Sony Interactive Entertainment and its first-party studio behind the God of War franchise, SIE Santa Monica Studio, is gearing up for the 20th anniversary of God of War.
The original God of War game was released on the PS2 twenty years ago on March 22, 2005. To celebrate this milestone, Santa Monica Studio and Sony are gifting everyone who owns God of War Ragnarok a Dark Odyssey-themed items to all playable characters. Plus, more exciting surprises are coming in the days leading up to the anniversary. Here’s a list of what’s planned for the upcoming anniversary.
On March 20, 2025, they will release the in-game update for God of War Ragnarok called the Dark Odyssey collection.
Players who own God of War Ragnarok will receive the Dark Odyssey Armor and Appearance for Kratos, a Dark Odyssey companion for Atreus (Witch Frock) and Freya (Vestment), and the Dark Odyssey weapon and shield appearance and attachments.
Do note, however, that you need to fully upgrade each of the weapons to make the Dark Odyssey weapon appearances available.
In addition to the in-game cosmetics, fans will also get to download free anniversary-themed social media assets including banners, icons, and wallpapers for desktop and mobile today!
It’s not just that! In partnership with Gallery Nucleus in Los Angeles, California, Santa Monica Studio will feature artworks through the years of God War, from the previous games to the new, in an art gallery from March 15 to March 23, 2025.
They are also releasing a wide range of merch that celebrates the long history of the God of War franchise, which includes a 20th Anniversary Retrospective, featuring key interviews with developers, insights, and art that captures the intimate, behind-the-scenes look at how God of War came to be. Pre-orders for the 20th Anniversary Retrospective will start on March 17, 2025.
Furthermore, they will also release the Cook and Becker: 20th Anniversary Print Collection which will feature art prints of key installments in the franchise. The first two pieces are from artist Ollie Hoff, who captured the incredible style of the first God of War game released in 2005 and the 2018 reboot. Pre-orders for Cook and Becker: 20th Anniversary Print Collection will open on March 18, 2025.
That’s not all, along the lines of the other merchandise is the Fangamer’s Jörmungandr plushie which will be up for pre-orders this March 19, 2025, and the following day will be the pre-orders for the Laced Vinyls 20th Anniversary Collection.
Insert Coin’s 20th Anniversary T-Shirt will be open for pre-orders this March 21, 2025.
Starting today, PlayStation Plus Members with Premium and Extra subscriptions will be able to play God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok via PlayStation Plus’ Game Catalog. For Premium members, God of War III Remastered is now part of the Classic Catalog.
On PC, God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok are on sale until March 20, 2025 for both Steam and Epic Games.
Santa Monica Studio also wanted to thank the fans for all the support! Here’s the full message:
“On behalf of everyone at Santa Monica Studio, we are immeasurably grateful to have had the chance to build the legacy of this series with and for you, the fans of God of War.
As we approach the official anniversary next week on March 22, we’d love for you to join the celebration in-game with the Dark Odyssey collection, on social media with our community activities, and with our partners as they roll out a ton of amazing merch.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure, we hope you’ll stay with us for many years to come.”
