God Of War Ragnarok Adds Power Saver Mode Update

God of War Ragnarok, the acclaimed PlayStation exclusive from Santa Monica Studio, has surprised fans with a brand-new update in January 2026, nearly a year after its last major patch. Version 06.06, released on January 15, 2026, brings a single, focused feature to the table: compatibility with Sony’s Power Saver mode for both PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles. While the update is modest in scope, its implications for players, Sony’s broader eco-initiatives, and even the future of PlayStation hardware are worth a closer look.

For those who have been following the game’s journey, God of War Ragnarok originally launched in 2022, continuing the saga of Kratos and Atreus across the Norse realms. Since then, Santa Monica Studio has supported the title with a steady stream of updates, including the much-celebrated Valhalla DLC and an anniversary patch in 2025. After that, though, things went quiet—so quiet, in fact, that many fans assumed the studio had moved on for good. But as reported by ComicBook.com, the new 06.06 update proves there’s still life in Ragnarok yet, even if it’s just a small spark.

The update, as outlined in the official patch notes, is straightforward: “Adds compatibility for Power Saver mode on PS5 and PS5 Pro.” There are no bug fixes, gameplay tweaks, or new content. Instead, this patch ensures that God of War Ragnarok can take full advantage of Sony’s Power Saver feature, which was introduced to the PS5 ecosystem in a firmware update back in September 2025. Players eager to confirm the update’s installation can simply look for a new leaf icon on their game tile—a subtle but clear indicator that Power Saver mode is ready to use.

But what exactly is Power Saver mode, and why is it generating so much buzz? As explained by PlayStation Lifestyle and echoed across gaming outlets, Power Saver mode is Sony’s answer to the growing demand for energy-efficient gaming. When activated, the feature reduces the PS5’s power consumption during gameplay, helping eco-conscious players lower their energy bills and, at the same time, lessen their environmental footprint. Of course, there’s a trade-off: enabling Power Saver mode comes at the cost of reduced performance, which might mean slightly lower graphics fidelity or frame rates for some titles. Still, for many, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks—especially for long play sessions or those looking to game more sustainably.

Activating Power Saver mode is a breeze. As detailed by Push Square and other sources, players need only navigate to the system menu: Settings > System > Power Saving > Use Power Saver. Once enabled, the PS5 automatically draws less power when running compatible games. It’s worth noting, however, that not every title supports Power Saver out of the box. Developers must release specific patches to ensure their games can operate within the new power constraints. That’s why updates like Ragnarok’s 06.06 are necessary, and why the list of compatible titles remains relatively short—mostly dominated by Sony’s own first-party releases.

The timing and intent behind this update have sparked plenty of speculation. According to MP1st and other industry insiders, Sony’s push for Power Saver compatibility may be more than just an eco-friendly gesture. Rumors abound that the company is preparing for a new handheld device, reportedly tied to the upcoming PS6 generation. This handheld is said to be capable of running both PS5 and PS4 games, and Power Saver mode could be a crucial component in making that possible. By ensuring that major titles like God of War Ragnarok can operate efficiently on lower-power hardware, Sony could be laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to its next big platform.

“It has been claimed by a hardware insider that the format holder is using Power Save Mode as something of a Trojan Horse to prepare for the rumoured PS6 handheld,” MP1st reported, highlighting the strategic significance of what might otherwise seem like a minor update. While Sony has yet to confirm any details about the PS6 or its associated hardware, the consistent rollout of Power Saver patches across flagship titles certainly adds fuel to the fire.

For everyday players, the immediate benefits are clear. As LADbible points out, “Reducing your power consumption whilst gaming will hopefully reduce your energy bills somewhat.” In a world where energy prices are rarely stable, even small savings can make a difference over time. And for those who care deeply about their environmental impact, every watt counts. The fact that a blockbuster like God of War Ragnarok now supports this feature sends a strong message about the industry’s shifting priorities.

It’s not just the game that’s making headlines this week. In a separate but equally exciting development, Ryan Hurst has been cast as Kratos in Prime Video’s upcoming live-action God of War TV adaptation. Hurst, who portrayed Thor in Ragnarok, will begin filming the series in Vancouver in March 2026, with a likely premiere date in 2027. According to PlayStation Lifestyle, “By all accounts though, Hurst’s casting appears to have gone down well with fans which is a relief given that his name hadn’t really surfaced as an obvious fan pick.” The show is expected to adapt the original God of War story, not Ragnarok, but the timing of both announcements has certainly reignited excitement around the franchise.

Meanwhile, Santa Monica Studio remains tight-lipped about its next big project. With four years having passed since Ragnarok’s initial launch, speculation is running wild about what the team might be working on behind closed doors. The studio has only broken its silence for significant updates, like the Valhalla DLC and now the Power Saver patch, leaving fans hungry for news about the future of the series.

For now, though, the focus is firmly on sustainable gaming. As more titles join the Power Saver roster and Sony continues to refine its hardware ecosystem, features like these will likely become standard fare. The leaf icon on God of War Ragnarok’s game tile may be small, but it represents a growing movement within the industry—one that values both performance and responsibility.

With this latest update, God of War Ragnarok stands as a testament to how even the biggest games can adapt to new technological and environmental realities. Whether you’re a diehard fan of Kratos, an eco-minded gamer, or just someone looking for a reason to revisit the Norse realms, there’s never been a better time to pick up the Leviathan Axe and dive back in.