God of War Laufey has received a new gameplay showcase focused on Faye's combat. Santa Monica Studio revealed new screenshots and footage, detailed the Serpent Bow and confirmed the bonuses and content included with the game's editions ahead of pre-orders.

Pre-orders open September 29 at 10:00 a.m. local time. God of War Laufey launches February 16, 2027 for PlayStation 5.

The most interesting part of the update, however, is combat. The new material shows how Santa Monica Studio intends to distinguish Faye from Kratos without abandoning the weight and aggression associated with God of War.

Faye using the Serpent Bow during combat in God of War Laufey
The Serpent Bow lets Faye quickly alternate between ranged attacks and close-range shots during her combos.

The Serpent Bow changes how Faye fights

The Serpent Bow is an enchanted weapon capable of rapidly shifting into its combat form, allowing Faye to weave arrows between attacks performed with her other weapons.

Its speed is designed to enable quick transitions between melee and ranged combat. Faye can use the bow to control enemies from a distance or extend combos during close-range encounters.

The bow features two primary aiming modes.

In Full-Aim, fully pressing the aim trigger provides greater precision and draw distance. Striking specific areas of an enemy can impair movement or offensive abilities, creating an opening for a melee follow-up.

Faye aiming the Serpent Bow at an enemy in God of War Laufey
In precision mode, Faye can charge up to five arrows and target specific points on enemies.

While using this mode, Faye can also charge the Serpent Bow and stack up to five arrows before unleashing them as a powerful volley.

Half-Aim puts Faye into a more mobile hip-fire stance. A half press of the aim trigger lets her unleash clusters of arrows against nearby enemies while remaining mobile.

Santa Monica Studio also demonstrated how the bow can juggle airborne enemies and extend combos as Faye moves between weapons and abilities.

Arrow types and Bow Scales expand build options

The Serpent Bow is not limited to its two firing modes. Faye can use multiple arrow types, including rapid-fire shots, explosive detonations and options capable of targeting multiple enemies.

Different Scales can also be equipped on the bow. These alter its appearance while adding unique perks designed around different playstyles.

Beyond equippable Scales, the Serpent Bow features unlockable skills that expand its capabilities as players progress.

Faye has multiple customization systems

The new material also provides a clearer look at character building in God of War Laufey.

Faye fighting enemies in the Everywhen in God of War Laufey
Armor, Blade, Bow Scales and Catalysts let players modify stats, perks and different combat styles.

Faye's armor options provide different combinations of gameplay perks, stats and appearances. Other pieces of her equipment can also be customized.

The Blade customizes elements of Faye's sword, while Scales modify the Serpent Bow. Catalysts are powerful artifacts capable of channeling the magic of the Everywhen and provide different effects.

Together, these systems suggest players will be able to push Faye toward different combat styles rather than relying on a single linear path of progression.

God of War Laufey pre-orders open September 29

God of War Laufey pre-orders officially open September 29 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Anyone who purchases the game before launch will receive the Last Wish Armor Set, the Phranque Golden Leaves cosmetic appearance and an in-game resource pack.

The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Dark Alchemy Armor Set, Dark Alchemy Blade, Dark Alchemy Bow Scales, Dark Alchemy Catalyst, an in-game resource pack, digital mini artbook and the official God of War Laufey digital soundtrack.

Some of these in-game items are unlocked through story progression.

Faye takes center stage in the Everywhen

God of War Laufey is the next mainline entry in the franchise and places Faye, also known as Laufey, at the center of the story.

Following her death, the warrior unexpectedly awakens in the Everywhen, an afterlife of the gods where deities from across mythology compete for power in a realm overflowing with dangerous magic.

The plans Faye put in place to protect Kratos and Atreus are now at risk, forcing her to fight through the Everywhen in an effort to protect her family.

Santa Monica Studio describes Faye's combat around speed, control and relentlessness. The newly detailed Serpent Bow reinforces that direction by allowing rapid transitions between precise ranged attacks and close-range combinations.

God of War Laufey launches exclusively for PlayStation 5 on February 16, 2027.