Are Side Quests Worth It in God of War Ragnarok? Absolutely!

Let’s cut to the chase: yes, side quests in God of War Ragnarok are unequivocally worth your time. They are far more than just filler content; they are integral to the overall experience, enriching the narrative, deepening character development, and providing significant gameplay advantages. Ignoring them would be a disservice to yourself and a missed opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the richly crafted world of Norse mythology. These quests, known as Favors, offer a wealth of rewards, insights, and unforgettable moments that elevate Ragnarok from a great game to a truly exceptional one.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Favors

God of War Ragnarok isn’t just about Kratos and Atreus battling gods and monsters. It’s about the relationships they forge, the world they inhabit, and the stories that weave through the nine realms. Side quests are the threads that connect these elements, creating a richer and more meaningful tapestry.

Narrative Enrichment

The main story is gripping, no doubt, but side quests delve deeper into the lore and offer alternative perspectives on the events unfolding. They allow you to witness the impact of Ragnarok on ordinary people, explore forgotten corners of the realms, and uncover hidden secrets that shed light on the main narrative. These quests often contain surprisingly emotional or humorous moments, providing a welcome respite from the intensity of the main story.

Character Development

Side quests aren’t just about helping random NPCs. They provide valuable insights into the personalities and motivations of Kratos, Atreus, Mimir, and other key characters. Witnessing their interactions in less high-stakes scenarios allows for a more nuanced understanding of their relationships and how they evolve throughout the journey. Some side quests specifically focus on character arcs, providing closure or adding new layers to existing relationships. The growth you see in Atreus, in particular, is often driven by his experiences during Favors.

Significant Rewards

Beyond narrative and character development, side quests offer tangible rewards that directly impact gameplay. Completing Favors earns you valuable experience points (XP), allowing you to unlock new skills and upgrade existing ones. They also provide access to powerful armor sets, weapons upgrades, and other essential resources that can significantly enhance your combat prowess. Some of the best equipment in the game is locked behind side quest completion, making them essential for tackling the tougher challenges that await.

Exploration and Discovery

God of War Ragnarok’s world is vast and beautiful, and side quests encourage you to explore every nook and cranny. They often lead you to hidden areas, challenging puzzles, and unique encounters that you might otherwise miss. The sense of discovery is a major part of the game’s appeal, and side quests actively facilitate that.

Impact on Optional Areas

The article states: “Some even have a major impact on optional areas.” This refers to how completing certain favors unlocks previously inaccessible areas, encounters, or even entirely new regions to explore. These quests literally expand the world and provide fresh content even after you think you’ve seen it all.

When to Tackle Side Quests

The best time to engage with Favors is throughout your playthrough, strategically weaving them in between main story missions. This prevents you from becoming overpowered or under-leveled for either type of content. Pay attention to the suggested levels for each quest and adjust your approach accordingly. Don’t be afraid to backtrack to earlier areas to complete Favors you may have missed. The game encourages exploration, and taking your time to complete these optional objectives will only enhance your experience. And importantly, as the article states: “There are multiple points before the postgame where you can go back and do sidequests you didn’t do earlier on.”

Post-Game Content and Beyond

Even after the main story is complete, God of War Ragnarok offers a wealth of post-game content, much of which is tied to completing unfinished side quests. This allows you to continue exploring the world, improving your character, and experiencing new challenges long after the credits roll. As the article highlights: “Those who didn’t manage to complete them the first time around can return during the post-game to where they found them to see where they lead.”

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Side Quests in God of War Ragnarok

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the importance and impact of side quests in God of War Ragnarok:

1. Are there any missable side quests in God of War Ragnarok? No, according to the article, “There are no missable quests in God of War Ragnarok, so the player can backtrack during the post-game to complete them all if they wish.”

2. How long does it take to complete all the side quests in God of War Ragnarok? The article suggests that 100% completion, including all side quests, takes approximately “55-60 hours+”.

3. Do side quests affect the ending of God of War Ragnarok? While the core ending remains consistent, side quests provide additional context and closure for certain characters and storylines, enriching the overall narrative experience.

4. What kind of rewards can I expect from completing side quests? Rewards vary but typically include XP, armor sets, weapon upgrades, crafting materials, and valuable resources.

5. Is it possible to beat God of War Ragnarok without doing any side quests? Yes, the article confirms: “All the side quests are optional…”. However, the experience will be significantly less rewarding, both in terms of gameplay and narrative depth.

6. What is the hardest side quest in God of War Ragnarok? While difficulty is subjective, “Gna, The Valkyrie Queen” is mentioned as a particularly challenging boss battle unlocked after the main game’s story, often associated with a side quest.

7. What’s the best way to find side quests in God of War Ragnarok? Explore thoroughly, talk to NPCs, and pay attention to rumors and hints scattered throughout the world. Favors are often triggered by interacting with the environment or specific characters.

8. Should I prioritize side quests over the main story? It’s best to strike a balance. Weaving side quests in between main story missions prevents burnout and ensures you’re adequately leveled for the challenges ahead.

9. Can I complete side quests after beating the final boss? Absolutely. The post-game content is specifically designed to allow you to finish any unfinished business, including side quests.

10. Do side quests reveal more about the Norse mythology in God of War Ragnarok? Yes! The article explicitly states that sidequests “reveal more about the mythological Norse world”.

11. What happens if I find all the Ravens in God of War Ragnarok? Finding all of Odin’s Ravens unlocks rewards and deeper lore about Odin and the Raven Keeper at the Raven Tree in Niflheim, as indicated in the provided text.

12. Are side quests related to finding the real Tyr after the main story? The article mentions that “After completing the game, you can continue your search for the real Tyr,” implying that this search is tied to post-game content, potentially involving side quests.

13. How do I get the best armor in the game? According to the article, “The Steinbjörn armor set is one of the best in the game,” and is definitely worth getting. Some armor is tied to the completion of certain side quests or can be found within areas unlocked by them.

14. What should I spend Hacksilver on? The article suggests to “Don’t hesitate to spend Hacksilver to buy upgrades and weapons in the early game” to experiment with accessories, armor, buffs, and weapon upgrades.

15. Will Sindri ever forgive Atreus? “Sindri considered Atreus family up until the bear attack. He begins distancing himself afterwards from the boy, justifiably so and refusing to forgive him for the foreseeable future.” This is something that may be discovered during certain side quests.

The Verdict

In conclusion, side quests in God of War Ragnarok are not mere distractions; they are an essential part of the overall experience. They enhance the narrative, deepen character development, provide valuable rewards, and encourage exploration. If you want to truly appreciate the richness and depth of Ragnarok’s world, don’t skip the Favors. You’ll be glad you didn’t. The value of incorporating video games into a learning environment and how educators and game developers come together, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.