The God of War franchise may soon return to its mythological roots, as reports swirl that Santa Monica Studio is crafting a brand-new installment set once again in Ancient Greece. While the studio has not made any official announcements, multiple industry insiders—including journalist Jeff Grubb—have hinted at a smaller-scale project that revisits Kratos’ original stomping grounds. This potential side story could mark the most significant shift in the series since its Norse reinvention in 2018.
A Return to Olympus?
This rumored title wouldn’t be a remake or remaster of the original trilogy, but an entirely new game set in the same mythological timeline. According to early reports, it may serve as a standalone experience—shorter in scope than the core titles—similar in format to Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. That structure could allow Santa Monica Studio to flesh out unexplored stories from Kratos’ past while staying agile and experimental in development.
Set possibly before or alongside the events of the original Greek-era trilogy, this entry could shed light on Kratos’ early years as a Spartan general or delve into mythological conflicts only hinted at in the original games. There’s also speculation that it could introduce new playable characters, perhaps centering on Greek gods or warriors who crossed paths with Kratos during his rise to power.
Perfect Timing: The 20th Anniversary of God of War
The timing of this rumor feels too perfect to ignore. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the God of War franchise, which began in 2005 on the PlayStation 2. Santa Monica Studio has already acknowledged the milestone with the Dark Odyssey Collection—a free cosmetic DLC released for God of War Ragnarök in March 2025 that featured skins inspired by the original Greek games. Fans saw this as more than just fan service; to many, it felt like a breadcrumb trail leading back to Olympus.
Adding fuel to the fire are recent job postings from the studio seeking developers with deep familiarity with the God of War franchise, including experience in “third-person melee combat” and “mythology-driven world design”—suggesting that the studio isn’t just done with Kratos yet, but possibly looking to revive what made him iconic.

Will It Play Like the Classics or the New Saga?
One of the most intriguing questions is how this hypothetical Greek installment will play. The original trilogy was known for its frenetic, combo-heavy combat and fixed camera angles, while the Norse saga embraced a slower, more grounded approach with an over-the-shoulder perspective and a single-shot cinematic style. Some fans are calling for a hybrid—blending the spectacle and speed of the older games with the weight and emotional depth of the newer ones.
Given the standalone format, this project could offer a playground for the developers to experiment with this hybrid gameplay model—satisfying both nostalgia and modern expectations.
Broader God of War Universe Expands
The momentum behind the franchise isn’t limited to games. Amazon Prime Video’s live-action God of War series is deep into development, with Battlestar Galactica’s Ron Moore serving as showrunner. Set to premiere in 2026, the show is expected to cover the Norse storyline, starting with the events of the 2018 reboot. Early production rumors suggest the series could eventually branch into Kratos’ Greek-era backstory as well, potentially syncing up with this rumored new game’s release.
Meanwhile, God of War Ragnarök continues to receive updates and support. Patch 6.05, released in April 2025, focused on bug fixes and performance improvements, though detailed patch notes were scarce. Fans appreciated the continued attention but have been clamoring for meatier content—another reason this new Greek title could land at just the right moment.
A Canceled Project, A New Direction
Interestingly, recent reports revealed that Sony scrapped a planned live-service God of War project earlier this year. While no official details were given, this cancellation appears to reflect Sony’s shifting priorities, as other multiplayer-first projects like Concord also faced setbacks. Instead, it seems the company is doubling down on narrative-driven single-player experiences—exactly what the God of War fanbase craves.
The Verdict: A Myth Reborn?
With the 20th anniversary fast approaching and clues stacking up, a return to Ancient Greece no longer seems like wishful thinking—it’s starting to feel inevitable. Whether it explores Kratos’ lost years, a new angle on familiar myths, or even another protagonist, this rumored game has the potential to reignite a beloved era while propelling the franchise forward.
For longtime fans, the idea of revisiting Olympus is thrilling. For newer players introduced during the Norse saga, it’s a chance to understand what made Kratos a gaming icon in the first place. Until Santa Monica Studio breaks its silence, we’re left with speculation—but if the winds from Mount Olympus are any sign, war is coming again.