As with all God of War games, Ghost of Sparta is a single player action-adventure game played from the third-person perspective that blends addictive hack and slash and puzzle play gameplay mechanics. Playing as the iconic, rage-driven Spartan warrior, Kratos, players face level after level of challenges illustrating the Ghost of Sparta's (Kratos') rise from uber warrior laboring in the service of the gods, to a god himself, following the defeat of Aries in the first game in the series. In the process, the game reveals secrets of Kratos' past only hinted at in previous games in the series. Gameplay, especially during boss battles and puzzle play events, utilizes the familiar God of War style on-screen button prompts to secure victory and advancement, with successful battles and puzzle challenges framed by stunning in-game cut-scenes.
The game features a more diverse cast of enemies, as well as bigger, badder bosses to tackle. In addition, along with Kratos' signature chain blade weaponry, Ghost of Sparta also features the ability for Kratos to utilize new weapons. These include: a spear and shield combo, which opens up the ability to combine new offensive and defensive tactics; and the Eye of Atlantis, an electrically charged handheld weapon that allows Kratos to shock enemies from afar and from different positions.
