The God of War series has been a staple of the gaming world for over a decade, known for its intense action, rich storytelling, and challenging gameplay. However, with the release of multiple games across various platforms, new players may find it daunting to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of God of War and explore which game is the easiest for new players to jump into.
Understanding the God of War Series
Before we dive into the easiest God of War game, it’s essential to understand the series’ history and evolution. The franchise, created by David Jaffe, debuted in 2005 on the PlayStation 2 and has since grown to include multiple games across various platforms.
The series follows the character Kratos, a Spartan warrior, as he battles his way through Greek mythology. The games are known for their fast-paced combat, puzzle-solving, and epic boss battles. Over the years, the series has undergone significant changes, including a soft reboot in 2018, which introduced a new Norse mythology setting and a more personal, character-driven narrative.
The Evolution of God of War Games
To determine which God of War game is the easiest, we need to consider the evolution of the series. Here’s a brief overview of the mainline God of War games:
- God of War (2005): The original game that started the franchise, known for its challenging gameplay and intense action.
- God of War II (2007): The sequel built upon the success of the first game, introducing new combat mechanics and a more complex narrative.
- God of War III (2010): The final game in the Greek era, featuring improved graphics and a more refined combat system.
- God of War (2018): A soft reboot that introduced a new Norse mythology setting and a more personal, character-driven narrative.
- God of War Ragnarök (2022): The latest installment in the series, building upon the success of the 2018 game and introducing new combat mechanics and a more expansive world.
Which God of War Game is the Easiest?
After analyzing the series, we can conclude that the easiest God of War game is the 2018 soft reboot, God of War. Here’s why:
- More Accessible Combat: The 2018 game introduces a new combat system that is more accessible to new players. The game features a more methodical and deliberate approach to combat, allowing players to take their time and plan their attacks.
- Tutorialization: The game includes a comprehensive tutorial that teaches players the basics of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. This makes it easier for new players to jump into the game and understand the mechanics.
- Linear Design: The 2018 game features a more linear design, with a clear narrative focus and a more structured gameplay experience. This makes it easier for new players to follow the story and understand the game’s world.
- Less Punishing Difficulty: The 2018 game has a more forgiving difficulty curve, with fewer instant-death scenarios and more opportunities for players to recover from mistakes.
Why God of War (2018) is the Perfect Starting Point
God of War (2018) is the perfect starting point for new players for several reasons:
- New Narrative Thread: The game introduces a new narrative thread that is separate from the previous games, making it easy for new players to jump in without prior knowledge of the series.
- Improved Graphics and Sound: The game features stunning graphics and sound design, making it a great representation of the series’ current state.
- More Personal Storytelling: The game focuses on Kratos’ personal journey, exploring his relationship with his son Atreus and his struggles with his past. This makes for a more character-driven narrative that is easier to follow and become invested in.
Comparison with Other God of War Games
To further illustrate why God of War (2018) is the easiest game in the series, let’s compare it with other mainline God of War games:
| Game | Combat System | Difficulty Curve | Narrative Focus |
| — | — | — | — |
| God of War (2005) | Fast-paced, hack-and-slash | Steep, punishing | Greek mythology, Kratos’ rage |
| God of War II (2007) | Improved combat mechanics, more complex | Challenging, but fair | Greek mythology, Kratos’ revenge |
| God of War III (2010) | Refined combat system, more epic battles | Challenging, with some instant-death scenarios | Greek mythology, Kratos’ final battle |
| God of War (2018) | More methodical, deliberate combat | Forgiving, with a gentler learning curve | Norse mythology, Kratos’ personal journey |
| God of War Ragnarök (2022) | Improved combat mechanics, more expansive world | Challenging, but fair, with some punishing difficulty spikes | Norse mythology, Kratos’ continued journey |
As you can see, God of War (2018) stands out as the most accessible game in the series, with a more methodical combat system, a gentler learning curve, and a more personal narrative focus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, God of War (2018) is the easiest game in the series, making it the perfect starting point for new players. With its more accessible combat system, comprehensive tutorial, linear design, and less punishing difficulty curve, it’s an excellent introduction to the world of God of War. If you’re new to the series, we highly recommend starting with God of War (2018) and experiencing the epic journey of Kratos and Atreus for yourself.
Final Thoughts
The God of War series is known for its challenging gameplay and intense action, but with the 2018 soft reboot, new players can now experience the series in a more accessible way. Whether you’re a fan of action-adventure games or just looking for a new challenge, God of War (2018) is an excellent choice. So, grab your controller, embark on Kratos’ journey, and discover why God of War is one of the most beloved gaming franchises of all time.
What makes God of War (2018) the easiest game in the series for new players?
God of War (2018) is considered the easiest game in the series for new players due to its more accessible gameplay mechanics and narrative. The game’s combat system, although still challenging, is more methodical and less reliant on quick-time events compared to its predecessors. This change in gameplay style allows new players to ease into the series without feeling overwhelmed by complex button combinations and fast-paced action sequences.
Additionally, the 2018 game’s narrative is a soft reboot of the series, making it an ideal entry point for new players. The story is more character-driven, focusing on Kratos’ relationship with his son Atreus, and provides a fresh start for those unfamiliar with the series’ lore. This new direction makes it easier for new players to jump into the game without needing to know the intricacies of the previous games’ storylines.
How does the Leviathan Axe impact gameplay in God of War (2018), making it more accessible to new players?
The Leviathan Axe is a significant departure from the Blades of Chaos, Kratos’ iconic weapons in previous games. The axe is a more versatile and forgiving weapon, allowing for a more methodical approach to combat. Its abilities, such as freezing enemies and stunning them, give players more time to react and plan their attacks. This change in gameplay style makes the game more accessible to new players, as they can focus on learning the combat mechanics without feeling overwhelmed by fast-paced action sequences.
The Leviathan Axe also introduces a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must manage its cooldowns and use its abilities wisely. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, making it more engaging for new players. The axe’s abilities also make it easier for players to take down tougher enemies, reducing the frustration that can come with difficult combat encounters.
What role does Atreus play in making God of War (2018) more accessible to new players?
Atreus, Kratos’ son, plays a significant role in making God of War (2018) more accessible to new players. As a companion character, Atreus provides support during combat encounters, taking some of the pressure off the player. His abilities, such as shooting magical arrows, can stun or distract enemies, giving the player more time to react and plan their attacks. This makes the game more manageable for new players, as they can focus on learning the combat mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.
Atreus also serves as a narrative device, helping to explain the game’s world and lore to new players. Through his interactions with Kratos and other characters, Atreus provides context and backstory, making it easier for new players to understand the game’s story and characters. This helps to create a more immersive experience, drawing new players into the world of God of War.
How does the game’s pacing contribute to its accessibility for new players?
The pacing of God of War (2018) is more deliberate and measured compared to previous games in the series. The game’s narrative is more focused on character development and world-building, with a greater emphasis on exploration and discovery. This slower pace gives new players time to absorb the game’s world and mechanics, making it easier for them to learn and adapt.
The game’s pacing also allows for a more gradual introduction to new mechanics and enemies, reducing the feeling of overwhelm that can come with too much information at once. This makes it easier for new players to learn and master the game’s mechanics, creating a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
What features does God of War (2018) include to help new players learn the game’s mechanics?
God of War (2018) includes several features to help new players learn the game’s mechanics, such as a comprehensive tutorial and a gradual introduction to new abilities and enemies. The game’s UI also provides clear and concise information about the player’s abilities and equipment, making it easier for new players to understand the game’s mechanics.
The game also includes a “Give Me a Story” difficulty mode, which reduces the challenge of combat encounters, allowing new players to focus on the narrative and exploration. This mode provides a more relaxed experience, making it easier for new players to learn the game’s mechanics and become comfortable with the gameplay.
How does God of War (2018) compare to other action-adventure games in terms of accessibility?
God of War (2018) is more accessible than many other action-adventure games due to its more methodical gameplay mechanics and narrative-driven approach. The game’s focus on character development and world-building creates a more immersive experience, drawing new players into the world of God of War. The game’s pacing and UI also make it easier for new players to learn and adapt to the game’s mechanics.
Compared to other games in the action-adventure genre, God of War (2018) is more forgiving and less reliant on quick-time events and fast-paced action sequences. This makes it a more accessible entry point for new players, who can ease into the game’s mechanics without feeling overwhelmed. The game’s narrative-driven approach also makes it more appealing to players who enjoy story-driven games.
What advice would you give to new players starting God of War (2018) for the first time?
For new players starting God of War (2018) for the first time, I would recommend taking the time to learn the game’s mechanics and explore the world. The game’s narrative is heavily focused on character development and world-building, so it’s essential to take the time to absorb the story and atmosphere. I would also recommend playing on the “Give Me a Story” difficulty mode, which reduces the challenge of combat encounters and allows new players to focus on the narrative and exploration.
It’s also essential to manage the Leviathan Axe’s cooldowns and use its abilities wisely, as this will make combat encounters more manageable. Additionally, make sure to upgrade Kratos’ equipment and abilities regularly, as this will improve his combat performance and make the game more enjoyable. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or consult the game’s UI if you’re unsure about anything – the game is designed to be accessible, so take advantage of the resources available to you.