Summary

  • The next God of War game needs to honor the traditions established by the previous two games while continuing to progress the narrative structure.
  • The progression system established by the last two games should be continued in the next installment to maintain player incentives to progress.
  • Kratos should keep his current arsenal of weapons, including the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Draupnir Spear while introducing a brand-new weapon for players.

The Norse saga for the God of War reboot series may have officially concluded after God of War Ragnarok and its Valhalla DLC, but that doesn't mean the next game needs to take a step back when it comes to the traditions established by the first two games. It will undoubtedly be a different series moving forward, as Kratos has finally moved on from the pain, regret, and shame of his past and Atreus has parted ways with his father in pursuit of his own journey. However, while the narrative structure will certainly change, there are some things that need to stay the same in the next God of War.

The God of War reboot series has undoubtedly changed the franchise forever, taking what was once a hack-and-slash platformer and transforming it into a story-heavy adventure with some of the most emotional narrative beats the series has ever seen. In some ways, the new God of War games have honored the original titles, especially when it comes to Kratos reflecting on his past and the return of his iconic Blades of Chaos as a weapon. However, something had to be done between God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok to progress rather than devolve Kratos and Atreus, and the next God of War game needs to follow suit.

The Next God of War Needs to Continue the Progression System Established by the Last Two Games

God of War and God of War Ragnarok Only Added More Weapons to Kratos' Arsenal

Sequels often present developers with what may initially seem to be a difficult obstacle to overcome, especially in the role-playing and action-adventure genres. As characters in games grow stronger or unlock new weapons, just as Kratos has in the last two God of War games, honoring their progress while still providing players with something to work toward can be a challenge in and of itself. God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok overcame this challenge by adding new weapons to Kratos' arsenal, rather than rebooting it simply as an excuse to give players incentive to progress.

In God of War (2018), Kratos started with his now-famous Leviathan Axe, which can be used in both melee and ranged combat and can even slow or freeze enemies who are hit by it. Eventually, Kratos acquires his iconic Blades of Chaos, which are even used in the story as a symbol of his ongoing struggle to escape his past. God of War Ragnarok then kept up this tradition rather than taking away Kratos' new weapons for the sake of giving players something new to work toward.

In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos was able to keep his Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, but he was also given the Draupnir Spear later on in the story. The Draupnir Spear is significantly different from the Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, once again allowing players the option of melee and ranged combat but with an explosive twist, as thrown spears can attach to enemies and then be manually ignited for even more damage.

The Next God of War Should Let Kratos Keep His Current Arsenal and Simply Add Another Weapon to It

Just as the last two God of War games have done, the next God of War should allow Kratos to keep his Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Draupnir Spear, rather than taking them away to give players the illusion of progress. In addition to allowing Kratos to keep his current arsenal, the next God of War should introduce a brand-new weapon that is entirely unlike the others — perhaps one that requires a playstyle that is uncommon to what has already been established. It might feel like too many steps back to reverse Kratos' progress at this point, but Santa Monica has likely already considered this, so players can presumably expect a new weapon in the next God of War.

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God of War: Ragnarok Tag Page Cover Art
God of War Ragnarok
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10 /10
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Released
November 9, 2022
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SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go
From Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.

ESRB
M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Developer(s)
Santa Monica Studio
Publisher(s)
Sony
Franchise
God of War
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
How Long To Beat
26 Hours
Metascore
94
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
God of War Ragnarok the crater region and lightning
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