Did Kratos Die in God of War?
The God of War (2018) is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio. It’s a soft reboot of the original God of War trilogy, and it tells a new story while still honoring the core mechanics and characters that fans love. Throughout the game, Kratos, the legendary protagonist, faces numerous challenges and conflicts, culminating in a climactic ending. In this article, we’ll explore the burning question on everyone’s mind: Did Kratos die in God of War?
A Brief Summary of the Ending
Without giving away too many spoilers, the ending of God of War 2018 shows Kratos facing off against the World Serpent, Jörmungandr, and subsequently, Freya, the Queen of the Vanir. After defeating Freya, Kratos kills Jörmungandr, but the monster’s venom spreads throughout the body, gradually killing Kratos. Just before his demise, Kratos holds his son, Atreus, in his arms, having fulfilled his wish to protect him.
What Happened to Kratos?
So, did Kratos actually die in the game? Yes, he did. As the venom takes its toll, Kratos succumbs to the injuries he sustained during the battle, embracing death as a sacrifice to ensure the well-being of his son, Atreus, and their journey together. Throughout the game, Kratos undergoes significant character development, and this pivotal moment showcases his selflessness, love for his son, and readiness to let go of his troubled past.
Key Moments that Prove Kratos Died
Here are some key moments from the game that confirm Kratos’s passing:
- Kratos’s gradual weakness: As the venom takes its toll, Kratos begins to weaken, unable to respond effectively to his son’s pleas.
- The Final Confrontation with Freya: Just before his death, Kratos acknowledges his fate, knowing he’ll soon join the gods of the pantheon he once pillaged.
- Atreus’s Eulogy: The final cutscene shows Atreus honoring his father’s memory, ensuring his legacy will live on. The scene also implies Atreus will continue to embody his father’s values and spirit.
- The Game’s Epilogue: In the epilogue, Atreus is shown to have matured, reflecting on the lessons he learned from Kratos, including the importance of preserving one’s identity.
What this Means for the Series
The fact that Kratos died at the end of God of War 2018 presents an opportunity for the franchise to evolve and explore new storylines while honoring the character’s legacy. This outcome creates a sense of closure for the main narrative, allowing for a potential continuation of the series, focusing on new heroes and tales.
Additional Insights from the Dev Team
During an interview with PlayStation Blog, game director, Cory Barlog, discussed Kratos’s fate: "For Kratos, he’s very clearly dying, and this is not a secret. He knows this is the end for him… and the game’s all about finding meaning in that final moment, as a father and as a hero."
Frequently Asked Questions
- What about Kratos’s soul? Did he reincarnate or ascend?
Atreus’s eulogy and the game’s epilogue leave it ambiguous whether Kratos’s soul reincarnated or ascended. The devs have maintained an air of mystery, allowing fans to speculate on the character’s eternal fate.
- Will Kratos return in the sequel?
Although Kratos may not physically return in a subsequent game, his legacy could still be a significant part of the story, with new characters drawing inspiration from his actions and deeds.
- Why did the game’s title focus on God of War when Kratos dies?
The title was chosen before the game’s finalization, and the dev team deliberately highlighted Kratos’s journey to fulfill his role as the God of War.
- Did Kratos ever truly find peace?
Yes, Kratos found solace in his final moments. As he accepts his fate, Kratos comes to terms with the demons from his past and ultimately finds acceptance.
- How does the Norse mythology influence Kratos’s story?
Kratos’s arc is intricately tied to Norse mythology, allowing him to embody the themes and metaphors of the pantheon while still honoring his own, human, struggles.
- Would Kratos have achieved peace without the venom’s death toll?
Without the venom’s death toll, Kratos might not have truly found the sense of closure he desired. His willingness to sacrifice himself strengthened the emotional impact of the game’s conclusion.
- Can Atreus grow up without Kratos’s constant presence?
Atreus will grow up in Kratos’s shadow, but not under his direct influence. The sequel or future games could focus on Atreus’s new, independent journey.
- Can Kratos’s story influence the franchise as a whole?
Absolutely. Kratos’s sacrifices, struggles, and ultimate triumph create a new benchmark for the God of War series, enabling future tales to draw inspiration from his legacy, setting new expectations for the franchise.
In conclusion, yes, Kratos did indeed die in God of War 2018. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, while simultaneously showcasing Kratos’s growth as a character. The ending’s emotional weight serves as a testament to the franchise’s continued ability to push boundaries, inspire, and leave a lasting impact on the gaming world.