The center of the world, The Scalding Gallow, functions as a hub where War is given new objectives and paths to unlock new areas, many of which require the use of newly-gained abilities to progress.

Although War is initially limited to the use of his two-handed signature sword, Chaos Eater, he eventually obtains other weapons throughout the course of the game.

At a later point in the game, War gains the ability to summon a horse that provides faster movement and increased attack power.

The Council created a warrior brotherhood, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (War, Death, Strife, and Fury) to enforce their rules by punishing transgressors.

The Horseman of War (Liam O'Brien) arrives on present-day Earth, where the Endwar appears to have begun: armies of angels and demons are engaged in battle, with mankind caught in the middle.

Confronting the archangel Abaddon (Troy Baker) of Heaven's army, War is surprised to learn that the Seventh Seal has not been broken and the other Horsemen were not summoned.

He is saved from death by the Charred Council (Fred Tatasciore), who accuses War of siding with Hell and causing the Apocalypse prematurely.

War returns to a ruined Earth, where a century has passed since "the Destroyer" annihilated humanity and defeated the forces of Heaven.

The stranded remnants of the angelic army have formed a resistance force called the Hellguard, led by Uriel (Moon Bloodgood).

The demon merchant Vulgrim (Phil LaMarr) tells War that to find the Destroyer, he will need to travel to the hellish Black Tower.

Vulgrim advises War to seek advice from Samael (Vernon Wells), a demon lord imprisoned for challenging his master's dominance.

War slays all four of the Chosen, although it is revealed that their purpose was not to guard the Black Tower but to prevent Samael's return.

Arriving at the Black Tower, War finds Azrael (Keith Szarabajka), the Angel of Death, imprisoned.

The two angels convinced Ulthane (JB Blanc), a mighty blacksmith from an ancient race, to break and reforge the Seals, but Abaddon's death ruined the plan, and the Endwar began in earnest.

War frees Azrael and fights a rematch with the demon Straga, whose death causes the Tower to collapse.

The sword also shatters the Seventh Seal, which restores War to life, and frees him from the Council's control, whereupon he kills the Watcher by crushing his head.

Uriel warns War that he cannot stand alone against the forces of Heaven, Hell, and the Council; he replies that he is not alone, as the other three Horsemen are seen descending to Earth.

Along with the rest of the Horsemen, War is not aligned to Heaven or Hell but instead serves at the whim of the Charred Council, whose purpose is upholding the balance between the two forces.

War later employs the guidance of Samael, once a mighty and feared demon, now imprisoned, who himself seeks vengeance against the Destroyer, the main antagonist of the story and leader of the victorious forces on Earth.

Another recurring character is Vulgrim, a demon merchant who provides gear and abilities for War in exchange for human souls.

A third entry in the Darksiders series was originally planned by Vigil Games, but the fate of its franchise was threatened due to financial complications.