Where to Buy God of War
God of War Gameplay Video
God of War Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Proprietary Engine (Santa Monica Studio) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Third-Person, Narrative-Driven |
| Initial PS4 Release | 2018-04-20 |
| PC Release | 2022-01-14 |
| Developer | SIE Santa Monica Studio |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Setting | Ancient Norse Realms (Midgard, Alfheim, Helheim, etc.) |
| Perspective | Third-Person (Over-the-shoulder free camera) |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Windows PC, PlayStation 5 (via Backward Compatibility with enhancements) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player Only |
| Unique Feature | Reimagining of Kratos in Norse mythology, father-son dynamic with Atreus as an active companion, satisfying Leviathan Axe combat, seamless one-shot camera presentation. |
God of War System Requirements
Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low
tune Minimum (Target: 720p, 30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset.
Recommended_1080p_30FPS_Original
tune Recommended (Target: 1080p, 30 FPS, Original PS4 Preset) – Original Preset (comparable to PS4 quality).
High_1080p_60FPS_Original
tune High (Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Original PS4 Preset) – Original Preset.
Performance_1440p_60FPS_High
tune Performance (Target: 1440p, 60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Quality' or 'Balanced') likely needed.
Ultra_4K_60FPS_Ultra
tune Ultra (Target: 4K, 60 FPS, Ultra Preset) – Ultra Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Performance' or 'Balanced') essential.
God of War Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 7 255H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 45W
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
US $1300
Model: MSI Cyborg 15 (RTX 5050 & Intel 7)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H (Score: 1286)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 45W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual-Channel)
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Processor (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Laptop GPU (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 140W
storage 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $799
Model: HP Victus 15 (RTX 4050 & Ryzen 7)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 105W
storage 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
US $1699
Model: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 with RTX 4050
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7445HS (Score: 1656)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 (Score: 9842) @ 105W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5 5600MHz SO-DIMM
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Laptop GPU (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
memory Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2)
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $2299
Model: GIGABYTE AORUS Elite 16 (RTX 5070 & Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX)
memory CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX (Series 2) (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU (Score: 12000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: Minimum_720p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1809 or newer)
A 64-bit version of Windows 10 (version 1809 or higher) or Windows 11 is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 70 GB available space (SSD Recommended)
An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times and smoother texture streaming.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). NVIDIA Reflex is also supported for low latency.
Key Settings: Resolution, Model Quality, Shadows, Reflections, Atmospherics, Anisotropic Filtering, and Ambient Occlusion significantly impact performance.
God of War: Post-Launch Content / DLC
God of War (2018) did not receive any story-based DLC expansions. Post-launch updates included a New Game Plus mode (allowing players to restart with gear and abilities, facing tougher enemies and new upgrade tiers for equipment - Skap Slag resource), and a Photo Mode.
God of War: Game Editions
Standard Edition (base game). Digital Deluxe Edition (includes Death's Vow Armor Set for Kratos and Atreus, Exile's Guardian Shield Skin, God of War Digital Comic #0 by Dark Horse, God of War Digital Mini Artbook by Dark Horse, and a PS4 Dynamic Theme). Collector's Edition (included a 9-inch Kratos & Atreus statue, Steelbook case, 2” Huldra Brothers carvings, exclusive lithograph, cloth map, and digital content from Deluxe). Stone Mason Edition (included items from Collector's Edition plus Stone Mason's ring, Mimir's head talking keychain, 2” horse and troll carvings).
God of War: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
God of War (2018) is a single-player game, so cross-play is not applicable. Save game progression could be transferred from PS4 to PS5 for continued play via backward compatibility. The PC version is separate.
God of War Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
God of War (2018) is a strictly single-player narrative-driven experience and does not feature any multiplayer modes.
- labelUser Interface
Features an immersive, minimalist UI with an over-the-shoulder camera. Health and rage meters for Kratos, Atreus's arrow count and summon cooldowns are displayed. A compass aids navigation. Menus for inventory, skills, map, and codex (lore entries, bestiary).
- labelSound and Music
The critically acclaimed original score, composed by Bear McCreary, features powerful orchestral themes, Norse-inspired instrumentation (like the nyckelharpa and hurdy-gurdy), and choir. Sound design is impactful, especially for combat and environmental ambience. Features excellent voice acting, particularly Christopher Judge as Kratos and Sunny Suljic as Atreus.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Utilizes a proprietary engine by Santa Monica Studio, renowned for its stunning visual fidelity on PS4 and further enhanced for the PC release. Features highly detailed character models, breathtaking Norse-inspired environments, impressive lighting and particle effects, and a seamless 'one-shot' camera presentation with no cuts or loading screens during gameplay.
- labelStory and Setting
Set many years after Kratos's destruction of Olympus, he now lives a secluded life in the harsh Norse realm of Midgard with his son, Atreus. After the death of his wife Faye, their journey to honor her last wish—to scatter her ashes from the highest peak in all Nine Realms—forces Kratos to confront his past, master his rage, and guide Atreus. They encounter figures from Norse mythology like Freya, Baldur, Mimir, and the Huldra Brothers (Brok and Sindri), navigating a world on the cusp of Ragnarök.
- labelMap and Realm Structure
God of War (2018) features a semi-open world design. The primary hub is the Lake of Nine in Midgard, which changes as the world waters recede, revealing new areas. Players travel to several of the Nine Realms of Norse mythology, including Alfheim (realm of the Elves), Helheim (realm of the dead), Muspelheim (fiery realm with combat trials), and Niflheim (a procedurally generated mist-covered realm with challenges). Jötunheim (realm of the Giants) is a key destination. Travel between realms is facilitated by Yggdrasil, the World Tree, via a central travel room.
- labelSkills and Upgrades
Kratos has skill trees for his Leviathan Axe (close and ranged combat), Guardian Shield (defensive and bare-handed combat), and later the Blades of Chaos. Atreus has his own skill tree for the Talon Bow, focusing on different arrow types (Light, Shock) and summons. Experience points (XP) are used to unlock new combat moves, passive abilities, and enhance runic attacks. Weapons and armor can be upgraded using Hacksilver and collected resources at Brok and Sindri's shops. Enchantments socketed into gear provide further stat boosts and perks.
- labelTop 5 Weapons/Tools (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Leviathan Axe: Kratos's primary weapon, infused with ice magic, can be thrown and recalled. Features light and heavy runic attacks. 2. Blades of Chaos: Kratos's iconic chained blades from past games, infused with fire magic, unlocked later in the story. Also feature runic attacks. 3. Guardian Shield: A retractable shield used for blocking and parrying, with its own set of combat skills. 4. Atreus's Talon Bow: Atreus provides crucial ranged support with his bow, firing Light Arrows (stun, create light bridges) and Shock Arrows (electric damage, stun). He can also summon spirit animals. 5. Mimir's Head: Serves as a companion, providing lore, context, stories, and hints. Can also be used to activate certain magical elements.
- labelAccessibility Features (PC Port as reference)
The PC port includes features like fully customizable mouse and keyboard bindings, controller support, auto sprint, persistent dot for aiming, toggle options for aim/block, and subtitle/caption customization (size, color, background, speaker names).
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Leviathan Axe Combat: Kratos's versatile axe can be used for melee combos, precise throws with a magical recall mechanic, and imbued with ice elemental damage and runic attacks. 2. Atreus as a Combat Companion: Atreus actively assists in combat by firing arrows (Light, Shock), choking enemies, distracting them, and using runic summons, upgradable through his own skill tree. 3. Semi-Open World Exploration & Puzzles: Navigating diverse Norse realms, solving environmental puzzles (often involving the Leviathan Axe and Atreus's abilities), and discovering collectibles, side quests ('Favors'), and optional challenging areas like Muspelheim and Niflheim.
God of War Frequently Asked Questions
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help_outline When was God of War (2018) released?God of War was released for PlayStation 4 on April 20, 2018, and for PC (Windows) on January 14, 2022.
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help_outline Is God of War (2018) a reboot or a sequel?It is a soft reboot and a sequel to God of War III. It continues Kratos's story but shifts the setting from Greek to Norse mythology and significantly changes the gameplay and tone.
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help_outline Who is Atreus?Atreus is Kratos's young son and his companion throughout the game. He assists in combat with his bow and arrows, helps solve puzzles by reading runes, and his relationship with Kratos is central to the story.
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help_outline What is the main weapon Kratos uses?Kratos's primary weapon for much of the game is the Leviathan Axe, a magical axe imbued with ice elemental properties that can be thrown and recalled. He later regains his iconic Blades of Chaos, which have fire elemental properties.
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help_outline Is God of War (2018) an open-world game?It features a semi-open world design. While not a fully seamless open world like some RPGs, it has large, interconnected areas and realms (like Midgard's Lake of Nine) that players can explore, with new sections opening up as the story progresses or new abilities are acquired. There are also optional realms like Muspelheim and Niflheim.
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help_outline Does God of War (2018) have multiplayer?No, God of War (2018) is a purely single-player experience and does not have any multiplayer modes.
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help_outline Is there any DLC for God of War (2018)?No story-based DLC expansions were released. However, a significant free post-launch update added a New Game Plus mode and a Photo Mode.