Can You Skip the Valkyries in God of War (2018)? A Definitive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re tackling the Norse realms in God of War (2018), eh? You’ve probably heard whispers, maybe even screams, about these winged terrors called Valkyries. The question buzzing in your mind, the one you desperately seek an answer to, is this: Can I skip the Valkyries in God of War? The short answer? Yes, you absolutely can skip the Valkyries and still complete the main story of God of War (2018).
The Valkyries are entirely optional bosses. They don’t gate any story progression, unlock essential abilities, or provide necessary resources to finish the main quest. Think of them as the ultimate combat challenge, the true test of your skill, and a rewarding pursuit for completionists. But for those who prioritize narrative or find the difficulty overwhelming, they are completely avoidable.
However, skipping the Valkyries means missing out on some significant aspects of the game, which we’ll delve into shortly. Think of it as choosing your own adventure, where the adventure in question is a brutal, unforgiving, but ultimately satisfying boss rush.
Why You Might Want to Skip (or Not Skip) the Valkyries
Deciding whether or not to engage with the Valkyries is a personal choice. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you make your decision:
-
Reasons to Skip the Valkyries:
- Difficulty: They are notoriously difficult. Many players, even on lower difficulties, struggle to defeat them.
- Time Commitment: Each Valkyrie requires significant time and effort to learn their attack patterns and develop a winning strategy.
- Frustration: Constant deaths can lead to frustration and detract from the enjoyment of the main game.
- Focus on Story: If you are primarily interested in experiencing the narrative of Kratos and Atreus’s journey, the Valkyries can feel like a distracting side quest.
-
Reasons to Face the Valkyries:
- Challenge: They offer a significant combat challenge that will push your skills to the limit.
- Rewards: Defeating Valkyries rewards you with powerful armor, enchantments, and other valuable resources.
- Completion: For completionists, defeating all the Valkyries is a crucial step in achieving 100% completion.
- Mastery: Overcoming the Valkyries provides a sense of mastery and accomplishment.
- Lore Expansion: While not strictly necessary for the main plot, they offer glimpses into Norse mythology.
So, What Happens If You Skip Them?
If you choose to bypass the Valkyries, you’ll complete the main storyline of God of War without any hiccups. Kratos and Atreus will reach their destination, the credits will roll, and you’ll have experienced the core narrative arc.
However, you’ll miss out on the following:
- Powerful Gear: The Valkyries drop some of the best armor and enchantments in the game. This gear can significantly enhance your stats and abilities, making you a more formidable warrior.
- Lore and Story: While their story isn’t central, the Valkyries offer interesting insights into the lore of the world.
- Completionist Rewards: If you aim for 100% completion, defeating the Valkyries is a must.
- Personal Satisfaction: Conquering these formidable foes provides immense personal satisfaction.
How to Skip the Valkyries
Skipping the Valkyries is simple: just don’t interact with their prisons. The Valkyries are locked away in hidden chambers throughout the realms. If you never find and open these chambers, you’ll never encounter the Valkyries. They don’t patrol the open world, and they won’t suddenly appear during the main storyline. It’s all about choice.
A Word of Caution
While you can skip the Valkyries, be aware that they can be tackled at any point in the game. You might be tempted to return to them after completing the main story and leveling up your gear. The choice is yours, Spartan!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Valkyries
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate your path regarding the Valkyries in God of War (2018):
1. What are the Valkyries in God of War?
The Valkyries are optional boss fights in God of War (2018). They are powerful warriors trapped in physical forms by Odin, and it’s Kratos’s task to release them by defeating them in combat.
2. How many Valkyries are there in God of War?
There are nine Valkyries in total. Eight are found throughout the realms, and the ninth, the Valkyrie Queen Sigrun, is unlocked after defeating the other eight.
3. Where can I find the Valkyries?
The Valkyries are hidden in various locations within the realms, typically in secret chambers or areas you need to unlock. You can consult online guides for the exact locations of each Valkyrie.
4. What difficulty should I play on to fight the Valkyries?
This depends on your skill level. Even on lower difficulties like “Balance”, the Valkyries can be challenging. “Give Me a Challenge” and “Give Me God of War” are significantly harder. Experiment to find a difficulty that provides a challenge without being overly frustrating.
5. What are the rewards for defeating the Valkyries?
Each Valkyrie drops valuable resources, including epic armor, enchantments, hacksilver, and other materials needed to upgrade your gear. Defeating Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen, grants you even rarer and more powerful rewards.
6. What gear should I use when fighting the Valkyries?
There isn’t a single “best” gear setup, but generally, you’ll want high-level armor that provides good defense and damage output. Consider using enchantments that increase your strength, defense, and vitality. The Ivaldi’s armor sets are a popular choice.
7. What are some tips for defeating the Valkyries?
- Learn their attack patterns: Each Valkyrie has unique attack patterns. Learn them and anticipate their moves.
- Dodge and parry effectively: Mastering dodging and parrying is crucial for avoiding damage and creating openings for attack.
- Use runic attacks strategically: Runic attacks can inflict significant damage and provide crowd control.
- Manage your rage meter: Use Spartan Rage wisely to unleash powerful attacks and heal yourself.
- Upgrade your gear: Ensure your armor and weapons are upgraded to the maximum level possible.
8. Can I fight the Valkyries after beating the game?
Yes, you can return to the Valkyrie locations after completing the main story and challenge them at any time.
9. Are the Valkyries harder than the main bosses?
Yes, the Valkyries are generally considered much harder than the main story bosses.
10. Do I need to complete any side quests before fighting the Valkyries?
No, completing side quests is not mandatory, but they can provide you with valuable resources and experience that will make the Valkyries easier to defeat.
11. Is there an easy way to cheese the Valkyries?
While there are some strategies that can make the fights easier, such as exploiting certain positioning or runic attacks, there isn’t a foolproof “cheese” method. The Valkyries are designed to be challenging, and you’ll likely need to master the combat mechanics to defeat them consistently.
12. What’s the best way to prepare for the Valkyrie Queen Sigrun?
Defeating the other eight Valkyries will give you a good understanding of their attack patterns and fighting style, which will help you prepare for Sigrun. Also, make sure you have the best gear available and have upgraded it as much as possible. Practice dodging and parrying, and experiment with different runic attack combinations.
13. Are the Valkyries necessary for the Platinum trophy?
Yes, defeating all nine Valkyries, including Sigrun, is required to unlock the Platinum trophy in God of War (2018).
14. Can Atreus help me fight the Valkyries?
Yes, Atreus plays a vital role in these fights. Upgrade Atreus’s skills and abilities to maximize his effectiveness in combat. His arrows can interrupt enemy attacks and provide valuable support. Utilize his different arrow types strategically.
15. Are there any resources to learn more about how to fight the Valkyries?
Yes, there are numerous online guides, videos, and communities dedicated to helping players defeat the Valkyries. Websites like YouTube and various gaming forums offer detailed strategies and tips. You can also explore the resources available on the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for insights into game design and player behavior. Remember to be patient, persistent, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies. The path to becoming a Valkyrie slayer isn’t always easy, but it’s undeniably rewarding.
In conclusion, the decision to confront or circumvent the Valkyries in God of War (2018) rests entirely with you. Whether you seek the ultimate challenge or prioritize the narrative journey, the choice is yours, Spartan. Good luck!