All Of The God Of War Games, Ranked From Worst To Best
Before God of War Laufey takes us on Faye’s journey, let’s look back at the ups and downs of Kratos’ epic saga. The journey of Kratos, the infamous Ghost of Sparta, is one filled with unimaginable sorrow, relentless rage, and, eventually, a profound quest for redemption. From his origins as a brutal Spartan warrior to his current role as a protective father in the Norse realms, Kratos has undergone one of the most significant character transformations in video game history. As we anticipate the deeper dive into the legacy of Faye, also known as Laufey, in the upcoming installment, it's the perfect time to reflect on the events that shaped the God of War into the complex figure he is today.
His story is not just about slaying gods and monsters; it's a deeply personal narrative about dealing with guilt, confronting one's past, and striving for a better future for himself and his son, Atreus. This retrospective will cover his blood-soaked past in ancient Greece, his arduous migration, and his challenging new life in the brutal Norse lands, ultimately preparing us for the next chapter where Faye's history will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.
Kratos: The Ghost of Sparta – A Legacy Forged in Blood
Kratos’s story begins in the fierce world of ancient Greece. Born a powerful demigod, though unaware of his lineage for much of his early life, Kratos became a formidable captain in the Spartan army. He was a warrior without equal, driven by a thirst for conquest and glory. However, a fateful battle against a massive barbarian horde saw Kratos and his men on the brink of defeat. In a desperate plea, Kratos cried out to the God of War, Ares, offering his life in exchange for victory. Ares answered, granting Kratos the formidable Blades of Chaos, chained to his arms, and turning the tide of battle.
This pact, however, came at a horrifying price. Ares, in his cruel manipulation, tricked Kratos into murdering his own wife, Lysandra, and daughter, Calliope, during a rampage through a village. This unspeakable act stained Kratos's skin with the ashes of his family, forever marking him as the "Ghost of Sparta." The guilt and sorrow from this tragedy became an unyielding fire within him, fueling an insatiable rage that would define his early existence and set him on a path of vengeance against the very gods he once served.
The Burden of the Blades of Chaos
The Blades of Chaos were not just weapons; they were a constant, painful reminder of his pact with Ares and the horrific price he paid. Every swing was a reflection of his past sins, a manifestation of the rage and sorrow that consumed him. For years, Kratos served the Olympian gods, performing their bidding in hopes of finding absolution from his nightmares. Yet, no matter how many monsters he slew or how many lands he conquered for Olympus, the visions of his murdered family persisted, tormenting his waking and sleeping hours. This relentless torment pushed him closer and closer to breaking free from the gods' control and seeking true redemption, or at least, ultimate vengeance.
God of War (2005): The Beginning of Madness
The original God of War game throws players into Kratos's quest for revenge against Ares himself. Ten years after his family's murder, Kratos is tormented by his past and desperate for relief. The goddess Athena promises him freedom from his nightmares if he stops Ares, who is currently waging war on Athens. Kratos agrees, embarking on a brutal journey that leads him through mythical beasts, treacherous puzzles, and confrontations with other Greek deities.
His path culminates in finding Pandora's Box, an artifact said to contain the power to defeat a god. After an epic showdown, Kratos manages to kill Ares, believing this act will finally bring him peace. However, his victory is bittersweet. While Athens is saved and Ares is defeated, the nightmares persist. Athena reveals that while his debt to Ares is paid, the gods cannot remove the memories of his past. Offered a place on Mount Olympus, Kratos, still burdened by his immense guilt and sorrow, attempts to take his own life. The gods, however, prevent this and crown him the new God of War, a position that is meant to fulfill his warrior spirit but ultimately leaves him feeling hollow and isolated.
God of War II: The Rage Against Olympus
As the new God of War, Kratos continued his destructive ways, often ignoring the pleas of the other Olympians. His disregard for humanity and his unbridled rage led to a direct confrontation with Zeus, the king of the gods. In a shocking act of betrayal, Zeus strips Kratos of his powers and impales him with the Blade of Olympus, a weapon Kratos himself had used to defeat the Titans in the Great War. This act was driven by Zeus's fear of Kratos, fearing history would repeat itself with a child (Kratos) overthrowing his father (Zeus), just as Zeus had overthrown Cronos.
Barely clinging to life, Kratos is saved by Gaia, the Mother Earth Titan, who reveals Zeus’s true nature and encourages Kratos to join the Titans in their renewed war against Olympus. Fueled by this fresh betrayal and an even deeper hatred, Kratos embarks on a quest to alter his fate. He seeks out the Sisters of Fate, who control the threads of destiny, intending to travel back in time to prevent Zeus's treachery. His journey is fraught with peril, forcing him to face mythological figures like Perseus, Icarus, and even a resurrected Theseus, all of whom fall before his relentless rage.
By defying destiny and manipulating time, Kratos successfully brings the Titans forward to his present, initiating the second Great War. His plan is clear: destroy Olympus, one god at a time, and claim ultimate vengeance against Zeus. This installment cemented Kratos's role as an anti-hero, a destructive force driven by personal vendettas, yet with a glimmer of tragic justification.
God of War III: The End of an Era
God of War III begins exactly where its predecessor left off, with Kratos riding on the back of Gaia up Mount Olympus, leading the charge of the Titans against the gods. This game represents the terrifying peak of Kratos's destructive power and unwavering resolve for revenge. One by one, he confronts and brutally slays the most powerful figures in the Greek Pantheon: Poseidon, Hades, Helios, Hermes, Hercules, Hephaestus, and Hera. Each kill is more gruesome than the last, demonstrating Kratos's descent into pure, unadulterated wrath.
The consequences of his actions are catastrophic for the world. As Kratos eliminates each god, the fundamental aspects of reality unravel: the oceans rage uncontrollably, the underworld is plunged into chaos, the sun disappears, and plagues infest the land. He discovers the true power of Pandora's Box, which contains not just the power to kill gods, but also all the evils of the world, released upon humanity, along with the elusive power of Hope, which had remained trapped within.
His ultimate confrontation is with Zeus, a multi-stage battle that transcends physical combat and delves into the psychological. Kratos is consumed by his hatred, nearly sacrificing himself and what little humanity he has left. In the end, Kratos triumphs over Zeus, releasing the power of Hope into the world. His vengeance is complete, but at what cost? He stands alone amidst the ruins of Olympus and the shattered world, finally free from his torment, but with nothing left to live for. In a final, symbolic act, Kratos, seemingly having served his purpose, falls from the cliff where he once attempted suicide, leaving his fate ambiguous. This conclusion marked a poignant end to his Greek saga, signifying not just the death of the gods, but also the death of the Kratos we knew.
The Journey to the Norse Lands: A Fresh Start
Following the cataclysmic events of God of War III, Kratos somehow survived his apparent demise and, seeking a new beginning, made the arduous journey from the shattered realms of Greece to the untamed, frigid lands of Norse mythology. The exact details of his migration remain shrouded in mystery, allowing for the narrative leap necessary to transition to an entirely new mythological setting. He arrived a broken man, haunted by his past, determined to suppress the rage that had defined his existence and carve out a quiet life for himself.
In this harsh new world, Kratos found a semblance of peace. He met Faye, a giantess warrior known as Laufey the Just, who saw beyond his gruff exterior and troubled past. She taught him to control his anger, to embrace a different way of life, and most importantly, she gave him a family. With Faye, Kratos fathered a son, Atreus. His life with Faye was a period of profound change, a concerted effort to shed the mantle of the "Ghost of Sparta" and become something more: a husband and a father. He buried his old weapons, the Blades of Chaos, and sought a more humble existence, using the Leviathan Axe crafted by the Huldra Brothers, Sindri and Brok, a gift from Faye, as his primary tool and weapon.
This period was crucial for Kratos's character development. He was learning to be human again, to feel emotions beyond rage and grief, and to understand the value of self-control. Faye was his anchor, guiding him towards a path of quiet strength and responsibility, a stark contrast to his tumultuous past. Her influence was immense, shaping him into the stoic, reserved figure we encounter in the subsequent game, ready to protect his newfound family at all costs.
God of War (2018): Father and Son
The 2018 installment, simply titled God of War, redefined the series by taking Kratos to the Norse realms and introducing a deeply personal narrative. The game opens with the tragic death of Faye, Kratos’s wife and Atreus’s mother. Her last wish is for her ashes to be scattered from the highest peak in all the Nine Realms. This solemn quest forms the emotional core of the game, thrusting Kratos and a young, naive Atreus into a dangerous journey across Midgard and beyond.
This game brilliantly explores themes of fatherhood, grief, and the struggle to escape one's past. Kratos is a distant, stern, and often harsh father, struggling to connect with Atreus while simultaneously trying to teach him survival skills and suppress the "monster" within himself. He fears Atreus will inherit his rage and the curse of godhood. Atreus, on the other hand, is eager to prove himself, often questioning his father's secretive nature and struggling with his own growing abilities and unknown heritage.
A Journey of Growth and Revelation
Their journey is filled with memorable encounters. They meet the wise and talkative Mimir, the "Smartest Man Alive," who becomes a crucial ally and guide. They cross paths with Freya, a powerful Vanir goddess living in exile, who offers them aid and wisdom but harbors her own deep sorrow. Most notably, they face Baldur, the invulnerable son of Odin and Freya, who relentlessly hunts Kratos. Baldur's attacks force Kratos to finally retrieve his Blades of Chaos, confronting his past head-on to protect his son.
As they progress, the bond between Kratos and Atreus slowly strengthens. Kratos begins to open up, sharing fragments of his past, and Atreus starts to understand the weight of his father's experiences. The game’s emotional climax arrives with the revelation of Atreus’s true identity: he is Loki, the Norse god of mischief, a figure destined to play a major role in Ragnarök. Furthermore, Kratos learns that Faye was not human, but a giantess named Laufey, making Atreus half-god, half-giant. This profound discovery reframes their entire journey and Faye's true significance.
Kratos, in a moment of true fatherly love and acceptance, tells Atreus his Greek name, acknowledging his son’s full identity. This act signifies Kratos's acceptance of his own past and his commitment to guiding Atreus through a future that will be far from peaceful. The game ends with the prophecy of Ragnarök looming, a warning of the epic war that will engulf the Norse realms, and the terrifying knowledge that Atreus (Loki) is somehow central to it.
The Shadows of Ragnarök: Faye's Lasting Legacy
The events leading up to what the user refers to as God of War Laufey, likely referencing the eagerly anticipated continuation of the Norse saga, are set into motion by the conclusion of the 2018 game. The Fimbulwinter, a three-year-long winter, has begun, signaling the imminent arrival of Ragnarök. This period sees Kratos and Atreus facing new challenges and heightened tensions. Atreus, now aware of his identity as Loki and his giant heritage, is increasingly curious about his destiny and his mother's legacy. He grapples with the weight of prophecy and his own emerging powers, often clashing with Kratos's desire for a quiet, safe existence.
Faye's presence, though she is deceased, remains a powerful guiding force. Her final wish for her ashes to be scattered, her true identity as Laufey the Just, and her prophetic role within the giants’ predictions for Ragnarök, all serve as the foundation for the unfolding narrative. She meticulously planned for her family's future, leaving behind clues and setting events in motion that would ultimately shape Kratos and Atreus's path. Her actions before her death suggest a deep understanding of the future, a wisdom that Kratos is only now beginning to comprehend.
The title God of War Laufey perfectly encapsulates the focus of this next chapter. It's not just about Kratos's battles, but about uncovering Faye's secrets, understanding her motivations, and seeing how her foresight impacts the monumental conflict of Ragnarök. The Norse pantheon, particularly Odin and Thor, are now direct threats, seeking to understand or control Atreus and the looming prophecies. Kratos, ever the protector, finds himself in a desperate race against time, trying to prevent Ragnarök while simultaneously guiding his son to forge his own destiny, one that honors Faye's memory without repeating the tragic mistakes of Kratos's past.
Kratos's Evolution: From God Killer to Guardian
The transformation of Kratos throughout the God of War series is one of the most compelling arcs in video game history. He began as a vengeful, bloodthirsty killer, a slave to his rage and the gods he served. His journey through Greek mythology was a relentless pursuit of vengeance that culminated in the destruction of an entire pantheon and the world itself. This Kratos was a force of nature, driven by pure, unadulterated anger and an inability to cope with his immense guilt. He was the embodiment of the cyclical nature of violence, responding to every injustice with even greater brutality.
However, his arrival in the Norse lands marked a conscious effort to break this cycle. The older Kratos is a man burdened by his past, desperate to find peace and protect his son from repeating his mistakes. He actively suppresses his rage, choosing stoicism and restraint over impulsive destruction. His iconic Blades of Chaos are replaced by the Leviathan Axe, a weapon imbued with elemental power and a symbol of his new life with Faye. This shift isn't just about different weapons; it's about a fundamental change in philosophy.
His relationship with Atreus forces him to confront his shortcomings as a father and a mentor. He learns to express emotions beyond anger, albeit awkwardly. He learns patience, empathy, and the profound responsibility of nurturing another life. The journey with Atreus helps Kratos to understand the value of connection, the importance of family, and the power of love. He transitions from a god killer who brought about destruction to a guardian who strives for preservation, for a better future for his son. His moral compass, once shattered by grief and rage, slowly begins to reorient itself towards wisdom and protection.
This evolution is what makes Kratos such a fascinating character. He is not simply a monster with a conscience; he is a deeply flawed being who actively fights against his own nature, driven by the desire to be a good father. He embodies the struggle for redemption, showing that even the most destructive past can be overcome by a commitment to change and the love for one's family. His journey is a powerful narrative about breaking cycles of violence and embracing the possibility of a new, more hopeful legacy.
Conclusion: The Path Ahead in God of War Laufey
As we stand on the precipice of God of War Laufey, the anticipation is not just for more epic battles and stunning mythology, but for the continued evolution of Kratos and Atreus. The foundation laid by Kratos's tumultuous past in Greece and his arduous journey to fatherhood in the Norse realms has prepared us for a narrative rich with emotional depth and monumental stakes. Faye, or Laufey, the quiet giantess who reshaped Kratos's life, will undoubtedly be the linchpin of the upcoming story, guiding our understanding of Ragnarök and the true destiny of Atreus.
Kratos, the former Ghost of Sparta, has transformed into a protector, a father, and a figure desperately trying to break the cycle of violence that has plagued his existence. His journey is a testament to the power of change, the weight of legacy, and the enduring strength of the bond between a father and his son. As Faye’s story unfolds, revealing the depths of her wisdom and her pivotal role in the impending cataclysm, Kratos will face his greatest challenge yet: protecting his son and navigating a fate intricately woven by the woman he loved. The adventure promises to be a powerful continuation of a saga that has captivated millions, reminding us that even gods can learn to be human.
from Kotaku
-via DynaSage
