Diving into God of War: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Point
Yes, you absolutely can play the newer God of War games (specifically the 2018 release and Ragnarok) without having played the original trilogy. While understanding the original games enriches the experience, the new entries are designed as fresh starts for Kratos, embracing a new mythology and introducing a different dynamic.
Understanding the God of War Saga
The God of War franchise, known for its brutal combat and compelling storytelling, has undergone a significant transformation. The original games, set in the realm of Greek mythology, follow Kratos’s vengeful quest against the Olympian gods. The 2018 reboot and its sequel, Ragnarok, shift the setting to Norse mythology, presenting a more mature and nuanced Kratos grappling with fatherhood and destiny.
Why You Can Start with the New Games
- Soft Reboot: The 2018 God of War effectively serves as a soft reboot. It introduces a new story arc, a different combat system, and a more character-driven narrative, making it accessible to newcomers.
- Narrative Shift: While Kratos’s past is referenced, the primary focus is on his relationship with his son, Atreus, and their journey through the Norse realms. The game explains enough of Kratos’s history to provide context without requiring prior knowledge.
- Standalone Story: Ragnarok continues the story started in the 2018 title. Again, knowledge of prior events in other God of War games isn’t needed.
The Benefits of Playing the Original Trilogy
Despite the accessibility of the new games, playing the original trilogy offers valuable context and enriches your understanding of Kratos’s character:
- Character Development: The original games chronicle Kratos’s transformation from a Spartan warrior to the “Ghost of Sparta,” driven by rage and vengeance. Understanding this history adds depth to his character in the Norse saga.
- Familiarity with Lore: While the Norse games introduce a new mythology, they also reference events and characters from the Greek era. Knowing the Greek pantheon enhances your appreciation of these callbacks.
- Appreciating the Evolution: Experiencing the original games allows you to appreciate the evolution of the franchise, from its hack-and-slash roots to its more narrative-driven and strategic combat focus.
Ultimately, whether you choose to play the original trilogy before diving into the Norse saga is a matter of personal preference. The new games are designed to be accessible to newcomers, but experiencing Kratos’s past provides a richer and more complete understanding of his character and the overall God of War universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to play the first 3 God of War games before Ragnarok?
No, it’s not essential. Ragnarok builds upon the 2018 God of War, continuing their shared narrative. While knowing Kratos’s past provides added depth, the game explains enough to be enjoyed independently.
2. Is the new God of War a sequel or a reboot?
It’s considered a soft reboot. It retains the core character of Kratos but introduces a new mythology, gameplay style, and narrative focus, making it accessible to new players while still appealing to longtime fans.
3. What order should I play the God of War games for the best experience?
If you want the full story, play them in this order: Ascension, Chains of Olympus, God of War (2005), Ghost of Sparta, God of War II, God of War III, God of War (2018), and God of War Ragnarok.
4. Can I skip God of War 1 and 2 before playing God of War 3?
While possible, you’d miss key story elements and Kratos’s character development. Playing God of War 1 and 2 provides essential context for understanding the events and motivations in God of War 3.
5. Are all God of War games connected in terms of story?
Yes, all the God of War games are interconnected, forming a cohesive overarching narrative. Each game builds upon the previous ones, exploring Kratos’s journey, his relationships, and the consequences of his actions.
6. What are the main differences between the original God of War trilogy and the newer games?
The original trilogy focuses on Greek mythology, features a fixed camera perspective, and emphasizes hack-and-slash combat. The newer games shift to Norse mythology, adopt an over-the-shoulder camera, and incorporate more RPG elements and a deeper narrative.
7. How long does it take to beat each God of War game?
God of War (2005): 9-13 hours God of War II: 12-18 hours God of War III: 10-15 hours God of War (2018): 20-51 hours God of War Ragnarok: 30-60+ hours
These estimates vary depending on your playstyle and difficulty setting.
8. What difficulty level should I choose as a beginner?
For beginners, “Give Me a Story” or “Give Me a Balanced Experience” are recommended. “Give Me a Story” prioritizes narrative over challenge, while “Give Me a Balanced Experience” offers a moderate level of difficulty.
9. Is God of War 1 playable on modern consoles?
Yes, you can play the original God of War games, including God of War 1, 2, and 3, on modern consoles through PlayStation Plus Premium or PlayStation Now.
10. How old is Kratos in the new God of War games?
In God of War Ragnarök, Kratos is estimated to be around 1,055 years old.
11. Does starting a new game in God of War delete my old save?
Starting a “New Game” will overwrite your previous progress. To keep multiple saves, use the manual save function found in the options menu.
12. Can I play the God of War games out of order?
While you can, it’s generally recommended to play them in release order to fully appreciate the story and character development. Skipping games may lead to confusion or a lack of understanding of certain events and relationships.
13. What is New Game+ in God of War?
New Game+ allows you to start a new playthrough with your character’s stats, gear, and abilities carried over from a previous save. It offers a more challenging experience with new enemies, equipment, and gameplay modifiers.
14. Are the PSP God of War games (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) important to the overall story?
Yes, Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta offer valuable insights into Kratos’s past and his motivations. While not essential, they enrich the overall narrative and provide a more complete understanding of his character.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
Gaming is increasingly being recognized for its educational potential, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, are dedicated to researching and promoting the use of games in education. Exploring their resources can provide valuable insights into the broader benefits of gaming.
By understanding the context and narrative depth, you can fully appreciate the journey that Kratos has undergone, regardless of where you choose to begin your adventure.