Kratos confirmed to return as series lead after God of War: Laufey

Santa Monica Studio has confirmed that Kratos will return as the lead character in the next God of War game following the release of God of War: Laufey, ending speculation that the series would move away from its long-time protagonist.

The announcement was made during a dedicated God of War: Laufey panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 24.

Santa Monica Studio Head of Creative Cory Barlog revealed that Kratos' next adventure will directly continue the story established in the upcoming spin-off centred on his late wife, Faye.

God of War: Laufey shifts the focus to Faye after her death at the beginning of 2018's God of War. According to Barlog, however, the game is not intended to replace Kratos as the franchise's central character.

While no title, trailer, gameplay footage, platforms or release window were announced, he described the upcoming title as a continuation of the story being told in Laufey.

The confirmation expands on earlier comments made after Laufey was first revealed in June. At the time, Barlog said, “There’s always going to be Kratos games throughout the whole history,” while game director Ariel Lawrence added, “We can’t not tell stories about the big guy.”

Barlog also explained that God of War: Laufey serves as “a continuation of what came before” and will help prepare the franchise's future, suggesting the game acts as a bridge into Kratos' next chapter rather than a standalone side story.

Alongside the announcement, Santa Monica Studio confirmed that God of War: Laufey will launch on February 16 2027 for PlayStation 5.