Short answer
No. Sons of Sparta is useful Kratos background, not required setup for Laufey.
Why players ask
Sons of Sparta is newer than many older side stories, and it returns to Kratos' Greek-era life with Deimos. That makes it easy to assume it might secretly bridge into Laufey.
What it actually adds
It adds more context to Kratos' youth, his family scars, and the Greek side of his personal history.
What it does not confirm
It does not directly set up the Everywhen, Laufey's awakening after death, or a confirmed bridge into the new story.
Best reading
Read it as backstory if you want more Kratos context. Do not treat it as required homework before Laufey.
Who should play it
Sons of Sparta is most valuable for players interested in Kratos' relationship with Deimos and the family wounds that existed before he met Laufey. That background can make his later fear of losing Atreus feel sharper, but it does not answer the new game's central questions.
Players who only want the shortest route to Laufey should prioritize God of War (2018), followed by a Ragnarok recap. Those stories establish Faye's funeral, Atreus' identity, and the family plan referenced by the new game.
What to avoid assuming
A recent release date does not automatically make Sons of Sparta a direct prologue. Until PlayStation links the two games, its connection is thematic and character-based rather than a confirmed story requirement.
Related pages
Sources
- PlayStation: God of War Sons of Sparta
- PlayStation Blog: Greek Trilogy Remake in development, God of War Sons of Sparta out now