Next God of War Project Delayed Internally to 2026, According to New Rumors
The upcoming God of War spin-off project—rumored to be a 2.5D Metroidvania set in Ancient Greece—has reportedly been delayed internally to 2026, dashing earlier hopes of a late 2025 release.
As shared by reputable industry insider Jeff Grubb during a recent episode of the Last of the Nintendogs podcast, Sony and Santa Monica Studio have decided to push the timeline back, although no official announcement has been made.
Grubb stated:
“From what I’m hearing, the new God of War project has been internally delayed. The new target is now 2026.”
The spin-off title is rumored to deviate significantly from the massive action-RPG formula introduced in 2018’s God of War and continued with 2022’s Ragnarok. Instead, this new entry will adopt a side-scrolling Metroidvania style, offering a more compact and stylized experience while maintaining thematic roots in Ancient Greek mythology. Notably, this would mark a return to the earlier setting of the franchise, before Kratos’ journey shifted to Norse mythology.
A Smaller Yet Purposeful Side Project
Unlike the mainline titles, this God of War offshoot is expected to be a smaller-scale project, both in scope and ambition. However, that doesn't mean it will lack substance. Fans can likely expect:
2.5D exploration and combat
Unlockable abilities for backtracking
A narrative focus connected to the wider mythos
These gameplay elements may draw inspiration from Metroid and Castlevania, but adapted into the brutal, emotionally-driven world that God of War is known for.
A Legacy of Innovation
While the series is known for its sweeping, cinematic experiences, Santa Monica Studio has proven willing to experiment within the franchise. Most recently, the Valhalla DLC for God of War: Ragnarok introduced a roguelite mode, earning praise for its smart design and replay value. This further indicates the studio’s appetite for diverse gameplay mechanics that extend the series beyond traditional boundaries.
With development now reportedly targeting 2026, it may be some time before PlayStation players get an official glimpse at what this new chapter in Kratos’ saga—or possibly another character’s—will entail.
Are you excited about a Metroidvania-style God of War set in Ancient Greece, or would you rather see the series stick to large-scale cinematic storytelling?
