Summary

  • God of War Ragnarok's free Valhalla DLC added depth to Kratos' story, setting up a potential solo game for Atreus.
  • Atreus may lead his own game, but Kratos' shadow looms over the franchise's future.
  • The God of War series faces a crucial crossroads in deciding whether to move on from Kratos.

God of War Ragnarok brought the titular battle to life in thrilling fashion as Kratos and his allies united together in order to stop Odin and his reign. The franchise's Norse saga may have felt short-lived overall, but players got a great surprise last year that brought an all-new chapter to God of War Ragnarok. Developer Santa Monica Studio surprised many with a free DLC for Ragnarok in the form of Valhalla, a rogue-like romp through the Norse realm.

The prospect of getting a free DLC was exciting enough, but Valhalla added some important moments to Kratos' story as well. At the end of Ragnarok, Kratos and Atreus parted ways, with the latter beginning his search for the remaining Giants. Kratos stayed put in the Norse realm, and his time there was brought to an apex with Tyr putting him through various trials to both prove his worth as a god and help Kratos accept himself once and for all. Although this expansion brought some much-needed peace to Kratos, it also sets a troubling precedent for the franchise's future and its possible inability to let go of the character.

The God of War Franchise May Not Be Able to Move On From Kratos

Atreus' Solo Venture Might Not Be Solo After All

After the bittersweet goodbye shared between Kratos and Atreus at the end of Ragnarok, a prevailing theory suggests that the franchise is setting up Atreus to lead his own game. Focusing on Atreus would be a bold move for the series, but it also feels inevitable. Even if an Atreus-focused chapter is simply a half-sequel, Valhalla made it clear that the franchise as a whole may struggle to keep Kratos out of the story.

Of course, a possible God of War game starring Atreus and leaving Kratos out of the narrative would be incredibly controversial. Atreus is a compelling character, but worries that he isn't yet ready to take up Kratos' mantle are valid. However, if the ending of Ragnarok wants to feel as rewarding as possible, seeing Atreus actively being on his own without Kratos' presence being part of the story is the best way to further explore the character. Ragnarok offered a glimpse into what a solo game as Atreus could be like, thanks to the double-protagonist approach, but Kratos still played a major role, even when he wasn't seen.

If rumors of a solo Atreus game happen to be true, it would be intriguing to see how the character handles trials completely on his own instead of having influence from his father. There are some who are skeptical of Atreus' ability to be a strong protagonist, but a full game or half-sequel is the best way to prove that the character is worthy of taking the spotlight.

God of War Branching Out Into Unknown Territory

Finally Cutting the Kratos Cord

A God of War game solely starring Atreus doesn't mean that Kratos has to be gone for good, but it would be interesting to see if the franchise could manage without him. The future of God of War is in a tricky spot with where its story should go, but broadening the definition of what the franchise is about could really breathe some exciting life into the series. Kratos has led the franchise for nearly two decades now, and as the character gets older, he simply may need to retire at some point.

Although Valhalla brought a great story set in the Norse era to life, Kratos' arc in the expansion felt like a great way to begin the character's send-off. However, if Kratos continues to appear in various games, especially Atreus' rumored lead spin-off, then it could ultimately keep the finale of Valhalla from feeling as meaningful over time.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
God of War: Ragnarok Tag Page Cover Art
10 /10

God of War Ragnarok
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Action
Adventure
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1
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Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
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Released
November 9, 2022
ESRB
M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Developer(s)
Santa Monica Studio
Publisher(s)
Sony
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God of War Ragnarok the crater region and lightning
6 Images
God of War Ragnarok the crater region and lightning
Intense combat with Kratos wielding fiery Blades of Chaos against a powerful enemy in God of War Ragnarok
Kratos gazing at colossal statues in a mystical, cloudy landscape in God of War Ragnarok
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Kratos from God of War Ragnarok
Kratos battling a creature with Atreus assisting in the background
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WHERE TO PLAY

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.

Franchise
God of War
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure
How Long To Beat
26 Hours
PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium