Honestly, the silence from Santa Monica Studio has been a bit deafening lately. If you’ve spent any time scouring Reddit or watching grainy "leak" videos on YouTube, you’ve probably seen a dozen different release dates for the next Kratos adventure. Most of them are flat-out guesses.
But here’s the reality as of early 2026: Yes, a new God of War project is happening, but it might not be the massive GOW 6 you’re imagining.
We are currently in a weird "bridge" period for the franchise. Sony is stretching the IP in directions we haven't seen before. While everyone is waiting for Kratos to show up in Egypt or Japan and start swinging the Leviathan Axe at a new pantheon, the internal buzz at PlayStation suggests something a bit more experimental is coming first.
The Greek Prequel: Kratos Returns to His Roots?
The biggest rumor gaining steam—and one backed by semi-reliable industry voices like Jeff Grubb—is a smaller-scale project internally delayed to 2026.
This isn't God of War 6.
Instead, word is that Santa Monica Studio is working on a 2.5D Metroidvania-style game set back in the Greek era. Think along the lines of Blasphemous or Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, but with the brutal, cinematic weight of God of War. Rumors suggest it focuses on Deimos, Kratos’ brother, or a younger Kratos dealing with the fallout of his relationship with Zeus.
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It sounds risky. Why go from massive open-world Norse epics back to a side-scrolling perspective?
The math is simple. AAA games now take 6+ years to make and cost a fortune. Sony needs "smaller" wins to fill the gaps. If this Greek prequel actually hits in late 2026, it serves as a massive nostalgia hit for old-school fans while the team finishes the "real" next big sequel.
What’s Happening With God of War 6?
If you're looking for a mainline sequel—the one where Kratos (or maybe Atreus) explores a totally new mythology—you’re going to need some patience.
Cory Barlog, the creative powerhouse behind the 2018 reboot, has been working on a "technically ambitious" project for years. For a while, people thought this was definitely the next God of War. Then, reports surfaced that it might be a brand-new sci-fi IP.
As of right now, Santa Monica Studio hasn't officially confirmed which one is coming first. However, job listings from 2025 and early 2026 for "combat designers familiar with the God of War (2018) systems" confirm the franchise isn't on ice.
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Here is the most likely roadmap:
- 2026: The rumored Greek-era "Metroidvania" or spin-off.
- 2027/2028: The next massive "God of War 6" or a standalone Atreus journey.
The Atreus Problem
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: Atreus. God of War Ragnarök ended with him heading out on his own.
Half the fan base wants a solo Atreus game. The other half says "No Kratos, no buy." It's a tough spot for the devs. A smaller "Miles Morales" style spin-off focusing on Atreus searching for the remaining Giants would be the perfect way to test those waters without risking the "main" series' reputation.
The TV Show is the Real Priority Right Now
If you want to know why the games feel like they're in a holding pattern, look at Amazon Prime Video.
Just this month (January 2026), it was officially confirmed that Ryan Hurst has been cast as Kratos for the live-action series. Yes, the same guy who voiced Thor in Ragnarök. It’s a wild bit of casting that has the community divided, but the production is moving fast. They start filming in Vancouver this March.
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Sony often aligns game releases with their big TV/Film pushes (look at The Last of Us or Twisted Metal). It's highly probable that whatever the next "big" game is, it’s being timed to land near the premiere of this show, likely in 2027.
What You Should Actually Expect
Don't get tricked by "Leaked PS6 Launch Trailer" videos. They are almost always fake.
The most "official" thing we've had recently was the Version 06.06 update for God of War Ragnarök that dropped just a few days ago. It didn't add new content, just a "Power Saver" mode for the PS5 Pro. It’s a boring technical update, but it proves the studio is still keeping the Ragnarök engine polished.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Lower your expectations for a 2026 "Main" Sequel: Everything points to 2027 or later for the next $70 blockbuster entry.
- Watch the State of Play: Rumors suggest a summer 2026 showcase where Sony might finally reveal the "Greek project" or Barlog’s secret game.
- Keep an eye on the TV show: The show's narrative focus (which is skipping the Greek era to start in Midgard) will likely dictate where the next game goes to avoid confusing new fans.
The God of War is far from retired. He’s just resting. For now, we wait to see if he’s coming back with a spear, an axe, or in a completely different dimension.