God of War (2018) — Review (2026): Is It Worth Playing?
God of War (2018) is a series reboot from Santa Monica Studio, released in April 2018 on PS4, later in January 2022 on PC. The game brings Kratos to Norse mythology, where he lives with his son Atreus after his wife's death. The emotional father-son journey became one of PlayStation's greatest hits.
What is the game about
Kratos, former God of War, lives quietly in the Scandinavian woods with his son Atreus. After his wife's death, they set out to fulfill her last wish — scatter her ashes from the highest peak of the nine realms. Along the way they meet Norse gods including Baldur and Freya, and uncover secrets from Kratos's past.
Gameplay
- Leviathan Axe combat: throw and recall the ice axe, combining with hand-to-hand.
- Atreus as helper: your son shoots arrows and assists in combat and puzzles.
- Open world: explore the Lake of Nine, complete side quests.
- Progression: upgrade weapons and armor, unlock new skills.
Should you play it in 2026
Yes. God of War (2018) was game of the year for many publications: emotional story, excellent combat, and beautiful graphics. A must before Ragnarök. On PC the game looks stunning.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Emotional story | Many cutscenes |
| Excellent combat | Side quests are repetitive |
| Beautiful graphics | Fewer bosses than older entries |
FAQ
Do I need to play previous God of War games? No, the reboot is standalone.
How many hours? 20–25 hours main story, 35+ for completion.
On PC? Yes, the port came in 2022.