God of War Moving Back to Greece Would Raise One Obvious Question

The God of War franchise has spent a lot of time exploring the underworld, overworld, and heavens of Ancient Greece. Over the course of six games, Kratos gradually slaughtered his way through almost the entire Greek pantheon, cutting down major and minor gods alike. But if recent rumors are true, then the Greek pantheon may not be wiped out completely.

Back in March, industry insider Jeff Grubb reported that a new God of War “side-story” is due out later this year, and that it’ll take fans back to Ancient Greece. There’s been no official confirmation that this project exists, let alone confirmation of when in the series timeline it would take place. But if the next God of War is set in Greece, then it would raise one obvious question about one of the franchise’s most important characters.

A Greek God of War Game Would Raise Questions About Atreus

Atreus’ Next Journey Is Already Set Up

By most accounts, God of War Ragnarok had a strong ending. After the climactic titular battle in Asgard, Kratos, Atreus, and the rest of the mythological crew find themselves licking their wounds in Midgard. Atreus tells his father that he wants to venture out on his own to try and find any giants that may have hidden themselves from the Aesir. The two share an emotive embrace, and Atreus sets off on his own solo adventure, leaving his father and the rest of their accrued allies to bring peace back to the Nine Realms.

Naturally, this ending has led to a lot of speculation among fans. Many believed that Atreus’ journey to find the remaining giants would be the subject of a new God of War spinoff, one in which players would control the son of Kratos and Laufey. This theory was supported by Atreus being a playable character in God of War Ragnarok, something that could be seen as developer Santa Monica laying the foundations for a full game centered around the character.

When God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla launched in 2023, fans weren’t too concerned about the lack of Atreus as the mode was simply an epilogue to Ragnarok’s story. However, a fully-fledged God of War spinoff set in Ancient Greece might raise a few questions about Atreus’ whereabouts, especially if it was set after the events of God of War Ragnarok.

Atreus Would Be Sorely Missed

Not only would some fans be disappointed that Atreus’ adventure with the giants isn’t being explored, some might also be concerned that his absence could lead to more simplistic gameplay and narrative. Atreus has become a vital part of God of War’s modern identity. Atreus plays a key role in Kratos’ character development, the series’ overarching narrative, and its moment-to-moment gameplay.

If the next God of War game returns to Ancient Greece and leaves Atreus behind, it could run the risk of losing a core part of the series’ current identity. And while a new sidekick could help to fill Atreus’ shoes during combat, much like Freya does during Ragnarok’s post-game, the central familial bond between him and Kratos isn’t as easily replaceable.