UPDATE: Sony Santa Monica, the developer of God of War, has clarified the two-player features for God of War Sons of Sparta after significant player confusion.
In a post on X/Twitter, nearly a day after the game’s announcement, the studio clarified that the advertised two-player functionality is restricted to “a challenge mode that can be played solo or with local 2-player couch co-op,” which becomes available only “after completing Sons of Sparta’s main story.”
This explanation addresses why players who recently purchased the game were unable to find any two-player options.
Many players reported being drawn in by the expectation of a full two-player experience, purchasing Sons of Sparta after seeing gameplay clips featuring both Kratos and his brother, and assuming the co-op would extend throughout the entire game. This assumption proved incorrect.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Sony State of Play broadcast concluded with the announcement and immediate release of God of War Sons of Sparta, a side-scrolling spin-off. The game’s PlayStation Store listing indicated 1-2 player support, yet players were unable to locate any two-player options.
Initial reports from players who purchased the game for $29.99 and began exploring Kratos’ origins indicated that his brother Deimos only appears at specific moments. There was no two-player option found in the game’s menus, and connecting a second PS5 controller did not enable additional multiplayer features.
This unusual situation led some to believe the PlayStation Store listing was inaccurate, as it seemed to be the sole definitive indication of a two-player mode. Players began seeking assistance from others online who were also searching for multiplayer functionality.
On Reddit and social media, fans noted that the store’s listing initially did not appear unusual. The game’s title, “Sons of Sparta,” is plural, in-game footage depicted both brothers defeating bosses collaboratively, and the cover artwork prominently featured them fighting alongside each other.
The game’s store description also contained ambiguous language, referencing the exploits of both brothers:
“Experience an untold chapter in Kratos’ journey set during the harsh years of Spartan training alongside his brother Deimos,” the official blurb for Sons of Sparta states. “Through endless trials, their minds, bodies, and hearts have been molded to become Spartan soldiers for whom duty and honor mean everything. After a fellow cadet goes missing, Kratos and Deimos vow to find him and embark on an adventure that will put their training and Spartan spirit to the test.”
“Just got it installed and running,” commented God of War fan Mephistocheles on reddit, within a discussion thread about the game’s apparent lack of co-op. “So far it’s not allowing drop in play on 2nd controller and there were no two-player options on start menu. Will update if I find it does allow co-op, but it doesn’t look like it.”
“I’m so sad,” wrote user bob_th4_build3r. “I bought it instantly because I thought it would be co-op… maybe they will add it in the future?”
Other comments indicated that players were escalating the issue to PlayStation’s customer support, with several attempting to request refunds. Clarification on the game’s two-player capabilities was sought from PlayStation and Sons of Sparta developer Mega Cat Studios.
