God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D Metroidvania video game developed by Santa Monica Studio and Mega Cat Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released worldwide on February 12, 2026, for the PlayStation 5. The 10th installment in the God of War franchise and the first chronologically, it is a prequel to the entire series as it takes place in the Greek era before God of War: Ascension (2013) and the flashback sequences in God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010). This is the first full game in the series to be loosely based on Greek mythology since Ascension, as the prior two installments—God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022)—were based on Norse mythology. The game follows protagonist Kratos in his youth as he trains at the Agoge in Sparta with his younger brother Deimos. == Premise == Long before his deeds as the God of War, a young Kratos undergoes Spartan military conditioning at the Agoge alongside his younger brother Deimos. When one of their friends fails to return from field training, Deimos persuades his brother to embark on a dangerous journey across the wilds of Sparta to find him—a journey that will see both brothers face off against an assortment of vicious creatures and monsters while uncovering a deadly secret that threatens their home. == Gameplay == God of War Sons of Sparta is an action-platformer game with a 2D art style similar to the God of War: Betrayal (2007). Players control Kratos in his youth as he trains at the Agoge with his brother Deimos. Combat involves Kratos using his spear and shield, along with Gifts of Olympus that grant him special attacks and abilities. After players complete the main game, they can access a challenge mode which can be played solo or cooperatively with another player through local multiplayer. == Development == In March 2025, Giant Bomb's Jeff Grubb claimed that a "side-story" in the God of War franchise was in development and would return the series to its original Greek mythology setting in Ancient Greece. He also said it would release in 2025 before later stating it was delayed to 2026. Neither Sony nor God of War's main developer, Santa Monica Studio, made any statements on a new entry until February 2026. During the company's State of Play presentation on February 12, Sony officially announced God of War Sons of Sparta and released it simultaneously that same day for the PlayStation 5 as part of the franchise's 20th-anniversary year. It was developed by Santa Monica Studio in collaboration with Mega Cat Studios. === Writing === The game was written by Matt Sophos and Richard Zangrande Gaubert, the same team behind 2018's God of War and its 2022 sequel God of War Ragnarök, with Zack Manko as the game director. TC Carson portrays Kratos in Sons of Sparta, reprising his role for the first time since 2013's God of War: Ascension, acting as the narrator, while Antony Del Rio voices young Kratos, also reprising his role from 2010's God of War: Ghost of Sparta. It is the first full game to return to the franchise's Greek setting after the two most recent entries, God of War and Ragnarök, were based on Norse mythology and set in ancient Scandinavia, although the latter's 2023 expansion pack, Valhalla, saw Kratos confronting parts of his past life, revisiting some areas and facing enemies from his time in Greece. === Music === Bear McCreary, who composed the music for the two Norse games, returned to score Sons of Sparta. == Release == Sons of Sparta was released worldwide for the PlayStation 5 on February 12, 2026. It is only available digitally in both a standard and deluxe edition. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes in-game rewards, as well as a digital art book, the game's soundtrack, and PlayStation Network avatars. == Critical reception == == References ==