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If you want the clearest preparation for the upcoming God of War Laufey, play God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök. Ragnarök: Valhalla is an optional, free add-on to play afterward. The current US PlayStation listing identifies God of War Sons of Sparta as the latest released title and dates God of War Laufey for February 16, 2027. In other words, “next” can mean the latest game already out or the next announced chapter: those are different titles.
When is the next God of War game coming out?
PlayStation’s current US series overview lists God of War Laufey for PS5, with a release date of February 16, 2027. The same listing describes it as the next chapter of the saga and says Faye will be a playable protagonist for the first time in the franchise. Those are announced details and may change; check PlayStation’s current US God of War overview for the latest date and platform information.
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The latest released title on that listing is God of War Sons of Sparta, released February 12, 2026. It is a side-scrolling prequel about a young Kratos, not the next entry in the Norse story. If you are asking what to play to follow the saga leading into Laufey, the practical route is the Norse arc: God of War (2018) and Ragnarök. The US overview does not establish that any older game is a required prerequisite.
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PlayStation’s overview calls Laufey “the next chapter of the saga” and says it introduces a new playable protagonist for the first time in franchise history. Its US listing currently gives the specific February 16, 2027 date; the broader description says February 2027. These are announced details, not a guarantee. The current official US listing does not establish final technical requirements, editions, or regional availability for Laufey, so wait for official updates before making plans around those specifics.
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What order should I play God of War in?
For the modern Norse story, play in release order: God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök. Add Valhalla after finishing Ragnarök if you want more Kratos-focused story and gameplay. You do not need to complete the Greek-era games to understand the central father-and-son journey in these two games.
- God of War (2018): Start here. The game introduces the Norse setting and the relationship between Kratos and his son, Atreus.
- God of War Ragnarök: Continue here. It is the follow-up to the 2018 game and carries forward Kratos and Atreus’s story.
- God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla: Play this after the main game. It is downloadable content set after Ragnarök, with a reflective, roguelite-inspired journey for Kratos.
This is a recommendation based on the official descriptions of the games and their story relationship, not a publisher-mandated play order. If you want the franchise’s older Greek-era background, you can explore those games separately; they are not a substitute for the 2018 starting point when your goal is to follow the Norse arc.
That distinction matters because release chronology and story preparation are not exactly the same question. The franchise has Greek-era main entries and portable titles, while the 2018 game begins the modern Norse story. Sons of Sparta is a newly released game but a Greek-rooted prequel; Laufey is the upcoming chapter in the current US listing and shifts playable focus to Faye. Neither changes the simple two-game recommendation for someone whose priority is the Norse arc.
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It is the best choice if you want the story to land fully. Ragnarök follows the 2018 game, so starting with the earlier title gives you the introduction to Kratos and Atreus and the relationship at the heart of the modern storyline. Starting with Ragnarök means entering that ongoing journey later.
PlayStation’s official Ragnarök page provides a story recap for players who need one. A recap can help orient you, but it is not the same experience as playing the earlier game. If you have limited time and want the full context, start with 2018; if you are ready to begin with the sequel, use the recap and expect some earlier character history to be new to you.
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So the practical answer is “recommended, but not presented as a formal requirement.” The official material establishes that Ragnarök is the follow-up and offers a recap, but it does not make the 2018 game a mandatory prerequisite. You can choose between experiencing the relationship and story from its beginning or using the recap to move directly to the sequel.
How the new games differ from the older series
The franchise began with God of War on PS2 in 2005. Earlier Greek-era main entries and portable games include God of War II, Chains of Olympus, God of War III, Ghost of Sparta, and Ascension. The 2018 game shifts the setting to Norse mythology and centers Kratos and Atreus; Ragnarök continues their story.
The newer releases serve different purposes, so “play the latest game” is not necessarily the same as “continue the story you started.”
| Title | Role in the series | Protagonist or focus | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2018) | Beginning of the modern Norse story | Kratos and Atreus | Main story game |
| God of War Ragnarök | Follow-up to the 2018 game | Kratos and Atreus | Main story game |
| God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla | Post-game add-on | Kratos | Free DLC with roguelite-inspired gameplay |
| God of War Sons of Sparta | Greek-rooted prequel | Young Kratos | Side-scrolling game |
| God of War Laufey | Announced next chapter in the current US listing | Faye | Upcoming PS5 game, currently dated February 16, 2027 |
The US listing’s descriptions place Sons of Sparta in the Greek roots of the franchise and Laufey in a story following Faye after her death. That makes both notable changes of focus, but neither changes the recommended order for someone who wants to experience the Norse storyline first. PlayStation has not established a required list of older games for Laufey.
Use four questions to compare the options: Is the game part of the Greek-era background or the Norse continuity? Who is the focus—Kratos and Atreus, young Kratos, or Faye? Is it a main story game, side-scrolling prequel, or post-game DLC? And can you play it on your device? Those differences are more useful than treating every release as one uninterrupted sequence. Older entries also span PS2, PS3, and PSP, so access and compatibility need checking rather than assumption.
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- Those who break fate: Atreus seeks knowledge to help him understand the prophecy of "Loki" and what role he is to play in Ragnarök. Kratos must decide whether he will be chained by the fear of repeating his mistakes or break free of his past to be the father Atreus needs.
- Weapons of war : The Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos and Guardian Shield return alongside a host of new abilities for both Kratos and Atreus. As they take on gods and monsters from across the Nine Realms, Kratos's deadly Spartan skills will be tested like never before as he fights to protect his family.
- Explore the realms :Journey to dangerous and stunning landscapes and face a wide variety of enemy creatures, monsters and Norse gods as Kratos and Atreus search for answers and allies.
- Please note that this item is not for sale to people under the age of 18. By placing an order for this product, you declare that you are 18 years of age or older. This item must be used responsibly and appropriately.
What does the Greek-era story add?
The older games provide the franchise’s earlier Greek-era history and show a different period in Kratos’s story. They are useful if you want broader background on the character and series, but they are not the most direct preparation for the father-and-son story that begins in 2018. The official series overview lists several older main and portable entries, but a total count can depend on what a list includes—such as portable games, downloadable content, spin-offs, or announced titles—so a single franchise-wide number can be misleading.
Sons of Sparta is also a return to the Greek roots, but it is specifically a side-scrolling prequel about young Kratos. Its format and era distinguish it from the modern Norse action-adventure games. Play it if that particular angle interests you; it is not the next installment in the Kratos-and-Atreus sequence.
How long do the two Norse games take?
PlayStation’s FAQ gives estimates rather than guarantees. Your actual time will depend on how much optional content you pursue and how you choose to play. The estimates below come from PlayStation’s God of War series FAQ; the FAQ publication year is not stated in the available listing.
| Game and play style | PlayStation estimate |
|---|---|
| God of War (2018), main story | Around 20–25 hours |
| God of War (2018), completionist run | Around 40–50 hours |
| God of War Ragnarök, main story and selected side quests | Up to 40 hours |
| God of War Ragnarök, seeing everything | 55–60 hours |
These figures are useful for planning, not deadlines. PlayStation advises players to enjoy the games at their own pace. If you only want to reach the next story chapter, prioritize the main narrative rather than treating the completionist estimate as the expected time.
For a focused run through the story, the official estimates suggest roughly 20–25 hours for the 2018 game and up to 40 hours for Ragnarök with selected side quests. A completionist approach is substantially longer: around 40–50 hours for the first game and 55–60 hours to see everything in Ragnarök. The estimates do not promise an identical playtime for every player, and the FAQ does not state a publication year, so they are best treated as publisher planning figures rather than precise benchmarks.
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Where can you play the games?
PlayStation’s US overview lists God of War (2018) and Ragnarök for PS4, PS5, and PC. For PC, it names Steam and the Epic Games Store. Storefronts and availability can vary by region, so verify the listing for your country and device before buying. Older entries span PS2, PS3, and PSP; check compatibility and current access options for your region rather than assuming that an older release works on your present system.
Valhalla is free DLC for PS4 and PS5 owners through PlayStation Store, and PlayStation says it is included with the PC purchase of Ragnarök. The add-on is intended for after the main game, so it is not an alternative starting point. Check the regional store listing for the exact edition and access terms on your platform.
If you are buying a physical copy to follow the suggested order, God of War Ragnarök is available as a PS4 or PS5 game; make sure the platform on the listing matches your console. A physical PS4 copy of God of War (2018) is another possible first step. No specialized peripheral, repair item, or subscription is identified as necessary for this play order. Prices and editions were not established in current official US listings, so check current retailer and regional store listings rather than relying on an old price or assuming two editions have identical terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should a newcomer play first?
Choose based on what you want from the series:
- You want the upcoming Faye-led chapter to make sense: Play God of War (2018), followed by Ragnarök. Add Valhalla afterward if you want the optional post-game experience.
- You only want the most recent released title: The current US PlayStation overview lists Sons of Sparta, released February 12, 2026. It is a side-scrolling Greek-era prequel, not the next Norse-story chapter.
- You are mainly curious about Kratos’s earlier history: Explore the Greek-era entries separately, starting with the older mainline games or portable titles that interest you. They add franchise context but are not established prerequisites for the Norse arc.
- You already own a particular platform: Check the game’s regional store page and supported platform before planning a purchase. The 2018 game and Ragnarök are listed for PS4, PS5, and PC, while announced details for Laufey currently identify PS5.
For Ragnarök, PlayStation also describes New Game+ as an option after completing the game. Its official page notes additional progression paths, an expanded Niflheim Arena, enemy adjustments, and a black-and-white render mode. The publisher’s description says New Game+ lets players experience the story again with more gameplay options available from the start; it is a replay option, not a requirement before moving on.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next God of War game coming out?
The current US PlayStation listing dates God of War Laufey for PS5 on February 16, 2027. Release details are announced and may change, so check the official listing again closer to launch.
What order should I play God of War in?
For the modern Norse story, play God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök. Valhalla is optional DLC set after Ragnarök.
Do I need to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök?
It is recommended because Ragnarök follows the 2018 story and develops Kratos and Atreus’s relationship. PlayStation also provides a recap for people who start with the sequel; the official material does not establish the earlier game as a formal requirement.
Is God of War Sons of Sparta the next Norse game?
No. It is the latest released title in the current US overview, but it is a Greek-rooted, side-scrolling prequel about young Kratos. Laufey is the upcoming chapter listed for 2027.
Is Ragnarök: Valhalla free?
PlayStation says it is free DLC for PS4 and PS5 owners through PlayStation Store and included with the PC purchase of Ragnarök. Check your regional store for access terms.
The Bottom Line
For the Norse story, start with God of War (2018), continue with God of War Ragnarök, and treat Valhalla as an optional post-game add-on. Sons of Sparta is the latest released title in the current US listing, while Laufey is the announced upcoming PS5 chapter currently dated February 16, 2027. Check PlayStation’s listing again before launch, since announced dates and platform details can change.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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