Short answer
Laufey's story begins after the funeral turning point, when she wakes in the Everywhen and realizes her plan for Kratos and Atreus is under threat.
Why this is the real start
The Greek saga explains Kratos. God of War (2018) gives the funeral turning point. Ragnarok raises the family stakes. But God of War Laufey itself begins when Laufey wakes after death and has to act for herself.
What changes here
This is the point where Laufey stops being only the hidden force behind other people's journeys and becomes the active lead of her own.
Plain-English version
The clearest way to say it is:
God of War Laufey begins after the funeral turning point and follows Laufey in the Everywhen as she fights to protect the future she set in motion for Kratos and Atreus.
What should you play first?
God of War (2018) provides the most important context because its opening funeral and family journey are the point Laufey reframes. Ragnarok adds the consequences of prophecy and Atreus' Jotnar identity. Valhalla and the Greek saga deepen Kratos, but neither is currently required to understand the Everywhen premise.
Players who are new to the series can therefore use a simple order: God of War (2018), Ragnarok, then Laufey. A recap is enough if you do not have time for both earlier games.
What remains deliberately unknown
The reveal does not explain who endangered Laufey's plan, how time works in the Everywhen, or whether she can observe Kratos and Atreus directly. Those questions belong to the new game rather than earlier lore.
Related pages
Sources
- PlayStation Blog: First look at God of War Laufey
- PlayStation: God of War Laufey