Short answer
The Greek saga matters because it explains Kratos, not because it directly starts Laufey's plot.
What it gives you
The older games explain why Kratos carries so much guilt, why gods fear him, and why any family story around him is never simple. That background helps when Laufey's plans for Kratos and Atreus come back into focus.
What it does not give you
The Greek games do not explain the Everywhen, Laufey's awakening after death, or the new mythological mix around Sekhmet and Begtse.
Best way to use it
Treat the Greek saga as character history. It makes Kratos richer, but God of War (2018) is still the more important catch-up point before Laufey.
What new players need to know
Kratos' Greek life explains his distrust of gods, his fear of repeating old mistakes, and the violence he is trying not to pass to Atreus. Those ideas shape the modern family story even when individual Greek characters are not present.
You do not need to memorize every Olympian or weapon. The important thread is that Kratos destroyed the world he once knew, survived the consequences, and later tried to build a different life with Laufey.
Recommended catch-up path
Players short on time can watch an official Greek-era recap, then play God of War (2018). Players who want the full arc can start with the original trilogy before moving to the Norse games. Neither route currently reveals the Everywhen; that material belongs to Laufey's own story.
Related pages
Sources
- PlayStation: God of War series hub
- PlayStation: God of War (2018)