The God of War franchise has become one of PlayStation’s most iconic and beloved series. Spanning nearly two decades, it tells the epic and emotional journey of Kratos — a warrior turned god who’s battled his way through both Greek and Norse mythologies.
From his vengeful days on Mount Olympus to his redemptive struggles in the icy realms of Midgard, Kratos’ evolution mirrors the transformation of gaming itself. With the PlayStation 5 now in full stride, many players wonder which God of War games they can still enjoy on the latest console.
The good news? Most of the mainline titles are playable on PS5 — some through backward compatibility, others via PlayStation Plus Premium. Let’s dive deep into every God of War game available on PS5 in 2025, how you can play them, and what the future might hold for Kratos.
The Legacy of God of War
When God of War first launched in 2005 for the PlayStation 2, it revolutionized action gaming with its cinematic storytelling, brutal combat, and mythological depth. Players were drawn to Kratos’ unrelenting rage and tragic backstory.
Fast-forward to 2018, and the franchise reinvented itself — shifting from Greek to Norse mythology while exploring themes of fatherhood, redemption, and legacy. The newer games blended emotional storytelling with innovative gameplay and set the gold standard for modern single-player adventures.
By 2025, God of War remains a cornerstone of PlayStation’s identity, and with the PS5’s powerful hardware, fans can relive the saga in its best possible form.
How Many God of War Games Are Available on PS5?
There are six mainline God of War games that you can currently play on PS5. These include titles that span both the Greek and Norse story arcs:
- God of War HD (2005)
- God of War II HD (2007)
- God of War III Remastered (2015)
- God of War: Ascension (2013)
- God of War (2018)
- God of War: Ragnarok (2022)
While Ragnarok is the only title designed specifically for the PS5 generation, all six games can be played through backward compatibility or PlayStation Plus Premium streaming.
Sadly, the two PSP spin-offs — Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta — haven’t yet made it to the PS5 library. However, many fans are still hoping Sony will eventually bring them to PlayStation Plus in remastered form.
Every God of War Game on PS5 in Release Order
Let’s explore each game in chronological release order — their plots, gameplay highlights, and how to play them on PS5.
1. God of War HD (2005)
Available via: PlayStation Plus Premium
$69.99 save 55%$31.64 at Amazon
The original God of War set the tone for Kratos’ epic journey. As the Ghost of Sparta, Kratos seeks vengeance against Ares, the God of War, after being tricked into killing his family. This brutal tale of betrayal, rage, and redemption introduced players to fast-paced combat, legendary boss fights, and cinematic storytelling never before seen in gaming.
The HD remaster preserves the classic gameplay while enhancing visuals for modern displays. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to experience where it all began.
2. God of War II HD (2007)
Available via: PlayStation Plus Premium
The sequel amplified everything that made the first game great — bigger battles, deadlier weapons, and more gods to destroy. After being betrayed by Zeus, Kratos embarks on a mission across time itself to take revenge on Olympus.
With its jaw-dropping set pieces and fluid combat, God of War II is still regarded as one of the best PlayStation 2 titles ever made. On PS5, the HD version ensures smoother gameplay and sharper visuals, allowing new players to appreciate its grand design.
3. God of War III Remastered (2015)
Available via: PS4 backward compatibility
God of War III Remastered delivers a visually stunning conclusion to the Greek saga. Picking up where God of War II left off, Kratos climbs Mount Olympus in a blood-soaked quest to slay Zeus and the rest of the pantheon.
The remastered version, playable on PS5, features 1080p resolution, 60 frames per second performance, and breathtaking visuals that still hold up today. Every swing of the Blades of Chaos feels powerful, and every cinematic cutscene captures Kratos’ fury in unforgettable detail.
This game marks the end of the original Kratos — the vengeful god who learns that his greatest enemy was always himself.
4. God of War: Ascension (2013)
Available via: PlayStation Plus Premium
God of War: Ascension serves as a prequel to the original trilogy, exploring Kratos’ early days as a Spartan warrior bound by his oath to Ares. The gameplay focuses more on puzzle-solving and introduces multiplayer elements — a first for the series.
While not as universally praised as the main trilogy, Ascension provides deeper context for Kratos’ transformation from man to god, offering fans a more human look at his pain and internal conflict.
5. God of War (2018)
Available via: PS4 disc or digital version (PS5 compatible)
When God of War (2018) launched, it redefined what the franchise could be. Gone was the fixed camera and button-mashing combat — replaced with over-the-shoulder gameplay, immersive storytelling, and emotional depth.
This time, Kratos lives in the Norse realm with his young son, Atreus. Their journey to fulfill the final wish of Atreus’ mother becomes a powerful exploration of grief, responsibility, and the bond between father and son.
On PS5, the game runs beautifully at 60 FPS with enhanced textures and faster load times, making it a must-play masterpiece even years after its release.
6. God of War: Ragnarok (2022)
Available on: PS5 & PS4
God of War: Ragnarok is the grand finale of Kratos’ Norse saga. Picking up three years after the events of 2018’s game, it sees Kratos and Atreus preparing for the prophesied end of the world.
This sequel expands on every aspect of its predecessor — a larger world, more diverse enemies, and even deeper emotional storytelling. Kratos must balance his warrior instincts with his desire to protect his son from repeating his mistakes.
Featuring next-gen visuals, near-instant loading, and seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, Ragnarok stands among the best PS5 experiences to date. Its powerful narrative cements Kratos’ legacy not just as a warrior, but as a father and a man seeking peace.
Upcoming God of War Projects: What’s Next for Kratos?
As of 2025, no new God of War game has been officially announced since the Valhalla DLC for Ragnarok in 2023. However, rumors suggest that Santa Monica Studio is working on new projects within the God of War universe.
Speculation points to a possible 2D metroidvania-style spin-off set during Kratos’ Greek years, or even a new mainline entry exploring Egyptian mythology. These rumors remain unconfirmed, but considering the series’ success, it’s almost certain that Kratos’ journey isn’t over yet.
Sony is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of God of War this year, releasing special-edition PS5 controllers and themed collectibles — a testament to the franchise’s enduring influence.
Which Mythology Could God of War Explore Next?
The God of War series has already conquered Greek and Norse mythologies, leaving fans to wonder what comes next. Popular fan theories include:
- Egyptian mythology: Gods like Ra, Anubis, and Osiris could provide rich storytelling potential.
- Aztec/Mayan mythology: Fierce deities and ancient prophecies could suit Kratos’ brutal combat style.
- Celtic mythology: Mysticism and nature-driven lore could provide a more spiritual narrative direction.
- Shinto (Japanese mythology): A refreshing cultural shift that focuses on inner peace and balance.
Whatever mythology Santa Monica chooses next, fans are ready for another unforgettable chapter.
Tips for Playing God of War on PS5
- Use Performance Mode: Enjoy smoother gameplay at 60 FPS for both God of War (2018) and Ragnarok.
- Explore the Photo Mode: Capture stunning visuals from both mythological worlds.
- Replay Older Titles First: For new players, starting from God of War HD gives better context to Kratos’ evolution.
- Check PS Plus Regularly: Sony occasionally rotates classics in and out of the Premium catalog.
Final Thoughts: Kratos’ Enduring Power
Even after 20 years, God of War remains a masterclass in storytelling, character development, and game design. Whether you’re new to the franchise or returning to relive the chaos, the PS5 provides the ultimate platform to experience Kratos’ saga in all its glory.
From his blood-soaked vengeance in Greece to his emotional rebirth in Norse lands, Kratos’ story proves that even gods can evolve — and so can games.
So, grab your Leviathan Axe or Blades of Chaos, and prepare to journey through one of gaming’s most legendary franchises — all from the comfort of your PlayStation 5.