God of War Sons of Sparta serves as the earliest canonical entry in the overarching franchise chronology, tracing Kratos's youth and brutal training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos. Developed by Mega Cat Studios and Santa Monica Studio, this 2D Metroidvania prequel establishes the foundational experiences that shaped the iconic Spartan warrior long before the events of the original 2005 game or his servitude to the Olympian gods.
Where Does Sons of Sparta Fit Chronologically?
When organizing the series by in-universe story chronology, God of War Sons of Sparta sits firmly at the very beginning of the timeline. Before this 2026 release, chronological playthroughs typically commenced with God of War: Ascension (2013). However, the prequel moves further back into Kratos's past, depicting him as a teenage cadet in Sparta alongside his younger brother Deimos under the tutelage of headmaster Konstantinos.
How Does the Prequel Connect to the Greek Era?
The narrative explores Laconia as the brothers navigate local threats, border skirmishes, and a missing classmate named Vasilis. Throughout their journey, players encounter familiar elements of Greek mythology and setup for later tragedies, including the origins of Kratos's combat style and his early interactions with divine forces. The framing device features an adult Kratos recounting these events to his daughter Calliope while serving as a captain in the Spartan Army, bridging the gap between his youth and the darker path of vengeance that follows.
Complete Chronological Order of the Greek and Norse Sagas
To experience the narrative strictly by in-universe timeline order rather than original release dates, players follow this sequence from Kratos's earliest days through his journey into the Norse realms:
| Chronological Order | Game Title | Original Release Year | Primary Setting / Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | God of War Sons of Sparta | 2026 | Ancient Greece (Youth / Agoge) |
| 2 | God of War: Ascension | 2013 | Ancient Greece (Servitude to Ares) |
| 3 | God of War: Chains of Olympus | 2008 | Ancient Greece (Underworld / Gods) |
| 4 | God of War | 2005 | Ancient Greece (fall of Ares) |
| 5 | God of War: Ghost of Sparta | 2010 | Ancient Greece (Atlantis / Deimos) |
| 6 | God of War: Betrayal | 2007 | Ancient Greece (Mobile side-scroller) |
| 7 | God of War II | 2007 | Ancient Greece (War with Zeus) |
| 8 | God of War III | 2010 | Ancient Greece (Fall of Olympus) |
| 9 | God of War | 2018 | Norse Realms (Midgard) |
| 10 | God of War Ragnarök | 2022 | Norse Realms (Fimbulwinter) |
How Does Sons of Sparta Compare to Release Order?
Playing the series by chronological order offers a continuous look at Kratos's personal evolution, but it differs significantly from the original release order. Developers designed the earlier entries with different gameplay mechanics and combat systems, transitioning from fixed-camera 3D action in the classic Greek era to over-the-shoulder narrative action in the Norse saga, and finally to 2D Metroidvania exploration in Sons of Sparta. First-time players often debate whether to start with the 2005 classic or the 2018 Norse soft reboot, while veterans use the timeline to recontextualize character motivations.
FAQ
Is God of War Sons of Sparta canon?
Yes, PlayStation officially confirmed that God of War Sons of Sparta is a fully canon story set during Kratos's youth in ancient Greece.
Do I need to play the other games before Sons of Sparta?
No, because it acts as a prequel set during Kratos's teenage years at the Agoge, it does not require prior completion of the main series, though familiarity with the franchise enhances the narrative's foreshadowing.
What weapon does Kratos use in this game?
Because the story takes place long before he receives the Blades of Chaos, young Kratos fights using a traditional Spartan spear (Dory) and shield (Aspis), alongside Gifts of Olympus for magical abilities.
Can the game be played cooperatively?
The main campaign is a single-player experience, but the game includes an offline multiplayer roguelite challenge mode called the Pit of Agonies that supports solo play or couch co-op as Deimos.