Santa Monica Studio is boldly redefining its epic saga with God of War Laufey, venturing into uncharted narrative territory. This groundbreaking installment shifts focus from Kratos to his enigmatic wife, Faye, also known as Laufey the Just. Far from being a mere prequel, the game plunges players into a fresh perspective on the lore, beginning precisely at the moment of Faye’s funeral pyre from the 2018 title. Newly released footage offers a thrilling glimpse into Faye’s journey as she confronts formidable gods, forges an alliance with an unexpected cosmic cube, and navigates a surreal new realm. Game Director Ariel Lawrence emphasizes this isn’t a deviation but rather an expansion of the universe, allowing players to connect more deeply with a character so fundamental to the series’ beginnings. Faye, a Frost Giant of Jötunheim with the gift of foresight and the original wielder of the Leviathan Axe, is now ready to carve her own legend.
Where in the worlds
The new adventure commences not as a rumored prequel, but directly following Faye’s cremation at the start of the 2018 God of War. This pivotal event transports her to a mysterious dimension known as the Everywhen, described as the afterlife for gods. However, it’s far from a peaceful paradise. The Everywhen is a desolate, nightmarish otherworld, populated by menacing killer flora and spectral masked skeletons, with creatures confined in cages and ominous gateways suspended in the sky. Santa Monica Studio’s Head of Creative, Cory Barlog, describes it bluntly: “They’re all assholes.” This dimension acts as a cosmic prison for deities who, despite their power, perpetually engage in conflict. Faye will encounter challenging adversaries like Sekhmet, the Egyptian god associated with plagues and vengeance, and Begtse, the colossal Mongolian god of war, who serves as her imposing guardian. The game clearly leans into the aggressive nature of these diverse mythological figures.
Faye the fighter
Faye is no stranger to combat, proving herself a formidable warrior on par with Kratos, though her fighting style is distinctly different. Unlike Kratos’s brute strength and tank-like physicality, Faye excels in agility and speed, employing a more athletic approach to overcome enemies. Her heritage as a Jotun imbues her with natural magical abilities, further enhancing her combat prowess. She swiftly acquires a rather unconventional sword, which becomes a key element of her arsenal. Director Lawrence highlights the studio’s intention to differentiate Faye’s physical profile from Kratos, focusing on fluid, agile movements while maintaining the series’ signature gritty, close-quarters combat and companion mechanics. The development team drew inspiration from both the Greek and Norse eras of God of War to craft a unique combat experience that feels authentically “Faye” while remaining true to Santa Monica Studio’s design philosophy.
Mighty and magical
While only briefly showcased in the initial reveal, Faye’s magical capabilities are vast, as hinted throughout previous God of War titles. Her powers stem directly from her being, unlike Kratos, who utilizes magic as an external tool. Her magic is innately connected to the natural world, drawing parallels to Freya’s abilities. Faye possesses the gift of foresight, demonstrated by her ability to cast protective wards, like the glowing handprints seen near her former home, and she commands impressive strength. In the Everywhen, the very fabric of existence amplifies magical energies exponentially. Barlog noted, “When we get to the Everywhen, the density of magic is amplified by like a thousand.” This heightened magical environment allows Faye’s powers to flourish and evolve, as evidenced by a powerful moment where she extracts a soul from an adversary using her newfound sword.
Friends of Faye
Faye’s journey in the Everywhen is far from solitary, as she quickly gathers a most unusual retinue of companions. Her primary allies include Phranque, a cosmic cube voiced by Jack Quaid, and Rue, an enchanted ribbon guardian brought to life by Perlina Lau. This bizarre trio forms the core of Faye’s fellowship, with Phranque playing a crucial role by containing the unique sword Faye wields. Cory Barlog emphasizes the profound importance of Phranque, describing it not just as a simple geometric shape, but as an entity imbued with deep struggle and a distinct personality. The developers hope players will grow to feel a genuine emotional connection to these unconventional heroes. Beyond this dynamic duo, another unnamed, pixie-like character appears to hold significance for Faye’s narrative, though Santa Monica Studio remains tight-lipped about their specific role, ensuring that Faye will have ample support facing the dangers of the Everywhen.
One singular universe
God of War Laufey promises to deliver a rich emotional experience, consistent with Santa Monica Studio’s acclaimed storytelling. The narrative unfolds concurrently with the timelines of God of War (2018) and Ragnarök, ensuring all events are deeply interwoven within a cohesive universe. Faye’s experiences in the Everywhen are directly linked to her life and family; she perceives Kratos’s voice and sees visions of him, reflecting her recent separation from her husband and son. Her past ability to communicate with Kratos during Ragnarök underscores these enduring connections. While Kratos and Atreus are not the central figures this time, their presence will be felt, playing a meaningful role in Faye’s overarching story. Barlog confirms this isn’t a mere spin-off but a vital new chapter, expanding the grand narrative beyond anything players could have previously imagined, proving the franchise’s universe is far more vast and interconnected.
God of War: Complete Playlist
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