God of War PS4 in 2024: I It Worth It? Order, Rema ter & More

Release Date: April 20, 2018 ·
Metacritic Score: 94/100 ·
Game Length (Main Story): ~20 hours ·
Platform: PS4 (PS5 backward compatible) ·
Developer: Santa Monica Studio

Six key specs, one pattern: God of War (2018) redefined what a blockbuster action game could look like on PS4 while staying anchored to its roots.

Is God of War on PS4 Worth Playing in 2024?

Seven years after launch, the 2018 God of War still commands attention. Critics haven’t softened their stance, and the game’s technical artistry continues to impress on hardware that’s now a generation old.

What do critics say about God of War on PS4?

• Universal acclaim: Metacritic score 94/100 (Metacritic)
• Won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2018
• Video Games Chronicle (industry publication) noted it “felt visually ahead of its time” on PS4 (VGC)
• Critics praise the emotional father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus (Marooners’ Rock)

How long does it take to beat God of War?

• Main story: approximately 20 hours (HowLongToBeat)
• Completionist run (all side content): ~35 hours

Is God of War a PS4 exclusive?

• It launched as a PS4 exclusive and is backward compatible on PS5 (Video Games Chronicle)
• A Windows version was released in January 2022

The implication: For PS4 owners, this is an easy recommendation.

Which God of War Games Should You Play First? (Series Order Guide)

The God of War franchise spans two distinct sagas: the original Greek trilogy and the newer Norse duology. Knowing where to start can save you confusion and maximize enjoyment.

Should you play the original trilogy before God of War 2018?

• God of War (2018) is a soft reboot—“set after the original Greek-era God of War games” (Marooners’ Rock)
• The story is self-contained; you do not need to play earlier games to understand the plot (YouTube retrospective)
• Playing the older titles provides background on Kratos’s past but is optional

What is the chronological order of God of War games?

• God of War: Ascension (2013) – prequel to the original
• God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008) – portable
• God of War (2005) – first main entry
• God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010) – portable
• God of War: Betrayal (2007) – mobile
• God of War II (2007)
• God of War III (2010)
• God of War (2018)
• God of War Ragnarök (2022)

Can you enjoy God of War 2018 without playing previous titles?

• Absolutely. The 2018 game introduces Norse mythology and a new setting, with only brief callbacks to the Greek era (Marooners’ Rock)
• It’s designed as an entry point for new players

The pattern: New players face no barrier, while veterans gain richer context.

God of War 2005 vs. 2018: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

Both games share the same Metacritic score—94/100—but they are fundamentally different experiences. One is a fast-paced hack-and-slash rooted in Greek myth; the other is a cinematic, over-the-shoulder adventure set in Norse realms.

How does gameplay differ between the two?

• 2005: Combo-heavy, fixed camera angles, quick-time events (Wikipedia)
• 2018: Third-person over-the-shoulder, tactical combat, RPG elements with gear and upgrades (Marooners’ Rock)
• The Leviathan Axe replaces the Blades of Chaos as the primary weapon

Story and setting comparison

• 2005: Greek mythology – Kratos battles Ares and the Olympian gods
• 2018: Norse mythology – Kratos and his son Atreus journey to scatter Faye’s ashes
• 2018 adopts a “more personal and emotional narrative” (YouTube retrospective)

Which game is more critically acclaimed?

• Both hold a Metacritic score of 94/100 (Metacritic, Metacritic)
• 2018 won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2018; the original didn’t win at the inaugural show in 2005
• Critics generally consider 2018 the more accomplished game, but the original is revered as a classic

The catch: Your choice depends on whether you value combat speed or narrative weight.

Are God of War 1, 2, and 3 Getting Remastered?

Remaster rumors have bubbled for years, but official word remains scarce. Here’s the current status of the Greek trilogy on modern platforms.

Current remaster status of the Greek trilogy

• God of War III received a PS4 remaster in 2015 (Wikipedia)
• God of War (2005) and God of War II have no PS4/PS5 remasters announced
• Both are playable via PlayStation Plus Premium streaming

Difference between remaster and remake

• Remaster: higher resolution, better frame rate, minor texture upgrades
• Remake: built from the ground up with new assets, gameplay, and engine (e.g., the rumored Greek collection)

Are there any official announcements?

• Sony has not confirmed a full trilogy remake
• Unverified rumors suggest a potential remaster collection, but nothing is official (Wikipedia)

The pattern: Sony’s silence leaves Greek-era fans waiting, but streaming options remain available.

Which God of War Game Is Best on PS4? Rankings and Ratings

If you own only a PS4, your options are limited to the 2018 title, God of War III Remastered, and God of War Ragnarök. Here’s how they stack up.

Top-rated God of War games on PS4

• God of War (2018): 94 Metacritic – highest rated (Metacritic)
• God of War Ragnarök: 94 Metacritic (PS5) / 90 (PS4) (Metacritic)
• God of War III Remastered: 86 Metacritic on PS4 (Metacritic)

Lowest rated God of War game

• God of War: Ascension (PS3) – 80 Metacritic, widely considered the weakest mainline entry (Metacritic)
• Portable games Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta both score above 85

Should you play the remastered God of War 3?

• God of War III Remastered offers the Greek saga climax in 1080p/60fps on PS4
• It’s a direct continuation but you can jump into the story via cutscene recaps
• Recommended for players who finish 2018 and want to see where Kratos started

The implication: For pure PS4 value, 2018 and Ragnarök dominate the list.

God of War on PS4: Release Date, Price, and What About Ragnarök?

Practical details matter when deciding a purchase. Here’s what you need to know about availability, cost, and how the sequel fits in.

When was God of War released on PS4?

• April 20, 2018 (Wikipedia)

How much does God of War cost in 2024?

• Digital price on PlayStation Store: $19.99 (frequently on sale for $10)
• Physical copies can be found for $10–$15 used
• Included in PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalog

Is God of War Ragnarök available on PS4?

• Yes, God of War Ragnarök launched on PS4 and PS5 in November 2022 (YouTube review)
• The PS4 version runs well, though with some compromises (Public Journal)
• It is the direct sequel and requires no other games to be played first

The pattern: Low entry cost plus a direct sequel makes the 2018 game a gateway to the entire Norse saga.

God of War 2005 vs. 2018: Side-by-Side Comparison

Two games, two eras, one franchise. Here’s how they directly compare across key dimensions.

Upsides & Downsides of God of War (2018) on PS4

How to Start Playing God of War on PS4: A Quick Guide

If you’ve decided to buy God of War (2018) on PS4, here’s how to get the best experience.

1. Get the cheapest copy: Buy a physical disc used for ~$10, or grab a digital copy on sale via PlayStation Store.
2. Install on a PS4 Pro or PS5 for the best frame rate and resolution. The game targets 30fps on base PS4 but can hit 60fps on PS5 via backward compatibility.
3. Play with headphones to fully appreciate the soundtrack and voice acting – it won several audio awards.
4. Set aside at least 20 hours for the main story. Don’t rush; explore the world and side quests for deeper lore.
5. After finishing, pick up God of War Ragnarök to continue the story (available on PS4 and PS5).

Clarity Check: Confirmed vs. Unclear

What Critics Say

“God of War is a masterful reinvention that respects its roots while forging a new path, delivering a narrative and combat system that feel fresh and meaningful.”

— IGN (gaming review site)

“The game received universal acclaim, with critics praising its story, world design, combat, and the relationship between Kratos and Atreus.”

— Wikipedia

Final Verdict

God of War (2018) on PS4 isn’t just a great game—it shows how a franchise can reinvent itself without losing its soul. Seven years later, its storytelling, combat, and world design still set a benchmark that few games meet. For PS4 owners in 2024, the choice is clear: pick up the game for the price of a meal, experience one of the best action-adventure stories ever told, and if you like it, step directly into Ragnarök. You won’t regret it.

For a deeper look at how the sequel performs on older hardware, check out this God of War Ragnarök PS4 review that evaluates the game’s technical performance and overall value.

Frequently asked questions

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