God of War: Where to Start and Why Kratos’ Story Endures

God of War is an action-adventure series built around Kratos, a Spartan warrior whose violent conflict with the Greek gods evolves into a more reflective story about parenthood, responsibility, and breaking cycles of harm. The modern Norse games keep the series' scale and combat while giving Kratos and his son Atreus a quieter, more human relationship.

The series in two eras

The Greek saga

The original God of War launched on PlayStation 2 in 2005. Its Greek-era games follow Kratos through a revenge tragedy involving Ares, Zeus, Olympus, and the consequences of his own choices. They use a pulled-back cinematic camera, fast hack-and-slash combat, platforming, puzzles, and large set pieces.

The Norse saga

God of War (2018) moves to Midgard. Kratos is older, living apart from his Greek past and raising Atreus after the death of his wife, Faye. Their attempt to carry out her final request becomes a journey through the Norse realms and a test of what Kratos teaches his son.

God of War Ragnarök continues that story during Fimbulwinter as Kratos and Atreus face the prophecy surrounding Ragnarök, their changing relationship, and figures including Freya, Thor, and Odin. Valhalla, included with Ragnarök, is a post-story epilogue with replayable combat and roguelite elements; play it after finishing the main campaign to avoid spoilers.

Where should a new player start?

Start with God of War (2018) if you want the most accessible entry. It explains the Norse setting and relationship without requiring detailed knowledge of every Greek game. Kratos' past adds weight, but the story gives newcomers enough context to understand his restraint and fear of repeating it.

Then play God of War Ragnarök, followed by Valhalla. Players who want Kratos' full history can return to the Greek releases afterward or begin chronologically with the older games if they are comfortable with earlier hardware and design.

How the modern combat works

The 2018 game replaces the older fixed camera with a close, over-the-shoulder view. The Leviathan Axe can be used in melee, thrown to pin or freeze targets, and recalled to Kratos' hand. The Blades of Chaos provide wider crowd control, while the shield supports blocks and parries.

• Positioning matters: enemies can attack outside the camera, so use threat indicators and avoid being surrounded.
• Atreus is part of the system: his arrows and abilities interrupt enemies, extend pressure, and help control groups.
• Runic attacks add cooldown abilities: combine light and heavy options with normal combos rather than waiting for them to solve every encounter.
• Equipment changes stats and effects: a higher item level can matter more than a single attractive perk.

Exploration, puzzles, and side stories

The Norse games use connected hubs rather than one uninterrupted open world. Boats, gates, and realm travel lead to optional areas containing favors, bosses, lore, upgrade materials, and environmental puzzles.

Side quests are worth doing because many develop companions and the realms rather than functioning as generic errands. If a puzzle appears impossible, the required tool may arrive later; mark the location and return instead of searching for an exploit.

Beginner combat tips

1. Choose a difficulty that lets you learn timing; it can be adjusted if the experience becomes frustrating.
2. Practice parrying on a familiar enemy and dodge attacks that cannot be blocked.
3. Use axe throws and Atreus to control space before closing distance.
4. Spend early upgrades on moves you can reliably use, not every available branch.
5. Check armor level, sockets, and upgrades when enemies suddenly feel much stronger.
6. Explore optional areas for health, rage, equipment, and resources.

Platforms and current availability

The official PlayStation God of War hub lists the series, PC availability, and Valhalla access. Check the relevant store page for current price, regional availability, and PC requirements.

Why the series lasts

Kratos is memorable not merely because he defeats gods, but because the later games make his history a burden he must understand rather than erase. Combat, exploration, performance, music, and the unbroken-camera presentation support that character arc. The result is a series that can deliver spectacle while still making silence between a father and son matter.