Sony and Santa Monica Studio have officially opened pre-orders for the next chapter in the God of War series, titled God of War: Laufey. Launched on September 29, 2026, for the PlayStation 5, the announcement marks the first major update for the franchise since the 2022 release of God of War Ragnarök. The game is scheduled for a global release on February 16, 2027.
In a significant departure for the series, the new title features Laufey (Faye), Kratos’ late wife, as the primary protagonist. This marks the first mainline entry in the franchise where Kratos is not the main playable character. The narrative is set in the “Everywhen,” described as an afterlife for gods, where Faye awakens following her death in the mortal realm. The plot is confirmed to run parallel to the events of the 2018 God of War and Ragnarök, providing a concurrent perspective on the Norse saga.
New Gameplay Mechanics and the Serpent Bow
The transition to Faye introduces distinct combat mechanics focused on her unique equipment. Central to her arsenal is the Serpent Bow, a weapon that differs significantly from Kratos’ Leviathan Axe or Blades of Chaos. The bow features a dedicated precision aiming mode and allows players to charge up to five arrows simultaneously for a volley attack.
Exploration in the Everywhen will see Faye navigating landscapes within the afterlife of the gods, expanding the scope of the series’ established universe.
Pre-Order Bonuses and Digital Editions
Sony has confirmed two primary versions of the game available for purchase. The Standard Edition is priced at $69.99, while the Digital Deluxe Edition is available for $79.99. Players who pre-order the title will receive the Last Wish Armor Set and the Phranque Golden Leaves Appearance as digital bonuses.
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Dark Alchemy armor and weapon set, along with additional digital content such as a soundtrack and art book. While God of War: Laufey focuses on Faye, Santa Monica Studio has clarified that this does not signal the end of the traditional series.
The Future of the God of War Franchise
Despite the shift in focus for the 2027 release, Cory Barlog has confirmed that another Kratos-led God of War game is currently in development and is planned to launch after Laufey. This ensures that the central arc of the retired Spartan general will eventually continue in a future installment.
In addition to the new Faye-centric title and the eventual Kratos sequel, Santa Monica Studio is also reportedly working on a remake of the original Greek trilogy. This project aims to bring the initial three games—which detailed Kratos’ war against the Olympus pantheon—up to modern graphical and performance standards for the PlayStation 5.
