Santa Monica Studio has clarified how players can access the two-player mode in God of War: Sons of Sparta, confirming that co-op is unlocked only after finishing the main story campaign. The information was shared directly through the studio’s official social media account following the game’s release.
In a public service announcement, the studio stated, “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 message makes clear that cooperative play is not available from the outset, but instead tied to post-game progression.
God of War: Sons of Sparta launched on February 12, 2026, following a surprise reveal during a PlayStation State of Play presentation. The title was shadow-dropped on PlayStation 5 the same day. Developed by Mega Cat Studios in collaboration with Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the project serves as a canonical prequel to the broader franchise.
The game explores the early Spartan training of Kratos and his brother Deimos during the Agoge. Designed as a 2D action platformer with a retro-inspired pixel art aesthetic, the experience adopts a Metroidvania-style world structure. Combat centers around the use of a spear and shield, alongside divine artifacts referred to as the Gifts of Olympus.
The confirmation regarding co-op clarifies speculation among players who were searching for multiplayer options shortly after launch. By tying the two-player mode to completion of the main campaign, the studio positions it as a challenge-oriented experience intended for replay value rather than a primary feature at the start.
With Sons of Sparta now available on PlayStation 5, players looking to experience the local cooperative mode will first need to complete Kratos and Deimos’ initial journey. Only then will the challenge mode, playable either solo or in couch co-op, become accessible.
