How an Egyptian Setting in the Next God of War Game Could Result in Its Darkest Entry Yet

How an Egyptian Setting in the Next God of War Game Could Result in Its Darkest Entry Yet

The God of War series has undergone tremendous transformation since its inception, inviting players into a dramatically darker narrative. Recent installments feature a more introspective version of Kratos as he embarks on quests in unfamiliar realms, battling a pantheon of malevolent gods. One of the series’ remarkable attributes is its rich engagement with diverse mythologies. This exploration not only honors cultural tales but also revitalizes well-known stories while uncovering lesser-known myths, leading fans to call for a shift to a new mythical locale in the next God of War game.

In light of recent news about the cancellation of the forthcoming God of War title, fans have become increasingly curious about what the future holds for the franchise. Speculations are rife that the upcoming mainline God of War entry may be set in an entirely new environment: Egypt. If this rumor holds any credibility, it could signify an exhilarating new chapter for the series, potentially delving into captivating Egyptian mythology while darkening the overall narrative tone.

God Of War Might Be Set In Egypt Next

This Is According To Rumors

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An insider report has suggested that Kratos may find himself navigating the realm of Egyptian gods in the next installment. This rumor originates from Daniel Richtman, a notable insider cited by The Game Post, who indicated that Sony has been seeking Middle Eastern actors for a currently unannounced AAA title.Though it’s unclear which game this casting information pertains to, Richtman feels it could likely be the new God of War. He claims to have acquired this information through another undisclosed source and posted his findings on his paywalled Patreon.

Even if skepticism surrounds the authenticity of this leak, there are compelling reasons to believe that Egypt could be the next backdrop for the God of War franchise. Following the significant success of previous titles, Sony is rumored to be developing a new God of War game, and interestingly, director Cory Barlog hinted in the documentary Raising Kratos that the studio had once considered setting the reboot in Egypt before opting for a focus on Norse mythology.

Moreover, hints related to Egyptian mythology have already begun appearing in the narratives of God of War and Ragnarök. Throughout the 2018 installment, when delving into Tyr’s Vault, Atreus is depicted wearing an Egyptian crown, and Mimir describes Egypt as a distant “great desert land” populated by numerous gods. Additionally, in Ragnarök’s gameplay, players can encounter the Egyptian Ankh, and references to deities such as Ra and Thoth are evident. Such inclusions signify that Egyptian mythology holds a prominent place alongside the main thematic elements of the game.

A prequel comic associated with the God of War series—filling in the gaps between God of War 3 and 2018’s return—shows Kratos visiting Egypt and even interacting with the Egyptian god Thoth. This historical context lends credence to the idea that the next title could indeed take place in Egypt, which offers a rich tapestry of narrative possibilities for the franchise.

Egypt Is The Perfect Setting For God Of War

Egyptian Mythology Is Full Of Dark And Devious Gods

Anubis standing in a cloud of smoke in Assassin's Creed Origins.

Ancient Egypt is a civilization steeped in history, yet, oddly, it remains underrepresented in modern video gaming. While occasionally featured as a backdrop for various titles or as a minor faction, it rarely receives the spotlight in major games. The acclaimed Assassin’s Creed: Origins provided a stunning open-world experience set in Ancient Egypt, with its expansions offering deeper explorations into myths and deities, themes that would undoubtedly resonate within a God of War narrative.

Given the franchise’s earlier plan to anchor its narrative in Egypt, moving forward with this setting seems logical. The rich lore of Egyptian mythology presents countless stories ripe for adaptation, creating a compelling narrative arc for Kratos.With its intricate tales of divine beings, often reflecting themes of darkness, love, and tragedy, Egypt’s mythology could provide Kratos with a unique backdrop as he seeks redemption and strives to transform his identity from that of a destroyer to a guardian of peace.

Such a setting would also provide a narrative avenue for separating Kratos and Atreus, perhaps allowing Kratos time alone to reflect and gain wisdom about his path forward. This could also serve as a plot device if the Egyptian deities, for any reason, posed threats to the Norse realm that Kratos feels compelled to protect. Given the mixed reception some fans had toward Atreus’s character in Ragnarök, a solo journey for Kratos could pleasantly surprise audiences and reinvigorate his story arc.

The Egyptian Gods Will Be The Perfect Enemy For Kratos

They’re Brilliantly Macabre And Clever

An Egyptian God towering over Bayek in Assassin's Creed Origins.

The Egyptian gods could offer a fascinating array of adversaries for Kratos in this potential new game installment. Their visually striking designs, often featuring animal heads and symbolic representations, diversify the enemy encounters against the usual formidable humans seen in previous games. Additionally, these deities are intricately woven into narratives that explore emotional depth and complexity—ideal for further diving into Kratos’ own struggles with identity and his attempts to shift from a path of chaos to one of benevolence.

With an expansive roster of over 1, 500 Egyptian gods—although not all would likely be included—some deities, such as Anhur and Montu, are closely aligned with themes of war and conflict. Others, like Anubis, Osiris, Set, and Sekhmet, embody death and destruction, providing relatable challenges as Kratos confronts his past.This wealth of mythology offers Santa Monica Studio ample material to forge an intricate narrative that is both compelling and emotionally resonant.

Envisioning epic battles, including confrontations against towering figures like a crocodile-headed god, adds to the allure of this potential installment. While titles like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey have skillfully navigated the representation of these majestic beings, Santa Monica Studios is renowned for delivering exhilarating and cinematic boss fights that could make this Egyptian mythological journey an ultimate fan fantasy.

For further reading: The Game Post, DanielRPK/Patreon, PlayStation Europe/YouTube, Mythical Madness/YouTube

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