For the fullest story context before God of War: Laufey, play God of War (2018) followed by God of War Ragnarök. PlayStation recommends those two Norse-saga games for a deeper appreciation of Laufey’s world and characters. They are not required, though: PlayStation says Laufey can be enjoyed as a standalone game, so you can start there if you prefer a fresh entry point or have limited time.
As of October 4, 2026, PlayStation lists God of War: Laufey for PS5 on February 16, 2027. Release details can change, so check the official PlayStation series page for the latest listing.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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God of War Ragnarök - PlayStation 5 | $37.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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God of War Hits - PlayStation 4 | $18.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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God of War: Saga - Dual Pack | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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God of War Ragnarök | $31.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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God of War: Ragnarok (PS4) | $29.86 | Buy on Amazon |
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Which God of War games should you play first?
Choose based on how much context you want before the new release:
- Best preparation: God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök. This is PlayStation’s recommended pair for fuller appreciation of Laufey’s setting and characters.
- Only time for one older game: Choose Ragnarök for a story closer to the current Norse saga, but know that the broader character arc begins in God of War (2018). This one-game choice is a practical inference from the games’ sequence, not a separate PlayStation ranking.
- Want the Norse story plus its post-game material: Play God of War (2018), Ragnarök, then the optional Valhalla add-on.
- Want a clean start: Begin with Laufey. PlayStation describes it as playable standalone.
The Greek-era God of War games are not part of the pair PlayStation recommends for preparing for Laufey; you do not need to play the full back catalogue for that purpose.
#1 Best Overall
- Feel your journey through the Norse realms, made possible by immersive haptic feedback and adaptive trigger functionality.
- Take advantage of multidirectional 3D Audio; hear enemies approaching from any direction. (3D audio with stereo headphones (analog or USB))
- Bask in the beautiful worlds you travel through, brought to life by precise art direction and arresting attention to detail.
- Switch between full 4K resolution at a targeted 30 frames per second, or dynamic resolution upscaled to 4K at a targeted 60fps. (4K resolution requires a compatible 4K TV or display)
What order should you play the Norse games in?
- God of War (2018): Start here for the beginning of the Norse-era story and character arc.
- God of War Ragnarök: Continue the story in its release and narrative sequence.
- God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (optional): Play this after Ragnarök if you want additional post-game material. It is an add-on, not a prerequisite for Laufey.
That order gives you the focused Norse-saga context without requiring every earlier game in the franchise.
How much time do the recommended games take?
PlayStation’s undated official series FAQ, accessed in 2026, gives estimates rather than guaranteed completion times. It advises players to go at their own pace.
Rank #2
- Physical combat over the shoulder free camera brings the action closer than ever combat in God of war is up close frenetic and unflinching. Kratos' Axes powerful, magic and multi faceted is a brutal weapon as well as a versatile tool for exploration
- Midgard and beyond: Set within the untamed forests, mountains, and realms of Norse lore, God of war features a distinctly new setting with its own pantheon of creatures, monsters, and gods
- Vicious, physical combat with an over the shoulder free camera that brings the player closer to the action than ever before
| Game and playstyle | PlayStation estimate |
|---|---|
| God of War (2018), main story | Around 20–25 hours total, depending on difficulty |
| God of War (2018), completionist run | Around 40–50 hours |
| Ragnarök, main story plus a selection of side quests | Up to 40 hours |
| Ragnarök, seeing everything | 55–60 hours |
These figures describe different playstyles and completion goals, so they should not be added into a guaranteed total. If you are short on time, prioritize the main story rather than completionist activities.
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Where can you play each game?
PlayStation lists God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök for PS4, PS5, and PC. God of War: Laufey is listed for PS5. Check the platform and edition on the store listing before buying, as availability can vary.
Rank #3
- Includes
- God of War collections 1 and 2
- God of War 3
- God of War Collection (Chain of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta)
Valhalla access depends on the version of Ragnarök: PlayStation says it is available through PlayStation Store to PS4 and PS5 owners of the game, and is included with the PC game. The add-on is free under those listed access conditions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you skip the older games and play Laufey?
Yes. PlayStation says Laufey can be enjoyed completely standalone. Playing the 2018 game and Ragnarök is for richer context about the world and characters, not a condition for understanding or starting the new release.
Rank #4
PlayStation’s official series information, including the recommendation, platform listings, Valhalla details, and playtime estimates, is available at Discover God of War | PlayStation (US).
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Best Value
- 711719407492
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
