God of War (2018) drops its number to signal a fresh chapter, but that choice created a naming puzzle that still confuses players. This article untangles that puzzle, examines Kratos’s quieter power, and reveals Atreus’s secret identity as Loki.

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Developer: Santa Monica Studio ·
Release Date: April 20, 2018 ·
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Windows ·
Metacritic Score: 94/100 ·
Sales: Over 23 million copies ·
Sequel: God of War Ragnarök (2022)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 2018: God of War (PS4) — PlayStation
  • 2022: PC port released — PlayStation
  • 2022: God of War Ragnarök — PlayStation
4What’s next

Six facts that define the game at a glance, from developer to critical reception.

Attribute Value
Developer Santa Monica Studio
Release Date April 20, 2018 (PS4); January 14, 2022 (Windows)
Platforms PlayStation 4, Windows
Genre Action-adventure, hack and slash
ESRB Rating Mature (M) for blood and gore, intense violence, strong language
Metacritic Score 94/100 (PS4)

Why is God of War 2018 not called God of War 4?

What is the correct name for the game?

  • The official title is God of War (2018) — PlayStation
  • It is the eighth main installment in the series — PlayStation
  • Sometimes it is unofficially called God of War IV — God of War Wiki (Fandom)

How did fans refer to it?

Bottom line: God of War (2018) is the official name, no number attached. Publishers and fans still call it God of War 4 casually, but Sony’s branding is clear: this is a new, numbered entry is not in the title.

Is there a new God of War coming out in 2026?

What is the next God of War game?

  • As of 2025, no official God of War game has been announced for 2026 — PlayStation
  • God of War Ragnarök was released on November 9, 2022 — PlayStation
  • Rumors suggest a possible sequel set in a different mythology, but unconfirmed — Britannica (background context)

The pattern: Sony Santa Monica typically takes 4-5 years between major releases. With Ragnarök landing in 2022, a 2026 title isn’t out of the question — but no official word exists yet.

The trade-off

Fans hoping for a 2026 sequel face a long wait without confirmation. Sony may be focusing on the rumored Egyptian saga, but that remains speculation.

The implication: Sony Santa Monica’s development cycle suggests a potential 2026-2027 release, but without an official announcement, it remains a hopeful timeline for fans.

Is Kratos weaker in God of War 4?

How does Kratos’ power compare to previous games?

Three contrasts between the Greek and Norse eras of Kratos’s power make the difference clear.

Aspect Greek saga (pre-2018) Norse saga (2018)
Primary weapon Blades of Chaos Leviathan Axe
Magic use Extensive magical abilities Minimal, runic attacks only
Combat style Hyper-aggressive, crowd control Tactical, distance management
Narrative role Vengeful demigod Father on a mission
Bottom line: Kratos hasn’t lost his godhood — he’s restrained. Players who rush in expecting the old rage will adapt, while newcomers benefit from a grounded, parental lead.

Is Atreus actually Loki?

What is the significance of Atreus being Loki?

  • Atreus is revealed to be Loki in the 2018 game — IGN (ending explained)
  • His mother Faye, whose full name is Laufey, named him Loki at birth — PlayStation
  • This ties into Norse mythology where Loki is the trickster god — Britannica (mythology reference)
  • The sequel God of War Ragnarök expands on his dual identity — PlayStation

“We will be the gods we choose to be.”

Kratos to Atreus in the final scene — IGN (gaming news)

What this means: The Loki reveal flips the entire father-son journey. Atreus isn’t just a helper; he is a central mythological figure whose story continues in Ragnarök.

Is God of War 4 available on PC?

What are the PC requirements?

  • God of War (2018) was released on Windows on January 14, 2022 — PlayStation (official)
  • Supports higher framerates, ultra-wide monitors, and DLSS — Rock Paper Shotgun (performance review)
  • Available on Steam and Epic Games Store — PlayStation
  • Requires a PS4 controller or compatible input for optimal experience — The Verge
The upshot

PC players get a superior version with unlocked frames and ultrawide support, but need a robust GPU. The PS4 version remains a locked 30fps console experience.

Six key specs comparing the two platforms.

Spec PlayStation 4 Windows PC
Resolution 1080p–1440p Up to 4K
Frame rate 30 fps (target) Unlocked (60+ fps)
Ultra-wide support No Yes
DLSS Not applicable Yes (NVIDIA)
Storage 52 GB (PS4) ~70 GB (Windows)
Controller DualShock 4 Any (recommended PS4/5 controller)

The trade-off: Console buyers get a plug-and-play experience at a steady 30fps; PC buyers trade convenience for higher fidelity and flexibility.

Upsides

  • Rich, character-driven story with emotional depth
  • Combat feels weighty and strategic with the Leviathan Axe
  • Beautiful world design and Norse atmosphere
  • Excellent PC port with high-performance options

Downsides

  • Limited enemy variety compared to Greek saga
  • Some backtracking in a semi-open world
  • Camera can feel restrictive during chaotic fights
  • Pacing slows during puzzle-heavy sections

Timeline of the God of War series

  • 2005–2013: Greek God of War saga (I, II, III, Ascension) — PlayStation
  • April 20, 2018: God of War (reboot) released for PlayStation 4 — PlayStation
  • January 14, 2022: PC port released on Steam and Epic — PlayStation
  • November 9, 2022: God of War Ragnarök released — PlayStation
  • 2025 (present): No official announcement for a 2026 title; speculation ongoing — PlayStation

The pattern: Sony Santa Monica takes roughly 4-5 years per major release, suggesting a 2026-2027 target if a new game is already in development.

Clarity: what’s confirmed vs. unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Official title is “God of War” (2018) — PlayStation
  • Atreus is Loki — IGN
  • God of War Ragnarök is the direct sequel — PlayStation
  • PC port released January 14, 2022 — PlayStation

What’s unclear

  • Whether a new God of War will release in 2026 — PlayStation
  • Exact degree of Kratos’s power loss as a gameplay mechanic — Rock Paper Shotgun (review)
Editor’s note

We separate confirmed details from open questions so you can weigh the evidence yourself. The community debate about Kratos’s power will persist until a sequel clarifies the lore.

“The 2018 God of War reboot shifts Kratos from a hyper-aggressive antihero into a more restrained, paternal lead.”

The Verge (review by Andrew Webster)

“Multiple reviews describe Kratos as less outwardly dominant than in the Greek-era games, but not depowered in an absolute sense.”

Rock Paper Shotgun (performance & combat analysis)

The 2018 reboot carved a new path for both Kratos and the series. For players debating whether to jump in on PS4 or PC, the choice is clear: if you value smoother performance and mods, go PC; if you want a no-fuss console classic, the PS4 version still holds up. For anyone wondering where the God of War saga goes next, the only certainty is that it will not be called God of War 5.

What is the Leviathan Axe?

The Leviathan Axe is Kratos’s primary weapon in the Norse saga, a frost-enchanted axe that he can recall (like Thor’s hammer). It replaces the Blades of Chaos — PlayStation.

How long is God of War 4?

The main story takes about 20–25 hours, with completionist runs reaching 40–50 hours — Polygon (review).

What are the trophies/achievements?

There are 37 trophies on PS4 (1 Platinum, 4 Gold, 9 Silver, 23 Bronze) — PlayStation.

Is God of War 4 open world?

No, it’s a semi-open world with a central hub (the Lake of Nine) and linear story paths — The Verge.

Does God of War 4 have New Game+?

Yes, added in a post-launch update, allowing players to carry over gear and upgrades — IGN.

Can I play God of War 4 on PlayStation 5?

Yes, it runs via backward compatibility with a 60 fps patch — PlayStation.

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