UPDATE: The content of this guide has been refreshed to reflect Santa Monica’s statement about co-op in God of War Sons of Sparta. All is explained below.
The confusion surrounding co-op and/or multiplayer being present in God of War Sons of Sparta at launch was so big that it threatened to consume Olympus itself. If you’re also wondering the same thing, we’ve got the latest on the co-op controversy.
The God of War games have always been without co-op or multiplayer—apart from Ascension’s additional multiplayer add-on. Traditionally, every Greek and Norse tale has revolved around our sometimes bearded, sometimes goatee’d God of War on his lonesome.
Sons of Sparta‘s marketing and advertising have made everyone think twice, though.
Can You Play God of War Sons of Sparta in Co-op or Multiplayer?
Yes, it’s been confirmed by Santa Monica that God of War Sons of Sparta does feature a co-op mode in the form of a post-game ‘Challenge Mode.’
In the first 18 hours or so of the game’s release, it was believed that Sons of Sparta was advertising some form of co-op or multiplayer (but no competitive online) without actually having it.
- More Insider Gaming: Complete God of War Sons of Sparta Trophy List
The official PlayStation Store listing for God of War Sons of Sparta CLEARLY stated that up to “1-2 players” could enjoy the game in “Offline play.”
Reddit, X, and various social media users made it clear that they bought Sons of Sparta on the pretense that the 2026 God of War title had co-op integration. Insider Gaming did some testing and tinkering, and there was simply no way to play co-op in Sons of Sparta.
However, the publisher eventually clarified that the game does feature a 2-Player mode.
How To Play God of War Sons of Sparta’s Co-op Mode
Santa Monica’s X account delivered a PSA to all God of War Sons of Sparta owners and potential buyers that the game has a “2-Player Mode,” and the only way to play it is by completing the main story.
Firstly, here’s the statement in full:
“PSA: God of War Sons of Sparta 2-Player Mode. After completing Sons of Sparta’s main story, you will unlock a challenge mode that can be played solo or with local 2-player couch co-op.”
The description makes this sound like it’s not a full co-op mode where you can play the entirety of Sons of Sparta with another player. Instead, it’s an unlockable, limited co-op game mode with one-off challenges only accessible as endgame content.
- More Insider Gaming: All God of War Sons of Sparta Platforms, Explained
Right now, the game is still very new, and the nature of the challenge node is unclear. If it is such a few challenges related to the game, technically, this justifies the “1-2 Players” label on the PlayStation Store. If you’re looking to play all of Sons of Sparta with another person from the get-go, you might be left shortchanged.
Insider Gaming is where you’ll be able to find the latest news and guides on Sons of Sparta and more co-op updates. There’s also the Insider Gaming Discord Server if you want to talk about the co-op controversy.
For more questions and answers, check out if God of War Sons of Sparta has a Physical Edition and how much the game costs.
