The first one to be released was 'God of War' back in 2005. Two years later, in 2007, 'God of War II' was launched. Three years after that, in 2010, 'God of War III' was available. Then in 2013, 'God of War: Ascension' came into the picture. And the most recent one as of now is 'God of War' from 2018.
In story order, first comes 'God of War: Ascension'. It shows the early days of Kratos and his initial steps into the dark and violent world. Next is the original 'God of War' from 2005. This game really established the character of Kratos and his quest for vengeance against the gods of Olympus. 'God of War II' continues his journey, with him facing even greater challenges and foes. 'God of War III' is the epic conclusion to the Greek mythology - based saga, where Kratos finally takes on Zeus and the other major Olympian gods. Then there's the 2018 'God of War' which is like a new chapter, set in Norse mythology with an older, more subdued Kratos and his son Atreus.
In order of story, it begins with 'God of War: Ascension'. This game shows a younger Kratos and some of the events that led to his more well - known adventures. The original trilogy, starting with just 'God of War', follows Kratos on his path of revenge against the Olympian gods. Each game in the trilogy builds on the story. Finally, the 'God of War' released in 2018 is like a new chapter. It's set in a different land, with Kratos now a father, but his past still haunts him and the story is deeply connected to the previous games.
The main God of War games in story order are: 'God of War: Ascension', which is a prequel showing Kratos' earlier days. Then comes the original 'God of War', followed by 'God of War II' and 'God of War III' which continue his vengeful journey against the gods of Olympus. And more recently, 'God of War (2018)' which is a sort of soft reboot, taking Kratos to the Norse mythology realm and features an older, more subdued Kratos with his son Atreus, and 'God of War Ragnarok' which continues their adventures in the Norse world.
The story - based order of the God of War games is quite straightforward. Starting with the original 'God of War', we see Kratos' origin and his initial motives. 'God of War II' progresses his story as he faces more challenges and enemies among the Greek pantheon. 'God of War III' is the grand finale of the Greek - themed story, showing the ultimate fate of Kratos in that world. Then, the 2018 'God of War' shifts gears into Norse mythology, bringing a fresh start to Kratos' story, this time with a focus on his relationship with his son and a new set of gods and monsters to deal with.
The main God of War games in story order are: God of War: Ascension (prequel), God of War (2005), God of War II, God of War III, and God of War (2018) which is a soft reboot that takes place years after the previous games and sets Kratos on a new journey in the Norse mythology setting.
In terms of popularity in story order, the original 'God of War' in 2005 was a hit. It had a great combat system and a very engaging story of Kratos' rise against the gods. 'God of War III' is also very well - loved. It had amazing graphics for its time and the final battles were just spectacular. The most recent 'God of War' in 2018 is popular too. It brought a new perspective to the series, with a more open - world feel, a great story of father - son relationship, and a shift to Norse mythology which attracted a lot of new and old fans alike.
The first in the story order is the original 'God of War' which sets the foundation of Kratos' story. Then 'God of War II' follows as it continues his journey in the Greek mythological world. After that, 'God of War III' concludes the Greek part of the story. And finally, the 2018 'God of War' begins a new chapter in Norse mythology. It's as simple as that.
The main 'God of War' games in story order are: 'God of War: Ascension' which is a prequel, then the original 'God of War', followed by 'God of War II', 'God of War III', and the more recent 'God of War (2018)' which takes place in a different Norse mythology setting compared to the earlier Greek mythology - based games.
In the original God of War, the key story element is Kratos' quest for vengeance against Ares. He's a Spartan warrior who has been wronged by the god of war and is on a journey to kill him. In God of War II, Kratos, now a god himself, faces new threats and his story of power - seeking and dealing with the consequences of his actions continues. God of War III shows the end of his battle against the Greek gods. In the 2018 God of War, he's in a new land of Norse mythology, with a new set of challenges and a more complex relationship with his son. God of War Ragnarok continues this Norse - set story, with the impending doom of Ragnarok as a major plot point.