God of War: Sons of Sparta Comes to PS4 on November 16

God of War: Sons of Sparta is coming to PS4 on November 16 at midnight local time. Mega Cat Studios will release a free patch at the same time that adds Hermes Mode and Erebus Mode to both the PS4 and PS5 versions.

The details come from the updated official PlayStation Blog announcement. The PS4 version expands access to Sony’s previous-generation console, while the two new modes give existing PS5 players additional ways to replay the game.

Hermes Mode adds speedrunning tools

Hermes Mode is built around racing against the clock. It includes a split-based timer, a persistent scoreboard and other tools intended for speedrunning.

Players can unlock Hermes Mode by completing the game once. It can also be opened from the start menu with the code Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, L1, R1, Touchpad.

Erebus Mode makes every hit lethal

Erebus Mode is the more punishing option: both Kratos and his enemies fall in a single hit. That rule turns every encounter into a test of positioning and timing rather than simply increasing enemy health.

The selected mode is chosen when starting a new game and selecting a save slot. Once a mode has been assigned to that save, it cannot be changed, so players will need a separate save to try a different rule set.

The PS4 release arrives November 16

The PS4 edition is scheduled to unlock at midnight local time on November 16. The Hermes and Erebus patch will be available for PS4 and PS5 on the same day at no additional cost.

Sons of Sparta is a canon, retro-inspired 2D action platformer set during Kratos’ youth. The story follows Kratos and his brother Deimos beyond Sparta into Laconia, with combat built around an upgradeable spear and shield, skill trees and Gifts of Olympus.

Will you try Hermes Mode’s speedrunning tools or the one-hit challenge of Erebus Mode first?