Image credit: PlayStation
Sony’s most recent State of Play had a lot of interesting projects announced. This, as well as further details given on some we were already excited for (Insomniac’s Wolverine comes to mind). However, one showcase stood out to me as both equally shocking and exciting.
That showcase was God of War: Laufey. As a fan of the franchise as a whole, I wanted to give my thoughts on this entry and what it means for future titles in the series. As well as see how well they can shift the perspective from the iconic Kratos to the titular Laufey.
How does God of War: Laufey make sense?
God of War: Laufey was announced during Sony’s State of Play June 2026 presentation. Before this, no word of a new God of War title was given, especially not one focusing on a character other than Kratos. While the God of War TV show does have me interested, this title has grabbed my attention more so, as it is wholly original (and probably going to be better).
Firstly, this game is not a prequel. This information may be shocking to fans of the newer titles, as Laufey or “Faye” is dead in the main story. It is, in fact, her death that starts off the events of God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarok. Instead, we will see a separate story that runs parallel to the events of those games, leading directly on from her funeral.
This is an incredibly interesting premise for a title, as in the (shockingly lengthy) gameplay trailer shown, she discusses the events of her death and alludes to the story of the two games preceding this one. While I’m sure some will be disappointed to not see the continuation of the events of those entries, I personally am far more interested in new, completely from the ground up plotlines.
Story aside, the God of War: Laufey gameplay does look very similar to the other two modern entries; however, with some additions. One such new feature is (what seems to be) a dedicated jump button. Something the original titles had but the newer entries did not. Meaning a focus on aerial combat is likely, harkening back to the earlier entries.
Overall, while this title was certainly out of left field, everyone should be very excited for it, both from a storytelling perspective and because it will offer us a fascinating new gameplay style. Perhaps moving away from the gritty, difficult combat of the previous two entries, and towards the hack-and-slash, over-the-top combos we saw from the original titles.
This wasn’t the easy choice
On the note of spin-off games, one question does come to mind: Why Laufey? Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with this; in fact, I’m actually happy they’re going in a new direction. Although I’m surprised to see that she is the subject of the game.
Mostly because in God of War: Ragnarok, we spend time playing as Laufey and Kratos’ child, Atreus, who ends the game in search of the other giants. This seemed like a setup for a spin-off of his own. As such, many, myself included, assumed he would be the subject of a possible spin-off.
An argument could be made that we already played as Atreus, meaning a game with him as the focus could feel repetitive. As well as this, I do still think that a game with Atreus as the main playable character is coming, and this game serves as some much-needed elaboration on Laufey and her motivation.
This does not stop me from thinking that a game with Atreus would’ve been the “easy choice”. As such, a game focusing on a character who was mostly shrouded in mystery and speculation, getting their own title, will only work to further the already rich story these games have been exploring.
In contrast, you could also say that Laufey’s story was wrapped up quite nicely in both of those games. Suffice to say, I’m curious to see how this title will expand her story. And given the cast includes big names like Deborah Ann Woll and Jack Quaid, I’m sure we will get some strong character moments. Until the God of War: Laufey release date, though, I guess I’ll have to settle for replaying the whole series (again).
FAQs
PlayStation and Santa Monica Studios have not revealed a confirmed God of War: Laufey release date yet. Much online speculation states early 2027, but there seems to be little fact to back up this claim.
God of War: Laufey’s developers are Santa Monica Studios, the same team behind the previous entries in the God of War series.
While no other spin-offs have been announced yet, God of War: Laufey seems like a great title to test the waters of God of War games without Kratos as the lead. Boy of War: Atreus seems all the more likely now.
While Christopher Judge (Kratos) is listed as a cast member and we see Kratos in the gameplay trailer, his inclusion will likely be limited to flashbacks and cutscenes. While this may be disappointing to some, I myself am excited for this title.
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