Sony Interactive Entertainment has confirmed that God of War: Sons of Sparta will launch on PlayStation 4 on November 16, 2026, at midnight local time. The release will coincide with a free content update introducing two new gameplay options, Hermes Mode and Erebus Mode, for both PS4 and PS5 players.
Santa Monica Studio announced the release in a November 13 update to the official PlayStation Blog, confirming that developer Mega Cat Studios will deliver the additional modes alongside the PS4 version. The announcement also confirms the previously unannounced console port, following earlier evidence of a PS4 version found in PlayStation database records.
Hermes Mode introduces dedicated speedrunning features for players interested in completing the adventure as quickly as possible. The mode includes a split-based timer and a persistent scoreboard, allowing players to track their performance across runs and compare completion times.
Players normally unlock Hermes Mode after finishing the main story for the first time. However, Sony has also provided a shortcut that allows immediate access without completing the campaign. Entering Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, L1, R1, Touchpad at the start menu unlocks the mode early.
Erebus Mode introduces a different kind of challenge by applying a one-hit defeat rule to both the player and enemies. Kratos can be defeated by a single successful attack, but the same restriction applies to his opponents. This fundamentally changes combat encounters, placing greater importance on avoiding damage and landing attacks successfully rather than surviving prolonged exchanges.
Both new modes can be selected when starting a new game and choosing a save slot. Sony has confirmed that the selected mode cannot be changed afterward for that particular save file, meaning players should choose their preferred challenge before beginning a new playthrough.
God of War: Sons of Sparta originally launched exclusively on PlayStation 5 on February 12, 2026. Developed by Mega Cat Studios in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio, the game takes the franchise into a retro-inspired 2D action-platforming format while maintaining a canonical storyline centered on Kratos’ younger years.
The adventure follows Kratos and his brother Deimos during their Spartan training as they travel through Laconia. Its gameplay combines spear-and-shield combat, customizable equipment, skill upgrades and divine artifacts known as the Gifts of Olympus. Players also encounter mythological enemies, explore optional areas and complete environmental puzzles.
The game already includes The Pit, a separate endgame roguelite challenge featuring randomized encounters and rewards, with support for solo play and two-player local cooperative gameplay. Hermes Mode and Erebus Mode expand the available challenges beyond that existing experience, focusing respectively on speedrunning and precision combat.
The November 16 launch will make Sons of Sparta available on Sony’s previous-generation console for the first time. Existing PS5 players will receive the two new modes through the free update on the same date, giving both console audiences access to the additional gameplay options.
