'God of War: Laufey' announced, will follow Kratos' wife

June 3, 2026 - 06:05

Sony Santa Monica has officially announced the next entry in the God of War series, and it marks a major departure from the franchise's tradition. Titled "God of War: Laufey," the upcoming game will be the first mainline installment to not feature Kratos as the playable protagonist. Instead, the story will center on Laufey, the Jotunn wife of Kratos and mother of Atreus, who was only briefly mentioned in the 2018 reboot and its sequel, Ragnarok.

According to the studio, the game will explore Laufey's life before she met Kratos, delving into her past as a powerful giant and a fierce warrior in her own right. Players will experience her journey through the Nine Realms, uncovering secrets about her role in the war against the Aesir and her decision to leave her homeland. The announcement suggests a more stealth-focused and strategic combat style, reflecting Laufey's reputation as a cunning and resourceful figure rather than the brute force of Kratos.

The decision to sideline the series' iconic protagonist has already sparked debate among fans. Some are excited to see a new perspective, while others worry about the absence of Kratos' signature combat and emotional weight. Creative director Cory Barlog stated that the team wanted to honor the character who shaped Kratos' arc, calling Laufey "the unsung hero of the entire saga." He emphasized that the game will still carry the series' hallmark themes of family, loss, and redemption.

"God of War: Laufey" is expected to release in late 2026 for PlayStation 5 and PC. No gameplay footage has been shown yet, but a cinematic trailer is scheduled for next month.