Can You Go to Asgard After Beating God of War Ragnarok? An Expert’s Guide
The short answer is no, you cannot freely explore Asgard after completing the main story of God of War Ragnarok. Asgard suffers a cataclysmic fate during the events of Ragnarok, leading to its destruction. While you visit Asgard during Chapter 7, this experience is part of the narrative and not a gateway to post-game exploration.
Understanding Asgard’s Role in God of War Ragnarok
God of War Ragnarok masterfully weaves Norse mythology into its narrative, and Asgard, the home of the Aesir gods, plays a crucial role. During the main story, you’ll venture into Asgard, but unlike other realms, it’s not designed for free exploration after the epic conclusion. The realm’s destruction is central to the Ragnarok narrative, making a post-game return impossible.
Post-Ragnarok Exploration: What You Can Do
Even though Asgard is off-limits, the world of God of War Ragnarok remains rich with content after you roll credits. You can explore the other eight realms, complete Favors (side quests), collect lore and artifacts, and engage with various post-game activities.
Available Post-Game Activities
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you after defeating the final boss:
- Completing Favors: Many optional side quests remain available after the main story.
- Gathering Collectibles: The realms are filled with lore items, artifacts, and other collectibles.
- Interacting with Characters: Check in with key characters like Tyr, Angrboda, Thrud, and others for new interactions and insights.
- Undertaking Optional Challenges: Awakening trolls and dragons offers engaging combat encounters.
Why Asgard’s Destruction Matters
The destruction of Asgard isn’t just a plot point; it’s a pivotal moment in the narrative that reshapes the entire world. By permanently removing Asgard, the game emphasizes the finality of Ragnarok and the dawn of a new era free from the tyranny of Odin and the Aesir. The ending of God of War Ragnarok concludes the end of the Norse saga.
God of War Ragnarok: Post-Game Realm Exploration
You can explore all of the Nine Realms mentioned in Nordic Mythology. After the game’s main story, you can explore all Nine Realms freely, except for Asgard, after completing the main story. These are:
- Midgard
- Alfheim
- Helheim
- Jötunheim
- Muspelheim
- Niflheim
- Svartalfheim
- Vanaheim
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Post-Ragnarok Content
1. Can I replay missions in God of War Ragnarok?
No, God of War Ragnarok does not offer a mission replay feature. You can, however, explore the realms and engage in side content after the main story.
2. What happens if I 100% God of War Ragnarok?
Reaching 100% completion in God of War Ragnarok doesn’t unlock a specific bonus reward. Instead, it signifies that you’ve fully explored the game’s world, completed all quests, and collected all items.
3. What are some things to do after 100% completing Ragnarok?
Even after reaching 100% completion, there are still interesting interactions to discover, such as:
- Visiting Tyr in each realm
- Awakening trolls and dragons
- Visiting Chaurlie/Birgir
- Getting Atreus’ journal
- Angrboda interaction
- Thrud interaction
- Skjoldr interaction
- Sinmara crying
4. Can I go to Jötunheim as Kratos after the story?
Yes, you can freely travel to Jötunheim as Kratos after completing “The Path” quests related to the main storyline.
5. Does anything change in the realms after Ragnarok?
Yes, the world state changes after Ragnarok. Some areas may be altered, new dialogue options might appear, and certain events can trigger based on your progress.
6. Can you still play as Atreus after the main story?
While Kratos remains the primary playable character, you won’t have opportunities to play as Atreus after the main story concludes. The moments where you controlled Atreus were specific to the main narrative.
7. Is there a secret ending in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, there’s a secret ending. To unlock it, return to Sindri’s House (the inter-dimensional hub) after the final battle.
8. Can I get Atreus back after Ragnarok?
Atreus departs on his own journey at the end of Ragnarok. While he’s not permanently removed from the narrative, he won’t be a constant companion in the post-game exploration. However, you see him again after Asgard.
9. What happens after you find the real Tyr?
After freeing him from prison, Tyr appears in various locations throughout the nine realms. Talking to him provides insights into his perspective and experiences.
10. What happens to Mjolnir after God of War Ragnarok?
After Thor’s death, Thrud takes up Mjolnir, hoping to redeem its legacy rather than continue its violent past.
11. Should I finish Asgard before Norway in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, completing the Asgard and Jotunheim arcs before revisiting Norway provides a better understanding of the story and character motivations.
12. Why can’t I travel to Asgard in God of War (2018)?
In the 2018 God of War, Odin blocked travel to Asgard, Svartalfheim, and Vanaheim for his own reasons. This limitation is part of the story’s progression.
13. Why is Brok banned from Alfheim?
Brok is allegedly banned from Alfheim for teaching the Elves about a “Juicy Nokken,” although the exact reason for his banishment remains somewhat ambiguous.
14. Can you continue playing after the main story in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, you can continue exploring the realms and completing side quests after finishing the main story in God of War Ragnarok. Nothing is missable, so you can complete everything at your own pace.
15. Does Sindri ever forgive Atreus?
Sindri initially distances himself from Atreus after the bear attack, understandably refusing to forgive him immediately. However, relationships can evolve over time.
Conclusion
While Asgard remains inaccessible after the main story of God of War Ragnarok, the game offers a wealth of post-game content to explore. From completing Favors to unraveling the mysteries of the realms, there’s plenty to keep you engaged in this Norse-inspired world. Embrace the journey and dive deep into the rich, rewarding experiences that await!
Understanding how games impact players is critical, especially in educational settings. The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, explores these connections.