Sony Confirms New Kratos-Led God of War Following Laufey
Cory Barlog reveals at SDCC 2026 that the next mainline entry is already in development and will connect directly to the February 2027 Faye-focused spin-off.
Santa Monica Studio is building a more interconnected God of War universe than fans expected. At San Diego Comic-Con 2026, creative head Cory Barlog confirmed that a new mainline God of War game starring Kratos is in development and will pick up directly after the events of God of War Laufey.
A Two-Part Strategy
The announcement positions Laufey as more than a standalone spin-off. Scheduled for release on February 16, 2027, for PlayStation 5, the Faye-led game begins after her death and runs parallel to the events of God of War (2018) and Ragnarok. According to Barlog, the project introduces "The Everywhen," an afterlife realm where gods from multiple mythologies battle for power.
"Everything we are doing in the Faye game is a continuation of what came before and to set up and expand what comes next," Barlog said, according to Wccftech.
Kratos Returns After Laufey
While Laufey marks the first time the franchise has handed the lead to a character other than Kratos, players won't wait long for his return. Barlog confirmed that the next Kratos-led adventure is already in development.
"Kratos is in another game immediately after this [that] directly connects to the events of the Laufey game," Barlog stated, per GamesRadar+.
This signals a shift in how Santa Monica Studio views the God of War franchise. Rather than a linear sequence of sequels, the studio is constructing a web of interconnected narratives where standalone entries directly influence the stakes and plot of the primary Kratos storyline.
Expanding the Norse Era
The strategy builds on the foundation laid by the Norse saga. After the critical and commercial success of the 2018 reboot and Ragnarok, the studio is using Laufey to expand lore while keeping the core narrative intact. By setting Faye's story parallel to existing games, the team can explore new locations and mythologies without disrupting established continuity.
The Everywhen concept opens doors for future crossovers and mythological exploration beyond the Norse pantheon. This realm-based structure could allow subsequent entries to draw from different mythologies while maintaining a cohesive universe.
What This Means for the Franchise
The dual-announcement approach suggests Sony and Santa Monica Studio view God of War as a long-term franchise pillar. By confirming both Laufey's release date and the existence of a connected Kratos sequel, the studio is signaling confidence in the property's future.
For players, the takeaway is clear: invest in Laufey's story, because it matters. This isn't optional lore — it's setup for the next chapter in Kratos's journey.
God of War Laufey launches February 16, 2027, on PlayStation 5. The subsequent Kratos-led title remains undated.