God of War’s Greek Return Delayed to 2026: What We Know

God of War’s rumored 2.5D Metroidvania spin-off set in Greece is delayed to 2026. Learn about Deimos, the shift, and fan reactions. Read now!

Introduction

A new God of War game is in the works, but fans will wait longer than expected. Industry insider Jeff Grubb revealed on his Game Mess podcast (June 18, 2025) that the unannounced project, initially slated for 2025, is now targeting 2026 due to an internal delay (ScreenRant).

This game isn’t a mainline sequel like Ragnarök but a bold 2.5D Metroidvania-style spin-off set in ancient Greece, potentially starring Kratos’ brother Deimos (Insider Gaming, Jun 18, 2025).

Why does this matter? God of War is a PlayStation titan, with Ragnarök selling 11 million copies in its first year (The Hollywood Reporter, Nov 9, 2023).

A genre shift and delay spark curiosity and concern. Fans on X, like @HazzadorGamin (Jun 3, 2025), are buzzing about this smaller-scale prequel. Let’s unpack the rumors, the delay, and what it means for the franchise.

Why a 2.5D Metroidvania God of War Matters

Switching God of War to a 2.5D Metroidvania format, like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, is a huge pivot from the 3D action epics of Ragnarök and 2018’s reboot (Push Square, Jun 3, 2025).

This matters because it could refresh the franchise, which began in 2005 and has seven Greek-era games.

A smaller-scale prequel with Deimos could explore new lore, but risks alienating fans expecting Kratos’ bombast. Mistakes, like weak level design, could flop in a crowded Metroidvania market. If done right, it could echo Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow’s success.

• Franchise Evolution: A 2.5D style could attract Metroidvania fans, per Tom Henderson (Insider Gaming, Jun 18, 2025).
• Deimos’ Story: Focusing on Kratos’ brother pre-Ghost of Sparta adds fresh narrative depth (GameRant, Jun 4, 2025).
• Mistake to Avoid: Poor exploration mechanics could make it feel shallow, unlike Hollow Knight’s intricate design.
• Consequences: A lackluster spin-off could dent God of War’s reputation, impacting future sales.

The Delay to 2026: What’s Behind It

Jeff Grubb’s June 2025 podcast revealed the game’s internal delay to 2026, likely due to added voice acting after the voice actor strike (Reddit, Jun 18, 2025). This matters because delays often signal quality focus, but missing the 20th-anniversary hype in 2025 stings.

Mistakes, like over-scoping a smaller project, could bloat development, as seen with Cyberpunk 2077’s troubled launch. If Sony nails the delay, it could mean a polished gem; if not, it risks fan fatigue.

• Voice Acting Addition: Adding full voice acting, possibly with Christopher Judge, upped development time (Reddit, Jun 18, 2025).
• Market Timing: Delaying avoids 2025’s crowded lineup, including GTA 6 (NeoGAF, Jun 18, 2025).
• Mistake to Avoid: Over-expanding scope could turn a lean spin-off into a bloated mess, like Anthem’s development woes.
• Consequences: A poorly timed release could get buried, reducing buzz and sales.

Deimos as the New Protagonist

Rumors suggest Deimos, Kratos’ long-lost brother, will lead this prequel set before Kratos becomes the Ghost of Sparta (TheGamer, Jun 18, 2025). This matters because Deimos, last seen in Ghost of Sparta (2010), offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology.

Fans on X, like @TCMF2 (Mar 31, 2025), are hyped for new lore. Mistakes, like making Deimos a Kratos clone, could feel repetitive. If mishandled, it could alienate fans wanting Kratos’ raw energy.

• New Narrative: Deimos’ story could explore his capture by Ares, adding depth (Tech4Gamers, Jun 18, 2025).
• Fan Appeal: X posts show excitement for a non-Kratos lead (@HazzadorGamin, Jun 3, 2025).
• Mistake to Avoid: Weak character development could make Deimos forgettable, unlike Miles Morales’ breakout success.
• Consequences: A bland protagonist could tank the spin-off’s reception, hurting future experiments.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Fans are split. Some, like @NfinityBL on Reddit (Jun 18, 2025), are stoked for a Metroidvania, while others on NeoGAF (Jun 18, 2025) want a full 3D Greek epic. This matters because God of War’s fanbase, with 23 million Ragnarök players (IGN, Nov 10, 2023), drives hype. Mistakes, like ignoring fan desire for classic Kratos, could spark backlash, as seen with Ascension’s lukewarm reception. If Sony balances innovation and legacy, it could win over skeptics.

• Mixed Buzz: X posts show excitement and doubt, with @TCMF2 hyping the Greece return (Mar 31, 2025).
• Fan Concerns: Some fear a “small” game won’t deliver, per Push Square (Jun 19, 2025).
• Mistake to Avoid: Ignoring feedback could lead to review-bombing, like The Last of Us Part II’s launch.
• Consequences: A divisive spin-off could split the fanbase, hurting PlayStation’s brand.

The Game Awards Announcement Speculation

Grubb suggests a 2026 release makes a Game Awards 2025 reveal likely, following Valhalla’s 2023 debut there (ScreenRant, Jun 18, 2025). This matters because a high-profile reveal could rebuild hype after the delay. Mistakes, like a lackluster trailer, could dampen excitement, as seen with Anthem’s E3 flop. If Sony delivers a killer teaser, it could rival Elden Ring’s Game Awards buzz.

• Reveal Timing: The Game Awards is a prime stage, per GameRant (Jun 4, 2025).
• Past Success: Valhalla’s 2023 reveal drove Ragnarök DLC downloads (IGN, Dec 8, 2023).
• Mistake to Avoid: A vague trailer could confuse fans, like Death Stranding’s early teasers.
• Consequences: A weak reveal could kill momentum, lowering pre-release hype.

Challenges of a Greek Mythology Return

Returning to Greece after Ragnarök’s Norse saga is bold but tricky. The Greek era defined God of War with seven titles, but fans like those on N4G (Jun 19, 2025) crave new myths, like Egyptian. This matters because a Greek prequel must feel fresh, not nostalgic. Mistakes, like reusing old assets, could make it feel like a cash grab. If mishandled, it could echo Ascension’s 2013 flop (GameSpot, Mar 12, 2013).

• Nostalgia vs. Innovation: A prequel must add new lore, per TechTimes (Jun 19, 2025).
• Fan Fatigue: Some want Egypt over Greece, per @RinoTheBouncer (Jan 28, 2025).
• Mistake to Avoid: Recycling God of War III vibes could bore fans, unlike Ragnarök’s fresh setting.
• Consequences: A stale return could hurt the franchise’s momentum, impacting future titles.

FAQs

1. Why is the new God of War delayed to 2026?
Jeff Grubb reported an internal delay, likely due to adding voice acting after the voice actor strike (Reddit, Jun 18, 2025). This ensures quality but misses the 2025 anniversary hype.

2. What is a 2.5D Metroidvania God of War?
It’s a side-scrolling game with exploration and ability-based progression, like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, set in Greece with Deimos (Push Square, Jun 3, 2025).

3. Why focus on Deimos instead of Kratos?
Deimos, Kratos’ brother, offers a fresh prequel story before Kratos’ godhood, exploring new lore (TheGamer, Jun 18, 2025). It avoids overusing Kratos’ arc.

4. Will the game be revealed at The Game Awards?
Grubb suggests a 2025 Game Awards reveal is likely, given Valhalla’s 2023 debut there (ScreenRant, Jun 18, 2025). It’s a prime stage for hype.

5. Can a Metroidvania work for God of War?
Yes, if level design is tight, like Hollow Knight. Poor execution could flop, per N4G (Jun 19, 2025), alienating fans expecting 3D action.

Conclusion

The rumored God of War 2.5D Metroidvania spin-off, delayed to 2026, promises a bold return to Greece with Deimos as the star (ScreenRant, Jun 18, 2025). Fans are split—some crave this fresh take, others want Kratos’ epic scale. The delay, likely for voice acting, shows Sony’s quality focus, but risks losing 2025’s anniversary buzz. A Game Awards reveal could reignite excitement. This smaller project could redefine God of War or stumble if it feels stale. What do you think of a Deimos-led Metroidvania? Drop your thoughts below!