Kratos’ Next Odyssey: The Highly Anticipated God of War Spin-Off Reportedly Pushed to 2026 – What We Know So Far!

The whispers from the Nine Realms (and beyond) suggest a slight shift in the cosmic balance of PlayStation’s release schedule. Fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the epic God of War saga might have to exercise a touch more patience, as recent reports indicate a potential delay for the rumored new installment.

After the monumental conclusion of the Norse saga with God of War Ragnarök and its critically acclaimed Valhalla DLC, the gaming world has been buzzing with speculation about what lies ahead for Kratos and the franchise. While official announcements from Santa Monica Studio have remained tightly under wraps, a reliable industry insider has recently hinted that the highly anticipated God of War side-project, rumored to be a return to the series’ Greek roots, may not see the light of day until 2026.

This news, while not entirely unexpected given the nature of game development and previous God of War delays (like Ragnarök‘s shift to 2022 due to various factors, including the health of Kratos’s voice actor, Christopher Judge), still sends a ripple of anticipation and perhaps a touch of disappointment through the dedicated fanbase. Let’s delve into the details, the tantalizing rumors, and what this extended wait might mean for the future of one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.

The Return to Olympus? Unpacking the Greek Mythology Rumors

For months, the gaming community has been abuzz with reports of a new God of War title that would take players back to the franchise’s very beginnings: Ancient Greece. This speculation gained significant traction around the 20th anniversary of the original God of War in March 2025, a milestone that undoubtedly stoked the fires of nostalgia for many.

Initial whispers suggested this Greek-centric project could arrive as early as late 2025. However, insider Jeff Grubb, a respected voice in the industry, has now stated on his “The Last of the Nintendogs” podcast that this “unnannounced Greek God of War project” has been internally delayed to 2026.

But what exactly is this Greek-era God of War rumored to be? Forget a simple remaster of the original trilogy – the scuttlebutt is far more intriguing. This is reportedly a 2.5D Metroidvania-esque spin-off, a significant departure from the established third-person action-adventure format. Even more fascinating is the suggestion that Kratos might not be the primary protagonist. Instead, some leaks point towards Deimos, Kratos’s long-lost brother, as the playable character in a prequel adventure set before Kratos ascended to godhood.

Imagine the possibilities: a fresh perspective on the brutal, chaotic world of Greek mythology, explored through a different combat style and a unique narrative lens. A Metroidvania approach could introduce intricate level design, emphasizing exploration, puzzle-solving, and the gradual unlocking of new abilities, all while retaining the series’ signature visceral combat. This would indeed be a “gust of fresh air” for the franchise, offering something distinct while still honoring its rich lore.

The Silence of the Gods: Why the Delay?

The absence of any God of War announcement during the June 2025 State of Play and Summer Game Fest livestreams, traditionally prime showcases for games nearing release, fueled the initial fears of a delay. Grubb, while not elaborating on the specific reasons for the internal shift to 2026, did allude to a popular theory: the potential addition of voice acting.

According to this theory, the game’s initial smaller scope might have meant a lack of full voice-over, a decision that could have been re-evaluated by Santa Monica Studio. If this is the case, the additional time granted by the delay would be crucial for securing voice actors and recording extensive dialogue, elevating the narrative experience to the expected God of War standard. Given Santa Monica Studio’s reputation for deep, character-driven storytelling, this move would make perfect sense, even for a smaller-scale project.

Another factor, often overlooked but paramount in modern game development, is the well-being of the development team. The industry has become increasingly transparent about the toll “crunch” culture can take on developers. Delays often indicate a studio’s commitment to avoiding such practices, ensuring a healthy work environment and ultimately, a more polished and complete product. As one fan on Reddit eloquently put it, “I’m always a huge supporter of studios/publishers delaying game releases to make sure the game is stable on release, and to make sure that there is no toxic crunch culture. So, it’d be worth the wait.”

Looking Beyond the Horizon: What Else is Brewing at Santa Monica Studio?

While the Greek spin-off is capturing headlines, it’s worth remembering that Santa Monica Studio is a prolific developer with multiple irons in the fire. Following the conclusion of the Norse saga, the creative minds behind God of War are undoubtedly exploring new avenues for the franchise and potentially entirely new IPs.

There have been murmurs of the God of War series venturing into other mythologies, with Egyptian mythology being a frequently cited possibility. The “Making Of” documentary for the 2018 God of War even revealed that Egyptian mythology was an initial contender before the studio settled on the Norse setting. A future main installment exploring the rich tapestry of Egyptian gods and creatures would be a truly grand undertaking, offering a fresh visual and thematic experience for players.

Furthermore, a LinkedIn profile of a developer at Santa Monica Studio reportedly indicated that the studio is working on a new IP. This would be an exciting prospect, showcasing the studio’s versatility and ability to craft compelling narratives and engaging gameplay beyond the established God of War universe. While details are scarce, the potential for a completely fresh experience from such a talented team is something to keep an eye on.

The Art of Patience: Is the Wait Worth It?

For God of War enthusiasts, waiting for a new game is an exercise in both anticipation and trust. Santa Monica Studio has consistently delivered titles that push the boundaries of storytelling, graphical fidelity, and brutal yet deeply satisfying combat. Each delay, while initially a bummer, has historically translated into a more refined and memorable experience.

The shift of this rumored Greek spin-off to 2026, if true, reinforces the idea that Santa Monica Studio prioritizes quality over arbitrary release dates. In an industry increasingly plagued by rushed launches and broken games, this commitment to polish is a refreshing and commendable stance.

Whether we’re exploring ancient Greece as Deimos, traversing the sands of Egypt in a future main installment, or embarking on an entirely new adventure with a new IP, one thing remains certain: the creative powerhouse that is Santa Monica Studio has a proven track record of delivering gaming experiences that resonate deeply with players. The reported delay, while a test of patience, is likely an investment in a richer, more complete, and ultimately, more legendary gaming journey.

As always, with unconfirmed rumors and leaks, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism until official announcements are made. However, the consistent nature of these reports paints a compelling picture of what the future holds for the God of War franchise. So, sharpen your blades, keep your expectations tempered but hopeful, and prepare for what promises to be another unforgettable adventure from the gods of game development. The wait might be a little longer, but if history is any indication, it will be well worth it.