God of War Laufey places Kratos’ wife into action mode among fallen deities, and it's arriving soon.

      Kratos is not at the forefront of the next main installment of God of War; instead, Faye is taking the lead.

      God of War Laufey places Kratos’ wife, known as Laufey, in the spotlight of an action game for PS5, set in Everywhen, a realm of the afterlife where deceased gods from various mythologies converge. Although it’s on the horizon, Sony has yet to announce a release date, pricing, or regional availability.

      Faye has held significant importance in God of War as a figure of memory, motivation, and myth. Now, Santa Monica Studio is placing her directly in the players' control, complete with her own weapons, movements, and divine challenges to navigate.

      Santa Monica Studios

      What occurs when Faye takes charge

      Faye awakens in the Everywhen, quickly broadening the narrative scope. This realm allows Santa Monica Studio to expand beyond the Norse storyline without revisiting Kratos’ extensive unresolved issues.

      The 23-minute gameplay reveal provides more substance to this concept, showcasing Faye encountering other gods in the Everywhen. Observant Reddit users have already pointed out potential identities like Begtse and Sekhmet, though these claims still await official validation. Begtse is a war deity from Mongolian and Tibetan Buddhism, while Sekhmet is the lion-headed Egyptian goddess linked with war, plagues, and healing.

      The shift in combat appears to be as crucial as the character change. Faye wields a legendary sword, employs aerial maneuvers, and possesses soul-based abilities, giving God of War Laufey a faster, more vertical identity compared to Kratos’ heavier approach.

      How far can Faye take it?

      The challenge is clear, as Kratos is still the defining figure for many players within the series. Santa Monica Studio isn’t merely swapping the character on the cover; it’s inviting fans to follow a protagonist who has mainly existed within the emotional repercussions of other characters' narratives.

      This provides Faye with room that Kratos no longer occupies. Players are already aware of her significance to Kratos and Atreus, but God of War Laufey can reveal her desires, fears, and the type of violence she engages in when the narrative isn’t guided by others.

      Santa Monica Studios

      The true challenge will lie in the quieter moments between battles. While a sword, soul powers, and dead deities can make for an intriguing trailer, the character development will determine whether Faye truly feels like a lead.

      What’s next?

      Currently, God of War Laufey has an intentionally vague release timeframe. It is listed as coming soon for PS5, and the PlayStation Store wishlist page is active, but no specific date has been provided.

      The next reveal should demonstrate Faye’s gameplay over a more extended period. Additional combat footage, a clearer view of the Everywhen, and a release date would assist players in assessing how significantly Santa Monica Studio is diverging from the Kratos model.

      God of War Laufey already has a compelling purpose. The next step is to demonstrate that Faye can fully embrace this role without relying on Kratos’ shadow.