Summary
While it was undoubtedly a difficult task to match the success ofGod of War2018, let alone improve upon it, Santa Monica rose to the occasion on June 14, 2025. From a gameplay perspective, depth was added via new realms to explore, another weapon for Kratos called the Draupnir spear, and playable Atreus segments. Entirely optional areas full of intriguing lore like The Crater helpedGod of War: Ragnarok’s story, while phenomenal performances from actors like Christopher Judge made moments likeKratos’ Death and the Loggerstory even more poignant. One year later, the game remains incredible, thoughRagnarokdoesn’t quite feel like the “end of all things.”
Enter the recent rumors and leaks about aGod of War Ragnarokhalf-sequel. Instead of a heavily requested DLC for the award-winning PlayStation exclusive, Santa Monica is supposedly making another game in the same vein asSpider-Man: Miles MoralesandUncharted: Lost Legacy. This means that it will likely be a shorter game that reuses several assets fromGod of War Ragnarok, and it is rumored to be nearing the end of development, with a potential reveal coming at The Game Awards. While fans may be eager to jump to a new mythology with a fresh cast and different gameplay mechanics,God of War Ragnarok’s loose ends mean that a half-sequel like this is an ideal scenario.
God of War’s Norse Era Still Has Plenty to Give
God of War Ragnarok Leaves Some Big Plot Threads Dangling
Last time fans saw Atreus - Kratos’ son and the character expected to lead this semi-sequel intheGod of Warseries- he was off on a mission to find and help other Giants. While this simple task could theoretically be the focus of a fully fledgedGod of Warrelease, as Kratos and Atreus’ goal in the original game was remarkably simple, it makes more sense for the Giants to be found somewhere in the Norse realms. As such, a smaller game that serves as an epilogue to Santa Monica’s Norse saga is a good approach to take. With many surprised thatRagnarokwas the end of the series’ Norse arc, as fans felt there was still more to explore in the mythology, this semi-sequel could be the perfect way to get some more juice out of Norse stories. Given how successfulRagnarokwas, too, another game that resembles it as closely as possible could be a guaranteed win for Sony and Santa Monica, both from a critical and commercial standpoint.
Not only doesAtreus’ missionmake sense for a smaller-spin-off game set in the remaining eight realms, but there are several plot points that Santa Monica can expand on if it spends more time within this mythology, as opposed to leaving certain questions unanswered. Perhaps the biggest thing that fans are wondering about is who blew the horn to summon the world serpent in the original game.God of War Ragnarokdoes not answer this, and if the series jumped to another mythology, it could never get the chance to do so. Sticking with the Norse era for this smaller in-between game gives Santa Monica one more chance to provide that answer. Whether it was Baldur, Kratos’ use of Gjallarhorn echoing through time, or a time-traveling Loki trying to make sure that all happens as it should, answers about the hornblower are long overdo.
Beyond that, there are a few key characters that could be explored further through another Norse game. Though Angrboda following her partner Atreus to a new world would make sense, Thrud is clearly happy in her homeland. Now that she wields Mjolnir, letting her team-up with Atreus again to show how she has learned from what happened to her father could make for a memorable sequence. Additionally, Sindri’s story should be concluded before moving to a new setting, as his current ending is devastating. WhetherSindri fights Atreusto the death or manages to forgive him, closure for the once-loving dwarf would certainly be welcome.
Beyond answering the question aboutGod of War’s Hornand concluding the arcs for Thrud and Sindri, other big players in Norse mythology could feature. Sinmara has a grudge against Kratos and Atreus due to the death of Surtr and could make a great boss, while figures that have yet to appear, like the God of Revenge Vidar and the Goddess of the Dead Hel, would be interesting to see.
A God of War Ragnarok Spin-Off Can Set The Stage For What’s Next
Instead of just doing a time jump and showing Kratos, Atreus, or both in anEgyptianGod of Warsetting- or some other mythology - Santa Monica can set up the transition a bit more smoothly. While skipping ahead to an older Kratos worked for the Norse saga, as his fate at the end ofGod of War 3was left uncertain, it could feel repetitive and unearned if another time skip was used. The end of aGod of War Ragnarokhalf-sequel can explicitly state where the heroes are going next, with Kratos setting out on another peacekeeping mission to continue redeeming himself, or Atreus making a discovery that requires him to leave the Norse lands behind.
Having one more game before Atreus becomes a proper adult could help from a gameplay perspective as well. If he receives his own game via thisheavily rumoredGod of Warproject, he could have a chance to develop more of his Loki powers. Players could acquire a few more transformations for him ahead of the next majorGod of Wartitle, as well as a few other abilities that would suit a God of Mischief. Atreus is in need of a proper melee weapon, too, as Ingrid is gone and was not used like a traditional sword anyway. Perhaps Faye could even reach out to Atreus to provide some important lessons after death, making him an even more formidable god. WhileGod of War: Ragnarokdeserves to be celebrated on its first birthday, it is hard not to think about what could come next.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
