Of all the reveals during Sony's latest State of Play, nothing caught my attention more than God of War: Laufey. While rumors had been circulating online that the next God of War title would move away from everyone's favorite god-slayer, Kratos, I never expected the spotlight to fall on the character who arguably set the entire Norse saga into motion: Faye, also known as Laufey the Just.

For those who haven't played God of War (2018), the story begins with Kratos and Atreus preparing for Faye's funeral. Following the instructions she left behind before her death, the father and son set out to fulfill her final wish. As they say goodbye to their beloved wife and mother, her body is reduced to ashes and carried away by the wind. It was therefore a huge surprise to see God of War: Laufey begin at that very moment. I was almost certain this game would be a straightforward prequel to God of War (2018), but the trailer immediately challenged those expectations.

I will admit that I had some doubts about playing as Faye at first. However, the announcement quickly erased them and left me genuinely excited about exploring the God of War universe through her eyes. From what was shown, Faye's gameplay looks both smooth and powerful. She seamlessly switches between the iconic Leviathan Axe to a refined yet deadly blade of mysterious origin. Unlike Kratos, Faye appears to emphasize speed and agility, with abilities such as double-jumping and aerial combat—classic staples of the series that were largely absent from the Norse entries.

Throughout the series, we learn that Faye was far more than an ordinary Jötunn. She was a leader of a rebellion, a master of prophecy, and a warrior powerful enough to clash with Thor himself. Their legendary battle left behind the same frozen lightning scars that players later witnessed during Kratos' confrontation with the God of Thunder. Seeing that battle explored in a flashback sequence (or even as a boss fight) would be incredible.

Of course, replacing Kratos as the playable lead is a risk. Kratos has been the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, and many fans naturally associate God of War with his journey. Faye therefore has enormous shoes to fill. However, what makes this prospect so exciting is that she isn't a completely new character. Her influence can be felt throughout the entire Norse saga, and exploring her story could provide valuable context for some of the series' most important moments.

What excites me most is the potential for this game to answer many of the lingering questions left behind by the previous two titles. How exactly did Faye die? What was the true purpose of the mysterious mask Odin desperately sought? And perhaps most importantly, what happens to gods after they die?

According to what was shown in the trailer, the answer may lie within a realm known as the Everywhen—a place where all gods journey after death. This setting opens the door to one of the most exciting possibilities the series has ever explored: bringing multiple mythologies together under one roof. The trailer appears to support this idea by introducing figures such as Sekhmet, the Egyptian Goddess of War, and Begtse, the Mongolian God of War. The prospect of seeing gods from different cultures interact within the God of War universe has my imagination running wild.

While I hope to encounter many new deities, I would also love the opportunity to revisit familiar fallen gods. Characters such as Thor, Baldur, Magni, Modi, and perhaps even Odin could return in some form within the Everywhen. And of course, how could anyone forget the fallen Olympians? The possibility of crossing paths with Zeus, Athena, and other legendary figures from the original trilogy is enough to get any longtime fan excited.

The trailer also introduces two companions who will accompany Faye on her journey. The first is Rue, a mysterious ribbon-like guardian spirit bound to a sentient sword. Her design carries influences that feel Nordic, Celtic, and even Southeast Asian. More importantly, Rue appears to be fully integrated into combat, helping Faye execute flashy combos both on the ground and in the air while providing warnings about incoming attacks and enemy movements.

The second companion is Franque, who can best be described as a gelatinous cube of living energy. Franque seems to fill a support role similar to Atreus and Freya in previous games, drawing enemy attention, creating openings, and helping Faye build stun damage for brutal finishing attacks. While I already enjoy his cube form and witty personality, I have a feeling there is much more to this character than meets the eye.

After watching the trailer, I am convinced that Faye is the perfect choice for a God of War spin-off. She played an integral role in shaping the Norse saga, yet we know surprisingly little about her. We know that both she and Kratos were deeply wounded individuals when they met, and I would love to see how this remarkable woman helped the Ghost of Sparta find peace, purpose, and love.

The God of War series will always revolve around Kratos, but understanding Faye is just as important to understanding the man he eventually became. She transformed him into the mature father, husband, and leader we see today. For years, she carefully guided the destinies of both her husband and son. Now, it appears that she must learn how to carve out her own path in an entirely new adventure.