TheGod of Warseries has been the subject of some pretty big rumors recently. FollowingGod of War Ragnarok’s release in 2022, it was heavily rumored that an Atreus-led spinoff or “half-sequel” was in the works at Santa Monica Studios. Rumors of that potential project have gone quiet in recent months, instead being overshadowed by one rumor that suggests thatthe nextGod of Warwill be set in Ancient Egypt, and another (from industry insider Jeff Grubb) that claims a newGod of War"side-story" set in Greece is on the way.
Going back to Greece would be an intriguing move for theGod of Warfranchise, with six games already set there and the pantheon being practically obliterated by the time theGod of WarGreek Saga wrapped. A newGod of WarGreek game could also potentially mean the removal of certain features introduced in the Norse Saga, one of which has become a core aspect of the series' modern identity.
A New Greek God of War Game Could Suffer If It Removed Companions
Based on Jeff Grubb’s comments, it’s unclear when thisrumoredGod of WarGreek side-storywould take place in the series timeline. It could occur before the Norse Saga, or after the events ofGod of War Ragnarok: Valhalla, with Kratos deciding to revisit his homeland. Regardless, it would be unlikely that any of Kratos' Norse Saga companions would accompany him to Ancient Greece, and that could lead to some pretty major changes in terms of gameplay and story content.
Companions Have Become a Key Part of God of War’s Story
Though it deals with world-ending battles between gods, monsters, and men,theGod of WarNorse Sagais, at its heart, a deeply emotional and grounded father-and-son story. Over the course of just two games, players watch as Kratos and Atreus' relationship grows with each combat encounter, boss battle, and major story beat, eventually culminating in a bittersweet embrace and parting of ways.
In many ways, Atreus is the heart ofthe modernGod of Warseries, and a GreekGod of Wargame without him might struggle to capture the same level of emotion and relatability that’s not only madeGod of War’s overarching narrative more compelling, but Kratos' personal journey as well. This impact would be even greater if Freya and Mimir were left behind as well, with both characters being great tools for Kratos' moral development (on top of being deeply complex and compelling characters in their own right).
Companions Have Become a Key Part of God of War’s Gameplay
The removal ofGod of War’s companionscould also have a surprisingly significant impact on the series' modern gameplay loop. Atreus' ranged attacks (or Freya when he’s not present) play a key role inGod of War’s combat and exploration. Players have gotten used to spamming Atreus' arrows in between their own swings and stabs, and it could feel like a bit of a backstep in terms of mechanical complexity if those useful attacks and abilities were removed in a newGod of Warentry.
God of War Ragnarok
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Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
