The God of War series spans over a decade and a half and it’s not easy to remember all the details. This guide on the God of War story will give you all the information you need to get up to speed in time for Sony’s upcoming release of God of War on PlayStation 4.
God of War is one of the most recognizable video game series exclusive to the PlayStation system, if not all of gaming. The franchise has its roots in the early years of this millennium and has been following the story of Kratos for over 15 years. With God of War entering its second era on April 20th, we thought it was a good time to have a look at the God of War story so far.
For those eager to dive in, we suggest watching this excellent recap spanning the entire universe’s timeline by Suggestive Gaming.
God of War’s First Era – Greek Mythology
God of War
The first title, God of War, was released on PlayStation 2 back in 2005. Kratos was merely a Spartan soldier who is asked by Athena to find Pandora’s Box, a typical task for someone in the service of the Olympian Gods. This box holds the key to defeating Ares, the God of War, who Kratos was once a servant to. Kratos is holding a grudge against Ares because it was he who tricked him into killing his family. As Kratos finds Pandora’s Box and successfully kills Ares, he becomes the new God of War on Mount Olympus.
God of War II
This follow-up title was released in 2007 on the PlayStation 2 and followed an angry Kratos on his path of destruction through the city of Rhodes. When Zeus intervenes, Kratos is saved by the Titan Gaia who tells him that he must seek out the Sisters of Fate in order to prevent his death at the hands of Zeus. Just as Kratos is about to kill the god, Athena sacrifices herself in order to save her father. Kratos learns that he is a son of Zeus and joins forces with Gaia and the Titans to attack Olympus.
God of War III
Released in 2010 on the PlayStation 3, God of War III shows Kratos in the midst of the Great War between the Olympian Gods and the Titans. Kratos, caught in the midst and abandoned by both sides, is aided by the spirit of Athena and looks for revenge. Seeking out the Flame of Olympus in order to defeat Zeus yet again, Kratos battles across the Underworld, Olympus, and once again tries to open Pandora’s Box. After discovering that Pandora herself is the key to opening the box, he finally kills Zeus but refuses to help Athena assume the role of new patron of mankind. It is then that Kratos disappears.
God of War’s Second Era – Norse Mythology
The reimagined God of War takes the series away from Greek Mythology and into a Norse setting. Taking place many years after Kratos survived his final encounter with his father Zeus, he now lives with his son Atreus in the world of the Norse Gods. Kratos must embrace his new role as father while dealing with the Norse Gods who are skeptical of him. Apparently being a killer of gods and destroyer of Olympus gets around and doesn’t make the best first impression.
When God of War releases on April 20th, you can be assured that we here at TL;DR Games will be sinking our teeth into it and tearing out the juiciest strategy guides for our God of War Guide Hub and sharing our full review with you.
