God Of War PS4 Release Date And Pre-Order Guide: Bonuses And Everything To Know

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God of War is the next major PS4 exclusive, and its release date is coming quite soon--it's out on April 20, meaning time is running out if you're eager to pre-order. With this game, developer Sony Santa Monica promises Kratos, the GoW himself, has some depth to him. He's not just raging at the world, as he's been known to do in previous entries. This time around he's joined by his son Atreus as they head into the land of the Norse gods. Most importantly, he has a beard.

But fans of the series shouldn't worry Sony has created a low-key game about feelings. This is still a God of War game, and although Kratos has traded in his chain-blades for a magic axe, he still slices through enemies, spilling gallons of blood and gore. You can read all about what to expect in our God of War review, which is quite positive. In it, Peter Brown says, "In many ways God of War is what the series has always been. It's a spectacular action game with epic set pieces, big-budget production values, and hard-hitting combat that grows more feverish and impressive as you progress. What may surprise you is how mature its storytelling has become."

If you're planning to pre-order God of War, you'll want to know where you can get it, what comes in the special editions, and how much each version costs. Strap in. Here comes a firehose spray of God of War pre-order info.

Pre-Order Bonus

First, the pre-order bonus. If you pre-order God of War from a participating retailer, you'll get three shield skins. They're called Buckler of the Forge, Dökkenshieldr, and Shining Elven Soul Shield. Now say that three times fast.

Pre-order God of War from GameStop, and you'll get the Luck of Ages XP Boost, an in-game item that gives you additional experience points.

God of War - Standard Edition

Suggested retail price: $60

This is the standard version of the game, so all you get are any standard pre-order bonuses depending where you buy it.

Where to buy the Standard Edition:

• Amazon: $60 ($48 with Amazon Prime)
• Best Buy: $60 ($48 with Gamers Club Unlocked)
• GameStop: $60 (comes with Luck of Ages XP boost)
• Newegg: $50
• PlayStation Store: $60 (comes with six avatars)
• Target: $60
• Walmart: $60

God of War Digital Deluxe Edition

Suggested retail price: $70

The Digital Deluxe Edition comes with a digital version of the game, plus the following digital goodies:

• God of War Digital Artbook by Dark Horse Comics
• God of War Digital Comic Issue #0 by Dark Horse Comics
• Death's Vow Armor Set
• Exile’s Guardian Shield
• Dynamic Theme for PS4

Pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition in the US or Canada, and you'll get a physical Kratos & Atreus pin.

Where to buy the Digital Deluxe Edition:

• PlayStation Store: $70 (comes with six avatars)

God of War Collector's Edition

Suggested retail price: $130

The Collector's Edition comes with all the digital extras in the Digital Deluxe Edition, plus the following physical items:

• 9" Kratos and Atreus statue
• Steelbook case for the game
• 2" Huldra Brothers carvings
• Lithograph
• Cloth map

Where to buy the Collector's Edition:

• Amazon: $130
• Best Buy: $130 ($104 with Gamers Club Unlocked)
• GameStop: $130 (comes with Luck of Ages XP boost)
• Newegg: $120
• Target: $130
• Walmart: $130

Stone Mason Edition

Suggested retail price: $150

The Stone Mason Edition comes with all the digital goodies from the Digital Deluxe Edition, plus all the physical items from the Collector's Edition. The extra $20 this edition costs goes toward the following small items:

• Stone Mason's ring
• Mimir's head talking keychain
• 2" horse and troll carvings
• Defender of the Chosen Shield (in-game item)

Where to buy the Stone Mason Edition:

• Amazon: Unavailable at the time of this writing
• Best Buy: $150 ($120 with Gamers Club Unlocked)
• GameStop: $150 (comes with Luck of Ages XP boost)
• Newegg: $140
• Target: $150
• Walmart: $150

Sony Limited Edition God of War PS4 Pro Bundle

Suggested retail price: $400

If you want to think about God of War each time you pick up a controller or glance at your console, buy the Limited Edition God of War PS4 Pro Bundle. It comes with a 1TB hard drive and some slick God of War ornamentation.

Where to buy the Sony Limited Edition God of War PS4 Pro Bundle:

• Amazon: Unavailable at the time of this writing
• Best Buy: $400
• GameStop: $400
• Newegg: $400
• Target: $400
• Walmart: $400

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