God of War Laufey: aerial combat returns, Kratos isn’t gone, and it’s coming sooner than you think

The Sony State of Play in June 2026 had plenty to offer, but God of War Laufey was the undisputed centrepiece. A 20-minute gameplay showcase, a brand-new protagonist, and a feature absent from the series for over a decade, there’s a lot to unpack here.

Faye can jump (and that’s a bigger deal than it sounds)

Not since God of War: Ascension in 2013 has a GOW title given you a proper jump button. The reboot era stripped it away entirely, Kratos’ ageing knees, apparently, couldn’t manage it. The man can topple gods, but stairs are a stretch.

God of War Laufey changes that. Faye is visibly leaping into aerial combos in the gameplay footage, chaining juggle attacks in a way the series hasn’t seen in years. It’s a genuinely exciting shift, her combat is designed around fluidity, contrasting sharply with Kratos’ slower, bone-crunching style. Even Thor apparently considered her an equal, which says plenty.

Kratos isn’t going anywhere

If you’ve been quietly anxious about the franchise abandoning its main man, relax. Santa Monica boss Cory Barlog confirmed post-reveal that Kratos remains a permanent fixture of the series. Faye’s story in God of War Laufey is described as part of a “larger tapestry,” with the studio keen to explore multiple characters across the franchise.

Sony Santa Monica’s official X account echoed that, teasing “many more stories” with Kratos to come.

It’s not years away

No release window of God of War Laufey was announced at the showcase, but Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier has since weighed in on Bluesky, telling fans not to read too much into the absence of a date. When asked directly whether Laufey would arrive in 2028, his response was blunt: “Definitely not.”

That’s encouraging. A 2026 or 2027 window feels realistic, and after a reveal this strong, the wait already feels shorter.

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