even when it has not aged significantly nicely. Nonetheless, the fight was surprisingly vicious and gory, and there was some depth to the combo system.

8

God Of Conflict: Ascension

A Largely Underwhelming Try To Shake Up The Traditional Formulation

It was painfully clear when God of War: Ascension debuted that the studio, SCE Santa Monica, was working out of concepts. Constructing a complete sport round Kratos breaking his oath to Ares screams pointless, and the execution would not assuage any skepticism. The journey right here is so forgettable and uninspired that it evaporates from reminiscence as quickly as somebody completes the marketing campaign.

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It would not assist that God of Conflict: Ascension crippled the fight, having combos depending on the participant’s potential to dodge. On paper, that is a neat idea to combine up the gameplay, nevertheless it’s irritating and fully counterintuitive to how the battles had functioned within the first 5 titles. It is one other within the line of missteps that hamper Ascension‘s enjoyment. Ascension did incorporate multiplayer, nevertheless it didn’t add a lot worth to the general package deal and failed so as to add a lot longevity to the sport’s lifespan.

7

God Of Conflict: Chains Of Olympus

A Properly-Executed, If Unspectacular Transportable God Of Conflict Sport

This prequel proved the franchise can work on a handheld system. God of Conflict: Chains of Olympus delivers all of the polish and spectacle of a console GoW entry on the PSP, and it feels simply nearly as good as ever to slice enemies to ribbons.

Sadly, the lowered format means the sport will get a bit too caught up in block-pushing puzzle-solving as an alternative of fight. The story additionally feels incidental to Kratos and the overarching narrative until the last act. Chains of Olympus can be the shortest console entry within the collection, and it doesn’t provide plenty of replay worth. Consequently, somebody may simply blow by the marketing campaign in a day and discover they don’t have anything left to do exterior of repeating the identical ranges over and over. That kind of expertise can work for motion video games that reward gamers for mastering their combo-heavy fight techniques, however Chains of Olympus doesn’t provide something like that.

However, Chains of Olympus is a stable moveable entry whose greatest weak point is that the opposite video games within the franchise are higher. Chains of Olympus was packaged with Ghost of Sparta as a part of the PS3’s God of Conflict Origins Assortment, and collectively they ship an expertise roughly equal to one of many mainline entries.

6

God Of Conflict (2005)

An Spectacular Begin With A Nice Story & Enjoyable Fight, Alongside With Some Pacing Points

It is all the time particular to mirror on the unique entry in a franchise. This 2005 hit laid the inspiration for the remainder of the God of Conflict collection, and what a stable basis it’s! The hack-and-slash gameplay is a blast from the get-go, combining fast-paced technique and uncooked, satisfying energy. God of Conflict‘s intuitive controls lend themselves superbly to the devastating combos, and gamers really feel an actual sense of development as they unlock extra by the simple-yet-effective improve system.

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On prime of that, the narrative introduces Kratos with surprising care, steadily doling out growth all through the journey and getting the participant simply as invested in his quest for vengeance by the tip. What finally hinders God of Conflict‘s replay worth is its lengthy stretches of awkward platforming and repetitive puzzles. After experiencing its sequels, the unique sport’s flaws turned a bit tougher to disregard, even when its positives proceed to shine by to this very day. Even with these points, although, God of Conflict stays one of many strongest debuts in gaming.

5

God Of Conflict: Ghost Of Sparta

A Highly effective Story & Simply An All-Round Nice Entry

For this second PSP outing, developer Prepared at Daybreak took every part it realized the primary time round and crafted a extra assured entry, one which reveals just a few new layers to Kratos. That is admirable for this late within the collection, and it informs a lot of the sport. Ghost of Sparta depends much less on scale and extra on creativity. Not solely does it plow lesser-known legends, nevertheless it weaves these into some really impressed visuals and set items, lots of which instantly mirror Kratos’s battle. This makes the gameplay and presentation much more spectacular than Chains of Olympus.

Though the set items themselves aren’t fairly as memorable, the sport’s moment-to-moment thrills, private story, and continued dive (Atlantis pun) in Greek fantasy are lots robust sufficient, pushing Sony’s moveable system to its restrict. Ghost of Sparta was one of many major causes to personal a PSP, and the sport seems fairly good when skilled on the PS3. Don’t low cost this entry simply because it’s a spin-off as Ghost of Sparta is among the many finest God of Conflict video games.

4

God Of Conflict (2018)

Beginning A New Period On A Excessive Notice

That is precisely the novel reinvention the collection wanted in 2018. The PS4’s God of Conflict is a extra methodical journey guided principally by character. An older Kratos coming to phrases together with his previous and making an attempt to construct a greater future for his son makes for an exceedingly compelling relationship, and the pair’s makes an attempt to search out widespread floor are among the most poignant moments within the collection.

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The gameplay displays that intimate perspective, because it’s a lot slower, extra targeted on technique, and the digital camera is far nearer to the motion. Whereas it is a bit clunkier than previous entries, the battle system nonetheless nails the brutality and taste of God of Conflict. After all, it helps that the sport mines simply as a lot intriguing lore from Norse legends because the earlier ones did with Greek mythology. All of this helped revitalize the franchise, leaving followers excited concerning the subsequent entry, Ragnarok.

God of Conflict additionally marked a big first for the franchise because it was ported to a non-PlayStation ecosystem (that was not cellular). In January 2022, God of War made its way to PC, following within the footsteps of Days Gone and Horizon Zero Daybreak. It’s a respectable port that opens up the franchise to an viewers which may have by no means instantly skilled Kratos’ story.

3

God Of Conflict 3

A Relentless Blockbuster And The Finish Of Kratos’ Authentic Story

Placing apart one thing like Ascension, God of Conflict 3 is arguably essentially the most divisive however nonetheless beloved entry within the franchise. When it comes to pure extra, the 2010 launch represents Santa Monica’s collection at its absolute peak, particularly on the subject of the traditional pre-genre shift period. Because the fruits of the Historic Greece arc, God of Conflict 3 revels in wonderful over-the-top mayhem, pushing Kratos to successfully dismantle a complete pantheon in pursuit of revenge. Certain, he comes into this chapter with the blood of gods already on his palms, however the Spartan baths of their stays all through this bloodbath.

Focusing solely on gameplay, God of Conflict 3 is arguably unmatched. The fight is fast-paced, fine-tuned, and relentless. Whereas satisfying on the best ranges, the system shines when performed on the best difficulties, showcasing that there’s extra depth right here than only a senseless hack and slash. The visuals are incredible and grandiose, with Kratos’ battle with Cronos being the definition of epic. The marketing campaign builds superbly as much as the ultimate combat with Zeus, which serves as a becoming climax for the unique trilogy.

As nice as God of Conflict 3 is, the story doesn’t fairly have the nuance of its predecessors. At this level, Kratos is totally and completely fueled by revenge, which may make him come throughout as one-dimensional. His characterization barely undermines the Greek Tragedy facet that was a part of the primary two God of Conflict video games, leading to arguably a shallower expertise. Actually, after this entry, Kratos wanted a considerable reboot as he had nowhere left to go.

2

God Of Conflict: Ragnarok

Intense Motion, Diversified Areas, A lot Of Companions, And Constantly Partaking Story

God of War Ragnarok

10/10

Launched

November 9, 2022

Professionals & Cons

• Improved Fight (From 2018’s God of Conflict)
• Extra Exploration
• Satisfying Conclusion To Norse Arc

With 2018’s God of Conflict, Santa Monica confidently launched a brand new period in Kratos’ story, one which set excessive expectations for the foreshadowed sequel. Apart from maybe Elden Ring, Ragnarok was most likely the most important sport of 2022, and the sport is greater than able to carrying the load burdened by this consideration. On the floor, the sequel doesn’t deviate too removed from its predecessor, providing hefty fight alongside good character work. Nevertheless, Ragnarok is just not blissful to merely retread previous glories and well picks which areas to evolve and increase.

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When it comes to storytelling, Ragnarok is an ambitious and cinematic conclusion to the franchise’s Norse mythology era. As informed within the tales of outdated, Ragnarok refers to a cataclysmic collection of occasions that brings devastating destruction to the world of people together with the demise of key Norse figures akin to Odin and Thor. Santa Monica makes use of this fantasy to craft an explorative romp that directs Kratos and Atreus to the 9 Realms.

Ragnarok emphasizes exploration fairly a bit as nicely, offering fairly just a few open areas that every comprise loot and non-compulsory content material. Whereas fairly brief for essentially the most half, aspect quests are nice for lore and world-building, and so they often emphasize a companion’s historical past (Freya, for instance). Talking of companions, Ragnarok juggles fairly just a few secondary characters who be part of Kratos and Atreus on their (respective) journeys, together with one or two surprises that won’t be spoiled right here. The sequel improves upon its predecessor’s fight considerably, providing much more selection and customization choices.

Telling a gripping story about grief, anger, and remorse, Ragnarok is a character-driven epic that balances quieter private moments and large-scale set items. If there’s one main criticism that may be thrown at Ragnarok, it must be the story’s last act. Contemplating Ragnarok is constructed as much as be such a cataclysmic deal, the precise occasion is surprisingly underwhelming and lasts for almost two hours. The ending feels rushed, significantly Kratos’ last battles with Thor and Odin.

Additionally, Atreus’ sections could be polarizing, significantly one overly lengthy tour to Ironwood that, whereas introducing some vital plot threads and lore particulars, brings the marketing campaign to a screeching halt. Because of specializing in ranged fight, Atreus performs very in a different way from Kratos, which is each a constructive and a detrimental. Whereas he mustn’t have been a replica of his father, Atreus is simply not as enjoyable to make use of as Kratos.

Valhalla

Ragnarok presents a powerful case for being among the best God of Conflict video games by itself, however the Valhalla DLC brings issues up just a few notches. Santa Monica’s franchise is just not precisely identified for dropping post-release content material, so Valhalla got here as one thing of a shock; moreover, the discharge is free and provides probably hours upon hours of gameplay. This launch is so good that the mode may have most likely been expanded right into a spin-off sport, and it might not have appeared like a money seize.

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Kratos is summoned to Valhalla, a spot that forces the warrior to reminisce over his lengthy and blood-soaked historical past. Lowered to his important weapons, Kratos should work his method by Valhalla’s halls, battling enemies from the previous alongside the way in which. En route, he finds sources and upgrades that grant him a lift, though they’re misplaced if the protagonist falls in battle. This DLC follows the construction of a roguelite, an idea that emphasizes Ragnarok‘s fight whereas nonetheless incorporating narrative depth.

1

God Of Conflict 2

The Pinnacle Of Motion-Journey Slaughterfests

God of Conflict 2 improves nearly every part about its predecessor. The cathartic gameplay is tightened, and the narrative is way grander in scope but someway extra private.

What actually sticks within the thoughts is how this sequel expands the world and characters of the first game. The mythological lore is fleshed out a lot additional, complemented by the extra fluid fight and fewer intrusive navigation. Traversing the setting is now not a chore, and the artistic puzzles give gamers a way of accomplishment with out sporting out their welcome.

Although eclipsed in some areas by its instant successor, God of Conflict 2 is finally the finest God of Conflict sport of the franchise’s traditional period. Even when the reboots are considered, an argument could possibly be made that God of Conflict 2‘s marketing campaign has the most effective pacing within the collection, providing simply the right combination of motion, platforming, puzzles, and storytelling.

Kratos In Different Video games

Only for the enjoyable of it, here’s a breakdown of different video games that characteristic memorable appearances by Kratos. Finally, God of Conflict doesn’t have an extreme variety of entries, so you’ll ultimately attain some extent when you don’t have anything new to play. Whereas these will not essentially scratch that itch, and a few of them are arduous to come back by, they may at the very least allow you to take pleasure in Kratos’s firm. They’re listed so as of Kratos’s presence within the sport, together with their identify recognition.

• PlayStation All-Stars – He is without doubt one of the PlayStation mascots included within the base sport, so Kratos is just not even a visitor character right here.
• Mortal Kombat (2011) – Kratos was a visitor fighter for the PS3 and Vita variations of NetherRealm’s reboot.
• Soulcalibur: Damaged Future – One other combating sport that options Kratos as a visitor fighter. Damaged Future initially got here out on PSP.
• Fortnite – Everyone seems to be in Fortnite, and Kratos is not any exception.
• Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope – Kratos seems on the Curious Map as a boss, albeit solely on the PlayStation model of the sport.
• All people’s Golf – When not killing gods, Kratos enjoys a little bit of golf.
• ModNation Racers – When not killing gods, Kratos enjoys an excellent race.
• Future of Spirits – Vita RPG that’s long-gone by this level, and Kratos was solely briefly accessible as an occasion summon.

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