Can You Play God of War After You Beat the Story? A Deep Dive
Absolutely! The God of War games, particularly the 2018 title and God of War Ragnarök, are designed to offer a robust post-game experience. Once you conquer the main storyline, the world remains open for exploration, side quests, and tackling challenges you might have missed or were too difficult to face during your initial playthrough. In short, the fun doesn’t stop when the credits roll; it just evolves.
Unlocking the Post-Game Potential
The beauty of the post-game in God of War lies in the freedom it grants. No longer driven by the urgency of the main narrative, you’re free to roam the realms, uncover secrets, and hone your skills. Here’s a breakdown of what awaits you:
- Open World Exploration: The world remains accessible. You can revisit any location you previously explored and discover new areas that might have been locked behind story progression.
- Side Quests (Favors): Many engaging side quests, or “Favors,” are available after completing the main story. These can involve helping other characters, uncovering hidden lore, or battling challenging foes.
- Realm Access: In both God of War (2018) and Ragnarök, you gain access to previously inaccessible realms or locations within realms after the main story. These often hold some of the game’s most challenging and rewarding content.
- Collectibles and Completionism: If you’re aiming for 100% completion, the post-game is crucial. You can track down any remaining collectibles, artifacts, or lore markers scattered throughout the world.
- Challenging Encounters: The post-game provides ample opportunity to test your skills against some of the most formidable enemies in the game. Think Valkyries, Berserkers, and optional boss fights.
- New Game+ (NG+): Offered in both titles, New Game+ allows you to replay the entire story with your existing gear and skills, but with increased difficulty and new challenges. This is perfect for perfecting your build and experiencing the story with a fresh perspective.
God of War (2018) Post-Game Highlights
After finishing the main story in the 2018 game, you can:
- Speak to Ratatoskr at your house to obtain Yggdrasil Seeds, unlocking access to previously locked realms and locations.
- Venture into Niflheim and tackle the challenging Mist Field.
- Conquer the trials of Muspelheim.
- Hunt down and defeat all the Valkyries.
God of War Ragnarök Post-Game Highlights
Ragnarök expands on the post-game experience, offering even more content:
- Free the real Tyr from his imprisonment and discover his whereabouts.
- Complete the numerous Berserker Gravestones challenges.
- Explore areas of Asgard that become accessible after the main story.
- Tackle the Muspelheim Crucible challenges.
Why the Post-Game Matters
The post-game isn’t just tacked-on content; it’s an integral part of the God of War experience. It allows you to:
- Deepen Your Immersion: Spend more time in the world and connect with its characters.
- Master the Combat System: Hone your skills and experiment with different builds.
- Uncover Hidden Lore: Discover secrets and gain a deeper understanding of the mythology.
- Extend Your Playtime: Significantly increase the game’s overall value.
- Prepare for New Game+: Fully optimize your character and gear for the ultimate challenge.
FAQs: God of War Post-Game
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing God of War after beating the story:
1. Can I explore all areas after beating God of War?
Yes, with few exceptions, most areas become accessible, or you are able to revisit them, to continue exploring and finishing your journey. Sometimes access is granted through game progression and other times through in game items like seeds.
2. Are there any missable quests in God of War Ragnarök?
No, there are no missable quests. You can return to any location to pick up side quests you might have missed.
3. Can I achieve 100% completion after finishing the main story?
Absolutely. There are no crucial collectibles or quests that are permanently locked off. The post-game is designed to facilitate completion.
4. What is New Game+ and how does it work?
New Game+ allows you to restart the game with all your gear, skills, and levels intact. The difficulty is increased, and there are often new items and challenges to discover.
5. Can I max out Kratos’ stats in God of War?
Yes, it is possible, but requires some dedication and, in some instances, save-scumming to get the best RNG rolls on enchantments.
6. What should I do first after beating God of War Ragnarök?
A good starting point is to visit Sindri’s house, the magical inter-dimensional hub. Talking to Lunda there will trigger a side quest called “A Viking Funeral” giving you a great start to end game completion.
7. How do I find the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarök?
After completing the main story, you can find the real Tyr in the Aesir Prison Wreckage area of Niflheim. You need to visit the Raven Tree first to trigger the favor “Broken Prison”.
8. Can I see Atreus again after Ragnarök?
Yes. In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos can visit Atreus and Angrboda’s place in Jotunheim. Atreus will also reappear during certain side quests and moments within the post-game content.
9. What are the best activities to do in the God of War Ragnarök post-game?
Focus on completing Berserker Gravestones, freeing Tyr, clearing out all the Draugr Holes, and challenging yourself with the Muspelheim Crucible trials.
10. What are Valkyries, and why should I fight them?
Valkyries are extremely challenging optional bosses. Defeating them rewards you with powerful gear, enchantments, and resources.
11. What is the best armor in God of War Ragnarök?
The Steinbjörn armor set is considered one of the best due to its high defense stats and health regeneration ability.
12. How do I get to Level 10 in God of War Ragnarök?
In New Game+, upgrade your Armor, Weapon, Weapon Attachment or Shield to Level 9, then convert them at a Dwarven Shop. There are actually four levels to reach: 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, and finally 10.
13. What happens after you defeat all the Valkyries?
Aside from the loot, you complete a significant side questline and gain access to the Valkyrie armor, one of the strongest armor sets in the game.
14. Are there any secret endings in God of War?
God of War technically has two endings, and you’re going to need to spend a few extra minutes with the game to unlock the full ending. To get the secret ending in God of War Ragnarök, after the final battle, you need to return to Sindri’s House.
15. Where can I learn more about the game design and learning aspects of God of War?
Explore resources at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org, to understand the educational potential within gaming environments.
Embracing the Journey Beyond the Story
Ultimately, the decision of what to do after beating God of War is yours. The post-game is a sandbox of opportunities, allowing you to tailor your experience and explore the world at your own pace. Whether you’re a completionist striving for 100%, a combat enthusiast seeking the ultimate challenge, or simply someone who wants to spend more time in the Norse realms, the post-game offers something for everyone. So, pick up your axe, embrace the journey, and discover what awaits you beyond the credits.