What Should I Play Before God of War Ragnarok?
The highly anticipated God of War Ragnarok is finally here, and fans of the series are eager to dive into the latest installment. But before you embark on this epic adventure, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of the previous games in the series. In this article, we’ll guide you on what to play before God of War Ragnarok to get the most out of your gaming experience.
A Brief History of God of War
For those new to the series, God of War is an action-adventure game that follows the story of Kratos, a demigod from ancient Greece. The series has undergone significant changes over the years, with the 2018 game marking a soft reboot of the franchise. The new game is set in a Norse mythology-inspired world, where Kratos and his son Atreus embark on a quest to spread their wife/mother’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms.
What to Play Before God of War Ragnarok
To fully appreciate the story and characters of God of War Ragnarok, it’s recommended that you play the following games:
- God of War (2018): This game is a prequel to God of War Ragnarok and sets the stage for the events of the new game. It’s a critically acclaimed game that won numerous awards, including Game of the Year.
- God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta: These two games are part of the God of War: Origins Collection and are set between the events of God of War and God of War II. While they’re not essential to playing God of War Ragnarok, they provide additional backstory and character development.
Why Play These Games?
Playing the previous games in the series will give you a deeper understanding of the characters, world, and mythology. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Character Development: Kratos and Atreus’ relationship is a central aspect of the series. Playing the previous games will give you a better understanding of their personalities, motivations, and backstory.
- World-Building: The God of War series is known for its richly detailed world-building. Playing the previous games will give you a better understanding of the world, its history, and the various characters that inhabit it.
- Story Connections: God of War Ragnarok builds upon the events of the previous games. Playing the previous games will help you understand the connections between the stories and characters.
Additional Recommendations
While the above games are essential to playing God of War Ragnarok, you may also want to consider playing the following games to get a better understanding of the world and characters:
- God of War: Ascension: This game is a prequel to the 2018 game and provides additional backstory on Kratos and his family.
- God of War: Betrayal: This mobile game is a spin-off of the series and provides additional character development and world-building.
Table: God of War Games in Chronological Order
| Game | Release Year | Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| God of War | 2005 | PS2 |
| God of War: Chains of Olympus | 2008 | PSP |
| God of War: Ghost of Sparta | 2010 | PSP |
| God of War III | 2010 | PS3 |
| God of War: Ascension | 2013 | PS3 |
| God of War (2018) | 2018 | PS4 |
| God of War Ragnarok | 2022 | PS4, PS5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to play the entire God of War series to understand God of War Ragnarok?
A: No, you don’t need to play the entire series to understand God of War Ragnarok. However, playing the 2018 game and possibly God of War: Chains of Olympus and God of War: Ghost of Sparta will give you a better understanding of the characters and world.
Q: Can I play God of War Ragnarok without playing the previous games?
A: Yes, you can play God of War Ragnarok without playing the previous games. The game is designed to be accessible to new players. However, you may miss out on some character development and world-building.
Q: Are the previous God of War games available on modern consoles?
A: No, the previous God of War games are not available on modern consoles. You may need to purchase a PS2 or PSP to play the older games.
Q: Can I play God of War Ragnarok on PC?
A: No, God of War Ragnarok is a PlayStation exclusive game and is only available on PS4 and PS5.
Q: Is God of War Ragnarok a soft reboot?
A: Yes, God of War Ragnarok is a soft reboot of the series, meaning that it’s a new starting point for the series while still building upon the events of the previous games.
Q: How long does it take to beat God of War Ragnarok?
A: The game’s length will depend on your playstyle and level of exploration. On average, it takes around 20-30 hours to complete the main story, but you may spend up to 50-60 hours exploring the world and completing side quests.
Q: Is God of War Ragnarok suitable for all ages?
A: God of War Ragnarok is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and contains graphic violence, blood, and gore. It’s recommended for players aged 17 and above.
Q: Can I play God of War Ragnarok with a friend?
A: No, God of War Ragnarok is a single-player only game. There is no multiplayer component.
By playing the recommended games before God of War Ragnarok, you’ll be able to fully appreciate the story, characters, and world of the new game. Whether you’re a new player or a veteran of the series, God of War Ragnarok is an epic adventure that’s not to be missed.