How Long Is God Of War

So, you’re staring at your PlayStation or PC, thumb hovering over the button for God of War (2018) or Ragnarök, and a burning question pops up: “How long is this going to take?” I get it. You don’t want to start an epic that’ll eat your entire life, only to realize you’ve committed to a Norse saga longer than a Viking funeral. Let’s break it down, friend, without the boring spreadsheets.

For the main story of God of War (2018), you’re looking at about 20 to 25 hours. That’s if you race through like Kratos is chasing a really fast deer. No side quests, no punching Valkyries in the face for fun—just straight dad-and-son road trip energy.

But hey, who plays a game like this to rush? The charm is in the journey. If you’re a completionist—someone who must open every chest, read every lore scroll, and defeat every optional boss—you’ll sink closer to 50 to 60 hours. That’s like binge-watching an entire Netflix series, but with more axes and fewer cliffhangers.

The Sequel Stretch: God of War Ragnarök

Now, God of War Ragnarök is a bigger beast. The main story alone will take you about 25 to 30 hours. That’s slightly longer than the first game, because Kratos has more to yell about and Atreus has more moody teenage phases to work through.

If you want to see everything—every side quest, every collectible, every secret realm—prepare for 60 to 70 hours. That’s basically a part-time job, but with better loot and no HR meetings. I spent an extra five hours just trying to find a raven that was probably laughing at me from a tree.

The “I’m a Busy Adult” Speedrun

What if you only have a few hours a week? No shame. You can finish the main story of the 2018 game in about two weeks of casual play. For Ragnarök, give yourself three to four weeks. Just remember: Kratos doesn’t judge your playtime. He’s too busy grunting and flipping his Leviathan Axe.

Side note: The game’s fast travel is actually okay, but you’ll still spend a solid hour just walking between realms. Think of it as a free audiobook of Norse mythology, but with more beard stroking.

What About the Old Games?

If you’re starting with the older God of War games (like the original trilogy on PS2/PS3), they’re much shorter. The main story for the first game is about 10 to 12 hours. That’s a quick, angry weekend. The sequels are similar, each clocking in around 10 to 15 hours for the main quest.

Those games are more linear—less exploring, more “climb this wall and kill that god.” They’re like the fast-food version of the series: satisfying, but you’ll be done before the napkins get greasy.

The Hidden Time Sink: Valkyries and Berserkers

Let’s talk about the optional bosses. In the 2018 game, the Valkyries will destroy you. Each one takes about 15-30 minutes to beat, and there are nine of them. That’s an extra 2 to 4 hours of pure, sweaty combat. In Ragnarök, the Berserkers are even meaner. I almost had to call my therapist after one fight.

If you’re a glutton for punishment, add those hours to your total. But honestly, they’re worth it. The feeling of finally beating a Valkyrie is like winning an argument with a cat—impossible, yet deeply satisfying.

The “One More Chest” Factor

Here’s the real kicker: God of War games are designed to make you lose track of time. You’ll open a chest, find a rare resource, then think, “Ooh, maybe there’s another chest behind this rock.” Before you know it, you’ve spent an extra hour exploring a dead end. That’s not wasted time; that’s Norse tourism.

Pro tip: The games have a “completion percentage” screen that will haunt you. If you see 78% after 40 hours, don’t panic. That’s normal. It’s the game’s way of saying, “You’re doing great, but also, there’s a hidden realm you missed.”

Co-op Mode? Nope, Just Dad Mode

Unlike some games, God of War is purely single-player. So, no friends to blame for your long playtime. It’s just you, Kratos, and a boy who asks too many questions. That means distraction-free immersion. You’ll blink, and suddenly it’s 2 AM, and you’ve learned the entire family tree of the Aesir gods.

But hey, that’s the beauty of it. The game respects your time by giving you meaningful content. Every side quest ties into the story, so you never feel like you’re doing pointless fetch quests. Well, almost never. (I’m looking at you, “Favor of the Muspelheim.”)

The Final Verdict: How Long Is Too Long?

So, to sum it up:

• God of War (2018): 20-25 hours (main story), 50-60 hours (completionist).
• God of War Ragnarök: 25-30 hours (main story), 60-70 hours (completionist).
• Older games: 10-15 hours each, perfect for a quick god-killing fix.

In short, God of War isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon with a very grumpy coach. But that’s okay. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry (especially during the boat conversations), and you’ll feel like a true warrior by the end.

And here’s the uplifting part: You have all the time in the world. These games aren’t going anywhere. They’ll wait for you on your console, axe in hand, ready for when you’re free. Whether you beat it in a week or a year, the journey is yours. So grab your controller, take a deep breath, and dive in. The gods will still be there—and trust me, they’re not going anywhere either. They’re terrified of Kratos.