The God of War series has dramatically regained its momentum in recent years, largely thanks to the popular Norse-themed games. The 2018 release of God of War, followed by 2022’s God of War Ragnarok, and the Valhalla DLC in 2023, have all been praised for their engaging gameplay and the deep narrative focusing on the relationship between Kratos and his son Atreus. This surge in success and popularity has spurred Sony and Santa Monica Studio into developing new projects. Some feature Kratos and Atreus in cameo roles, while others are entirely fresh games. There are whispers of remakes of the classic God of War titles and a new sequel starring Atreus. A fresh rumor hints at a game set in Egypt, possibly adapting the 2021 comic God of War: Fallen God.
God of War: Fallen God, published by Dark Horse Comics with writing by Chris Roberson and artwork from Tony Parker and Dave Rapoza, is a four-issue series that ties into 2018’s God of War and Ragnarok. The story picks up after Kratos has wiped out the Greek pantheon in God of War 3, and it follows him as he tries to leave behind the Blades of Chaos and escape from Greece into Ancient Egypt. Kratos wanders across the unforgiving Egyptian landscape for months until he once again crosses paths with Athena’s spirit. Though she pushes him to go back to Greece and face his fate, Kratos stays defiant, continuing his journey until he discovers a village that embraces him as their hero.
The peace is short-lived when the village comes under attack by a monstrous crocodile-like Chaos Beast. Kratos, relying on sheer strength, manages to tear the beast’s top jaw off. But triumph turns to another challenge as a colossal hippo-like creature emerges from a nearby lake. Despite his efforts, Kratos is overwhelmed and finds himself face-to-face with both Athena and Thoth, the Egyptian god of magic and wisdom. They urge him once again to accept his destiny, and after a moment’s contemplation, Kratos awakens with his Chaos Blades at the ready, eventually slaying the beast. Thoth acknowledges Kratos’ journey and wishes him well as he moves away from Egypt, fulfilling a part of his destiny.
The idea of Kratos stepping into Egyptian mythology has been teasing fans ever since the 2018 God of War. In Tyr’s vault, we see Kratos, Atreus, and Mimir stumble upon Egyptian relics, prompting Mimir to reveal that they originate from a great desert land brimming with gods. In a scene from Tyr’s shrine in the same game, they come across a depiction of Tyr’s travels to Egyptian, Japanese, and Celtic regions. While God of War Ragnarok veered away from such references, Tyr appears wielding an Egyptian khopesh sword in the Valhalla DLC. Speculation suggests that Sony is auditioning Middle Eastern actors for a new God of War project set in Egypt, promising vast potential for exploring a new mythology.
If this venture turns out to be a prequel incorporating elements from Fallen God, it could flesh out Kratos’ journey, bridging the gap between his Greek adventures and the Norse saga. Santa Monica Studio might even tap Terrence C. Carson to reprise his iconic role as Kratos, emphasizing the transformation of his character. The game could feature battles with gigantic creatures like the crocodile and hippo from the comics while introducing new Egyptian monsters such as griffins, mummies, and Apep, the chaos serpent. This storyline could explore Kratos’ efforts to distance himself from the destructive Blades of Chaos.
Narratively, a prequel could pick up right after the chaos of God of War 3, with Kratos barely escaping the ruins of Greece. As he finds his way to Egypt, he faces challenges posed by the gods and beasts of this ancient land. Players might witness Kratos’ interactions with Thoth and his reluctant acceptance to aid in defeating several formidable foes. The journey could take him through mystical Egyptian realms like Aaru and Duat, presenting a moral tug-of-war where Thoth encourages Kratos to channel his powers for good. By the game’s end, Kratos might continue his search for seclusion, setting the stage for future adventures.