God of War Laufey delayed to May 2027 as Santa Monica adds finishing touches

Santa Monica Studio has delayed God of War Laufey by just over three months, moving the PlayStation 5 exclusive from February 16 to May 20, 2027.

The developer announced the change on November 4, saying it wants additional time to put the “finishing touches” on Faye’s adventure and push the game to its full potential. No development problems or specific features were cited as reasons for the delay.

Laufey now launches on May 20

God of War Laufey had been scheduled to arrive relatively early in 2027 after its release date was announced during San Diego Comic-Con in July. The new date pushes the game back by 93 days while keeping it within the first half of the year.

Santa Monica Studio thanked players for their response since the game’s June reveal and said more updates will be shared later. The studio has not indicated that the delay changes its PS5 exclusivity or announced any other platform versions.

Preorders for the Standard and Digital Deluxe editions are already available. Sony previously announced a limited Collector Box for $149.99, although Santa Monica Studio has not yet clarified whether its originally planned February availability will also move to May.

Faye takes over as the playable lead

The new game represents a major shift for the modern God of War series by putting Faye, also known as Laufey, in the lead role. Her death immediately precedes the events of 2018’s God of War, where Kratos and Atreus begin their journey to scatter her ashes.

Laufey begins after her death, with Faye unexpectedly awakening in the Everywhen, an afterlife inhabited by gods and creatures drawn from different mythologies. She discovers that plans she left behind to protect Kratos and Atreus are in danger, sending her on a new journey while her family continues through the Norse realms.

Gameplay shown earlier this year suggests Faye will fight differently from Kratos. She relies more heavily on speed and acrobatic movement while using equipment including a sword, Serpent Bow and magical Catalysts that can be customized around different playstyles.

The delay gives Santa Monica more time for polish

Santa Monica Studio has described Laufey as the next mainline chapter rather than a smaller spin-off. The game retains the series’ focus on exploration, story and close-range combat while introducing a different protagonist and setting.

The studio has not announced any content cuts or major redesigns alongside the delay. Its statement instead frames the additional development period as time for final polishing before release.

That leaves May 20, 2027 as the new confirmed launch date for God of War Laufey on PlayStation 5. Players who already preordered will have to wait an additional three months to see Faye’s journey through the Everywhen, with Santa Monica promising further updates before launch.