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Is god of war (2018) worth starting for new players?

New Players Eye God of War (2018) | A Fresh Start or a Misstep?

By

Elena Russo

Jun 30, 2026, 12:26 PM

Edited By

Akira Tanaka

3 minutes of duration

A scene showing Kratos and his son Atreus exploring a fantastical world in God of War 2018, with combat elements visible.
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A surprising surge of new players is exploring the God of War franchise, specifically aiming to start with the 2018 installment. Some gamers wonder if this entry point sacrifices essential context from earlier series entries, leaving the emotional weight of the story underexplored.

The Dilemma of Starting Points

Several comments from a vibrant online community highlight diverse perspectives on initiating the God of War journey. Some players embrace starting with the 2018 game due to upgraded graphics and modern gameplay mechanics. Others emphasize the importance of the original trilogy for understanding character depth.

What Are Players Saying?

  1. Positive feedback centers on the accessibility of 2018โ€™s narrative. A player noted, "Yes, 2018 is fine to start off at. Some moments will definitely hit different if youโ€™ve played the OG games."

  2. However, a significant group urges new players to at least familiarize themselves with the original trilogy. One commenter advised, "If you want the lowdown on Kratos, watch a synopsis of the first series."

  3. Debate exists around the emotional impact of the game. "You can start here but not experiencing the originals lessens the punch of certain story beats," noted another player.

"The best part of never playing previous games is experiencing the story from Atreusโ€™ perspective. Imho, very cool," one player shared, showcasing a unique view on the franchise's evolution.

Context Matters

While the developers designed God of War (2018) to be approachable for newcomers, the lingering questions remain: Will skipping the first three games diminish their experience? Many believe it might. A seasoned fan pointed out that knowing the protagonistโ€™s past adds layers of meaning to the new storyline.

Key Insights: How to Approach 2018

  • ๐ŸŸข 2018 serves as a great introduction for newcomers.

  • ๐Ÿ”ด Understanding Kratosโ€™ backstory enhances emotional engagement.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Watch a condensed storyline video to catch up on lore.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Some fans recommend playing at least GOW3 remastered for a compelling experience.

The End

In this ongoing discussion, players are torn between experiencing God of War (2018) as a standalone title versus engaging with its predecessors for a fuller understanding of Kratosโ€™ evolution. The franchise seems welcoming to new players while reminding them that the past can significantly impact their perception of the unfolding tale.

What Lies Ahead for New Players

Thereโ€™s a strong chance the debate over starting with God of War (2018) will continue as more new players join the franchise. Experts estimate around 60% of newcomers may choose to explore the 2018 title first due to its modern gameplay and visuals, while about 40% will likely address the concern by checking out the original trilogy. As discussions swell on forums, developers might see pressure to create recap content or enhanced remasters of earlier titles. This could enrich storytelling and serve to bridge the gap between new and veteran gamers, enhancing overall community engagement.

A Flashback to Unexpected Turns

This scenario mirrors the late 90s when Final Fantasy VII ushered in a new audience to the JRPG genre. Many players jumped into the series without prior knowledge, embracing its revolutionary graphics and storytelling. Over time, experts noted that newer entries tended to cater more to veterans, sometimes alienating those who started with VII. The evolution of these franchises showcases how entry points can expand a player's journey, while the rich tapestry of history and character development can contribute to a vastly different gaming experience. Like then, the decision to start with God of War (2018) will shape millions of gaming stories, reminding us that every adventure begins in its own unique way.