God of War Laufey vs Ragnarok: What Changes With Faye

God of War Laufey is a bigger shake-up than a new subtitle suggests: it is the first game in the series where Kratos is not the lead. You play Faye, Atreus's mother, who wakes in the Everywhen after death. Using Sony's official details, here is what is different from God of War Ragnarok and what is still unknown. The game launches on PS5 on May 20, 2027, after a delay from February 16.

Quick summary

• Lead character: Faye (Laufey) instead of Kratos.
• Setting: the Everywhen, an afterlife realm, per reports on the reveal.
• New weapons: a sword with customisable blade, and the Serpent Bow with swappable Scales.
• Companions: Phranque and Rue appear in the Collector Box art and combat descriptions.
• Platform: PS5 only so far; Ragnarok is on PS4, PS5 and PC.

Who do you play in God of War Laufey?

You control Faye, the mother of Atreus, as a warrior with her own abilities. Ragnarok followed Kratos and Atreus through the Nine Realms. Laufey shifts the viewpoint to another character entirely, which should change the game's tone, even though the same studio, Santa Monica, is behind both.

How does Faye's combat differ from Kratos?

Sony's blog describes a mix of melee and ranged play. The Serpent Bow can switch from dormant to ready instantly, so arrows are woven into combos. A full press of the aim trigger gives precise aiming and longer range, with a charge that stacks up to five arrows. A half press gives a mobile hip-fire stance that launches a cluster of arrows at close range. Hitting certain body parts can impair an enemy's movement or attacks, leaving openings for melee follow-ups. Sony also says Phranque can launch enemies into the air, which sets up airborne combos with the bow.

Kratos in Ragnarok relied on the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos and the Draupnir Spear, which were more melee-led. Laufey seems to lean harder into juggling and mixed range.

What customisation is new?

Faye's blade has a customisable element, the bow takes different Scales with unique perks, and Catalysts are artifacts that channel Everywhen magic with varying effects. Armor offers different perks, stats and looks. Sony has not published full skill trees yet.

Is Laufey worth waiting for?

If you liked Ragnarok's combat, Laufey promises a clear change in rhythm rather than a copy, but we have not seen reviews, and Sony has shown only parts of the game. Read our delay report for the timeline, and check the launch calendar for other games arriving before May.

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