Spoilers for God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok.
The God of War franchise is a huge mystery at the moment, as developer Santa Monica Studio has yet to reveal what awaits Kratos next. There have been plenty of rumors about what the next God of War could be, but none have been confirmed. As the wait continues for Santa Monica Studio to make an official reveal, bold claims about the franchise's next steps persist.
One of the biggest rumors right now is that the next God of War may be a prequel. While the claims from notable industry insider Tom Henderson suggest a return to Ancient Greece starring a younger Kratos, longtime speculation has also led many fans to believe that Egypt could be the next game's setting. Right now, it's unclear if Egypt will ever play a part in the God of War games, but if so, a prequel that takes place in this setting would also make sense. An Egyptian-based God of War prequel would also shake up the established gameplay of the modern era of the series, as it would leave Kratos without a shield.
Doom: The Dark Ages Proves an Egyptian God of War Game Doesn’t Have to Push the Envelope
Doom: The Dark Ages' status as a prequel might be proof positive that the next God of War game doesn't need to go crazy with its premise.
If God of War's Rumored Prequel Ventures Into Egypt, Kratos Will Be Left Without His Newest Method of Defense
Kratos' Guardian Shield Has Played a Major Role in the Norse Saga
- The Guardian Shield was given to Kratos by his wife Faye as an anniversary gift.
Part of Kratos' character development within the Norse saga has hinged on the loss of his wife Faye. Because of this, Kratos' shield is more than just a tool; it has become an important piece of him, and it's now difficult to imagine a God of War game where he doesn't have the shield. However, if Santa Monica Studio adapted the God of War: Fallen God comic arc that many fans are theorizing, then he would be left completely without this important item.
This would undoubtedly make the gameplay of such a sequel incredibly different, as Kratos' combat mechanics would likely revert to something more akin to the original trilogy. This could prove to be a solid way to blend both the modern era and the classic games into one experience.
It's important to note that although the Guardian Shield is integral to the Norse Saga, it isn't Kratos' first time interacting with shields. In God of War: Chains of Olympus, the Sun Shield is a parry item. It returns in God of War III as the Helios Shield.
A Bridge Between the Old and the New
While the Norse saga brings just as much hard-hitting action as the Ancient Greece era, the former brings a deeper emotional edge to the franchise that sets it apart from its predecessor. It's a strong evolution of the series, but it would be fascinating to see how Santa Monica Studio would go about crafting a fresh God of War chapter that set the emotions aside and took more inspiration from the original trilogy.
An Egyptian prequel could be the perfect way to do so. Of course, there can still be plenty of room for some emotions, but Kratos was a very different person before he met Faye and had Atreus. A pre-Norse Kratos could offer even more exciting storytelling potential, as it could highlight his growth after becoming a father even more clearly.
Kratos' shield is more than just a tool; it has become an important piece of him.
Santa Monica Studio Continues to Keep God of War Under Wraps
After the recent 20th anniversary of God of War failed to produce any major announcements, there's no telling when Santa Monica Studio will announce the next chapter. It could be a prequel, or it could answer the questions left by Ragnarok. Only time will tell, but an Egyptian prequel has some compelling potential.
God of War Ragnarok
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- November 9, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go
From 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.
