Here’s What Kratos' Inclusion In God of War Laufey’s Timeline Means
Topics: God Of War, PlayStation, Santa Monica Studio, PlayStation 5
Featured Image Credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Topics: God Of War, PlayStation, Santa Monica Studio, PlayStation 5
God of War Laufey was announced during the recent State of Play, and it featured a cameo from the main man himself, Kratos. But why was he there, and what does it mean for this game's timeline?
God of War Laufey was revealed with an epic 20-minute gameplay showcase at the most recent State of Play. The official announcement of this game confirmed that it will star Kratos’ deceased wife from the soft 2018 reboot God of War. It’s an all-new era for the franchise, starring Faye, the Golden Hand of the Jötnar.
The gameplay presentation began in the opening moments of God of War (2018) during Faye’s funeral, performed by her husband Kratos and their son, Atreus. Without giving too much away (because you should really watch the gameplay), we later see Faye in the afterlife, before she gets into an epic battle that very much reminded me of Devil May Cry's combat.
After her funeral, Faye wakes up in the afterlife realm, Everywhen. In this realm, it’s not just the former Norse residents that are here. It appears to be the home of deceased gods across multiple pantheons, such as Egyptian, Asian and perhaps even Mayan mythology. Though we’re not 100% sure on those details quite yet, it appears not to be outside the realm of possibility judging by what we saw in the gameplay.
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There is a moment when Faye is trapped in a cage before escaping and making her captors quickly regret ever trying to keep her prisoner. After all, attempting to keep the Golden Hand of the Jötnar prisoner is never a good idea.
Before Faye escapes her cage, with the help of a cube named Phranque and a ribbon named Rue who is trying to keep a mysterious and powerful sword safe, she gets a very quick glimpse of Kratos reaching out to her. But how and why has this happened?
Be warned, there are God of War Ragnarök spoilers ahead.
As we’ve already established, Faye’s story takes place in the afterlife. In terms of the timeline, her journey will take place parallel to 2018's God of War, and perhaps even extends into God of War Ragnarök. Furthermore, as confirmed on the official PlayStation socials, we know that God of War Laufey is a mainline entry and not a spin-off.
During God of War (2018), Kratos ventures into the Norse version of hell, Helheim. What’s more, throughout this story, it’s quite clearly suggested that Kratos feels the presence of his dead wife throughout, especially as he struggles with his inner rage, coming to terms with being a widow for a second time, and being a single dad.
In God of War Ragnarök, Faye’s presence is still felt by Kratos, and we get glimpses of his wife during some flashback sequences. However, perhaps more telling is Kratos’ epic battle with Thor.
The battle between Kratos and Thor is one of the most memorable moments of God of War Ragnarök, and if there’s one god that can go toe to toe with the God of War, it’s the God of Thunder.
There is a brief moment during this battle, when Kratos actually dies for a few seconds, before Thor sparks him back to life, so that they can continue to punch each other in the face. Could this brief window explain Kratos’ cameo in the gameplay reveal? It's possible that Kratos also appeared in Everywhen during his brief moment of death.
That being said, Kratos making a cameo could simply be a figment of Faye’s imagination. Only time will tell.
Of course, it’s worth keeping in mind that this is all just a theory, and at the time of writing, nothing has precisely been confirmed by Sony PlayStation or the developers at Santa Monica Studio. Hopefully, we’ll learn some official story details sooner rather than later.
“Death was supposed to be the end, but for Laufey (Faye), warrior and wife to Kratos, a new adventure is just beginning. Awakening unexpectedly in a strange land after her death, Faye discovers the plans she put in place to protect Kratos and Atreus in her absence are now at risk,” reads the synopsis of the game.
“To save the ones she loves, Faye must fight through the afterlife of the gods - the Everywhen - where ruthless gods from across mythology vie for power in a land overflowing with dangerous magic. Harness Faye's speed, control, and relentlessness to overwhelm even the fiercest of foes with decisive, deadly precision.”
Right now, the release date for God of War Laufey hasn't been confirmed, and with the game currently in development, we might have to be patient for its arrival. But as always, as soon as new information drops, we’ll be sure to let you know.
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