Highlights
- Faye leads a mainline God of War game for the first time in franchise history.
- The Everywhen introduces a cross-mythology realm ruled by Sekhmet and Begtse.
- Soul-based combat, aerial attacks, and the return of jumping headline gameplay changes.
Santa Monica Studio announced God of War Laufey during the PlayStation State of Play on June 2, 2026. The game makes Kratos' deceased Jötunn wife, Faye, the lead protagonist of a mainline entry for the first time in the franchise's 21-year history. The PS5-exclusive title is now open for wishlisting on the PlayStation Store.
However, no release date has been confirmed.
The reveal follows two other God of War announcements from February 2026’s PlayStation State of Play: Son of Sparta, a Greek-era side game, and a full Greek trilogy remake. Head of Creative, Cory Barlog, has described Kratos as the franchise's core while framing characters like Faye as branches the studio intends to develop in parallel. This is a structural shift fans have already likened to Marvel's expanded universe model.
God of War Laufey's Story Explained: Who is Faye and What is the Everywhen?
Faye, whose full lore name is Laufey the Just, was the supreme warrior-guardian of Jötunheim's Giants and the original owner of the Leviathan Axe. Her death before the opening of God of War (2018) set the entire Norse saga in motion.
The game places her in the Everywhen, a gods-only afterlife above all mortal and divine underworlds, where deities from Norse, Mongolian, Egyptian, and other pantheons coexist under duress. Two gods of war, Sekhmet and Begtse, currently have control of it.
God of War Laufey's gameplay centers on soul powers, sword combat, and the return of a full jump mechanic.
As the Golden Hand of the Jötnar, Faye can detach an enemy's soul mid-combat and deploy it offensively, striking it directly or hurling it into other enemies to extend combos. She wields an enchanted sword earned through companion Rue. Her movement system draws on the Greek-era titles, restoring aerial combat and a full jump not seen in the franchise since God of War III (2010).
God of War Laufey Leaks: What Rumors Said Before the Reveal
Months before Santa Monica Studio unveiled God of War Laufey, a Reddit leak claimed that Faye would lead a prequel set before God of War (2018), travel across multiple mythologies, wield a talking sword, and be accompanied by a gelatinous cube companion. The leak also suggested a 2027 release window for the game.
Several of those details appear to have been accurate. The reveal confirmed Faye as the protagonist, introduced Phranque as a sentient cube companion, and established the cross-mythology setting of the Everywhen. Other claims remain unconfirmed, including reports that Kratos will appear later in the story carrying an Egyptian weapon and could become playable.
Santa Monica Studio has not commented on those rumors.
God of War Laufey Cast and Creative Team: Confirmed Credits
The game's cast and creative team feature several returning and new contributors:
- Deborah Ann Woll, reprises her role as Faye, leading the cast in God of War Laufey.
- Jack Quaid, voices Phranque, a sentient cosmic gelatinous cube companion from the Everywhen who assists Faye throughout her journey.
- Perlina Lau, plays Rue, the enchanted ribbon guardian tied to Faye's sword.
- Ariel Lawrence, serves as the Game Director of God of War Laufey.
- Cory Barlog serves as Head of Creative at Santa Monica Studio and is credited as Head of Creative on God of War Laufey.
- Begtse, to be announced (TBA).
- Sekhmet, TBA.
God of War Laufey’s Fan Reaction: Why the Community is Split
The announcement divided fans immediately. Supporters cited gameplay quality, Woll's performance, and the restored jump mechanic. Critics challenged Kratos' absence and the cross-mythology structure. Series creator David Jaffe publicly criticized the reveal.
Canadian online streamer Félix Lengyel, AKA xQc (formerly xQcOW), argued the title carries less appeal to male audiences, while observers attributed part of the backlash to the game's female lead rather than its creative direction.
Barlog said in a post-reveal interview that Kratos will remain part of the franchise. Whether the series' new multi-protagonist structure earns audience support is a question God of War Laufey will answer at launch.
