Can You Play as Atreus in God of War Ragnarök Endgame? A Deep Dive
The burning question on every God of War Ragnarök player’s mind after the credits roll: Can you play as Atreus in the endgame? The short answer is no, not in the way you might hope. While Atreus is a playable character during significant portions of the main story, offering a refreshing change of pace and a unique combat style, he’s not available as a controllable character in the post-Ragnarök open world. Instead, the endgame focuses on Kratos and Freya embarking on various quests and cleaning up the loose ends of the Norse saga. Don’t worry, you won’t be lacking for content!
Why Can’t You Play as Atreus in the Endgame?
This decision by Santa Monica Studio, while disappointing to some, is narratively driven. The ending of God of War Ragnarök sees Atreus setting off on his own journey to find the lost giants and fulfill his destiny. His departure is a pivotal moment in the story, signifying his growth and independence from Kratos. Gameplay-wise, this means that his character arc is deliberately left unresolved in the accessible post-game world, reinforcing the emotional impact of his leaving.
Imagine it this way: forcing Atreus into the endgame would undermine the powerful narrative decision to separate him from Kratos. The post-game is designed for Kratos to deal with the aftermath of Ragnarök, forge new alliances (primarily with Freya), and lead the people of the realms toward a brighter future. Introducing Atreus into this equation would disrupt the flow and focus of Kratos’s new journey.
Focusing on Kratos’s Post-Ragnarök Journey
The endgame allows players to explore the realms as Kratos, completing Favors (side quests), battling challenging enemies, and uncovering hidden secrets. This content is rich and engaging, offering ample opportunity to continue experiencing the world and combat of God of War Ragnarök. Think of it as Kratos’s opportunity to solidify his legacy as a force for good, rather than one fueled by vengeance.
Furthermore, the post-game content delves deeper into the stories of other supporting characters, like Freya and Mimir. The shift allows for a more intimate exploration of their perspectives and contributions to the newly rebuilt world. This strengthens the overall narrative and provides satisfying closure to various character arcs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Atreus and the God of War Ragnarök Endgame
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing your burning queries about Atreus and the God of War Ragnarök endgame experience:
1. Is Atreus playable at any point after beating the main story?
Unfortunately, no. Atreus is not playable in the post-game open world of God of War Ragnarök. Once he departs on his own quest, you cannot control him.
2. Will Atreus return in future God of War games?
While there’s no official confirmation, the ending of Ragnarök strongly suggests that Atreus will return in future installments. His own journey to find the giants sets up a potential storyline for either a standalone game starring Atreus, or a continuation of Kratos’s saga with Atreus playing a more significant role.
3. What is Atreus doing after he leaves Kratos?
Atreus embarks on a journey to locate the lost giants and understand their role in the newly shaped world after Ragnarök. He feels a responsibility to find them and help them rebuild their legacy.
4. Does Atreus die at the end of God of War Ragnarök?
No, Atreus does not die. He chooses to leave Kratos to follow his own path, but he is very much alive.
5. What endgame content is available in God of War Ragnarök?
The post-game content includes:
- Completing Favors (side quests).
- Defeating powerful Berserker Souls.
- Exploring unfinished areas and finding collectibles.
- Facing new challenges and enemies in the various realms.
- Progressing the stories of other characters like Freya and Tyr.
6. Can I still use Atreus’s abilities in combat after he leaves?
No, you cannot directly use Atreus’s abilities. Kratos’s combat style remains unchanged.
7. How many times do you play as Atreus during the main story?
You control Atreus for several significant sections of the main storyline, approximately five times. One notable section, though, focuses a lot on environmental interactions with less combative gameplay, but is followed by an important boss fight.
8. Is there a secret ending related to Atreus in the post-game?
There is a secret ending which is achieved by interacting with the characters after completing the game, but it doesn’t directly involve Atreus’s current whereabouts. It mainly focuses on wrapping up some loose ends for Kratos and the other characters.
9. Will Sindri ever forgive Atreus for his role in Brok’s death?
Sindri’s future is currently unconfirmed, but it can be inferred that Sindri is unlikely to forgive Atreus. The grief and anger caused by Brok’s death run deep, and it’s unclear if Sindri will ever be able to reconcile with Atreus.
10. Why did Atreus leave Kratos at the end of the game?
Atreus left Kratos because he needed to pursue his own destiny and fulfill his role in finding the lost giants. He felt a strong calling to this purpose, and understood he needed to embark on this journey independently.
11. Does the story ever explain how Odin disguised himself as Tyr?
The game provides some explanations of Odin’s ability to use magic and illusions to shapeshift, which he used to impersonate Tyr. However, the specific details of how he maintained the disguise for so long are not fully explored.
12. Can you still find the real Tyr after completing the game?
Yes, the real Tyr can be found in Niflheim after completing the main story. This allows players to learn more about his story and his time in captivity.
13. Is Kratos’s story finished after God of War Ragnarök?
While the Norse saga has concluded, Kratos’s story is likely far from over. The ending hints at new possibilities and challenges, suggesting that he will continue to evolve and face new conflicts in future games.
14. How does Kratos feel about Atreus leaving?
Kratos experiences a mix of emotions when Atreus leaves. While it is painful for him to see his son go, he ultimately supports Atreus’s decision and recognizes the importance of him pursuing his own path. He learned to let go and trust Atreus’s judgment.
15. What is the significance of Kratos’s prophecy being changed?
The altered prophecy signifies a shift in Kratos’s destiny and his ability to defy fate. He transitions from a figure of destruction to a symbol of hope and leadership, proving that even the most deeply ingrained prophecies can be rewritten.
Embracing the Post-Ragnarök Experience
While not being able to play as Atreus in the endgame might be a letdown for some, God of War Ragnarök’s post-game content is robust and rewarding. Focus on strengthening Kratos, exploring the realms, completing side quests, and experiencing the continued evolution of the Norse saga. There’s plenty to discover and enjoy.
In conclusion, embrace the narrative direction taken by Santa Monica Studio and appreciate the impactful conclusion of Atreus’s arc in God of War Ragnarök. Keep your eyes peeled for future installments where Atreus may take center stage once again, showcasing his growth and the power he inherited from Kratos. The possibilities are limitless.
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The decision not to have Atreus playable in the end game was clearly a deliberate narrative choice. This is a clear indication that we may see him in upcoming titles.