The God of War series has been the subject of some pretty big rumors recently. Following God 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 that the next God of War will be set in Ancient Egypt, and another (from industry insider Jeff Grubb) that claims a new God of War "side-story" set in Greece is on the way.
Going back to Greece would be an intriguing move for the God of War franchise, with six games already set there and the pantheon being practically obliterated by the time the God of War Greek Saga wrapped. A new God of War Greek 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.
God of War's Rumored Return to Greece Could Kill Two Birds With One Stone
God of War might be making a pit stop back to its Greek roots, which could come with a multi-pronged benefit, if rumors are true.
A New Greek God of War Game Could Suffer If It Removed Companions
Based on Jeff Grubb's comments, it's unclear when this rumored God of War Greek side-story would take place in the series timeline. It could occur before the Norse Saga, or after the events of God 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, the God of War Norse Saga is, 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 of the modern God of War series, and a Greek God of War game without him might struggle to capture the same level of emotion and relatability that's not only made God 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 of God of War's companions could 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 in God 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 new God of War entry.
God of War Ragnarok
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- November 9, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go
From 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.
