Can You Unlock Asgard in God of War Ragnarok? Your Definitive Guide
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The question on every God of War Ragnarok player’s mind: Can you fully unlock Asgard and freely roam the realm of the Aesir after completing the main story? The answer is both yes and no. You will visit Asgard during the main storyline, specifically in Chapter 7. However, unlike most other realms in God of War Ragnarok, you cannot freely explore Asgard after the story’s conclusion. Your access is limited to specific story-driven moments. Once those moments are done, that’s it for your time in the Aesir’s stronghold.
Asgard’s Limited Accessibility: Why?
Why the limited access? The developers at Santa Monica Studio made a deliberate choice to restrict exploration in Asgard. Unlike realms like Midgard, Alfheim, or Vanaheim, Asgard serves a very specific narrative purpose. It’s the heart of the conflict, the seat of Odin’s power, and ultimately, the stage for Ragnarok itself. Allowing free roam after the cataclysmic events of the story would detract from the impact of those events.
The Narrative Focus
The story dictates the flow. Asgard’s accessibility is tightly woven into the main quest line. You experience the realm through Kratos and Atreus’s eyes as they navigate the political intrigue, the looming threat of war, and their personal journeys. Free exploration could dilute the tension and pacing, hindering the overall narrative experience.
Post-Ragnarok Reality
After Ragnarok, Asgard is… well, let’s just say it’s significantly changed. The realm’s destruction is a key part of the story’s climax. Allowing free exploration of a ruined Asgard would present both design and narrative challenges that the developers likely deemed insurmountable, or simply not in line with the story they wanted to tell. The choice reflects the impact of Ragnarok; it isn’t a setting for casual exploration anymore.
What You Can Do in Asgard
While you can’t freely roam, your time in Asgard is far from wasted. The storyline in Asgard is packed with pivotal moments, challenging combat encounters, and crucial lore revelations.
Key Story Missions
The “The Runaway” quest provides the initial entry point to Asgard. Expect intense story moments and set-piece battles within the realm. The story missions within Asgard advance the main plot significantly, impacting the larger conflict.
Combat Encounters
Asgard presents unique combat challenges. Fighting within Asgard pits you against powerful Aesir warriors, with various combat encounters specifically tailored to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of both you and your enemies.
Lore Collection
Even with limited access, Asgard contains crucial pieces of Norse lore. Seek out hidden artifacts and environmental details to expand your understanding of Asgard’s history and the Aesir gods.
Other Realms and Post-Game Exploration
Despite Asgard’s restricted access, God of War Ragnarok offers extensive post-game exploration opportunities. Six realms from the first game return, and three new ones are added. Focus on the realms that you can freely roam: Midgard, Alfheim, Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, Muspelheim, and Niflheim. After completing the main story, you can revisit these realms to:
- Complete Favors (side quests)
- Collect lore and artifacts
- Engage in challenging combat encounters
- Upgrade your gear
- Uncover hidden secrets
The post-game content provides hours of additional gameplay, ensuring a rich and fulfilling experience even without free access to Asgard. 100% completion of all realms is an achievement, unlocking valuable resources, weapon upgrades, and armor pieces. Even though there aren’t any bonus rewards for getting 100% across all realms, you will unlock the absolute best builds in the game.
FAQs: Asgard and Realm Exploration in God of War Ragnarok
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Asgard and realm exploration in God of War Ragnarok:
1. Is Asgard the only realm I can’t freely explore after beating the game?
Yes, Asgard is the only realm where your exploration is strictly limited to the main storyline.
2. Can I return to Asgard at any point after Chapter 7?
No. Once you complete the Asgard portion of the main story, you cannot revisit the realm outside of replaying the main story missions from a previous save.
3. Are there any missable collectibles in Asgard?
Yes, there is a possibility that some collectibles can be missed because the game has no post-game access. So be sure to make sure to explore thoroughly.
4. Do I get to fight Thor in Asgard?
Yes, you do face Thor in a significant battle during the Asgard portion of the story.
5. Can I use Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, in the game?
No, you never get to wield Mjolnir. However, the game provides alternative combat tools that are equally satisfying.
6. What happens to Asgard after Ragnarok?
Asgard faces significant destruction during Ragnarok. It’s not explorable in the post-game due to the impact of these events.
7. Which realms can I explore after the main story?
You can freely explore Midgard, Alfheim, Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, Muspelheim, and Niflheim after completing the main story.
8. Are there any new quests or activities that unlock only after beating the game?
Yes, several activities and quests become available only after completing the main storyline, adding to the post-game content.
9. How important is it to complete all the Favors in the game?
Completing all Favors provides significant rewards, including resources, gear upgrades, and lore insights. They also expand upon the game’s narrative and world-building.
10. Is it worth revisiting realms to find all the collectibles?
Yes, revisiting realms to find all collectibles enriches the lore and provides valuable resources for upgrading your equipment.
11. What is the best realm to explore after finishing the main story?
Vanaheim, Svartalfheim, and Midgard offer the most post-game content and exploration opportunities.
12. Does the game have multiple endings?
God of War Ragnarok has a couple of extra ‘endings’ following the credits that wrap up the game neatly.
13. Can I fight Odin in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, Odin is the final boss you encounter in God of War Ragnarok during the chapter, The Realms at War.
14. How long does it take to complete God of War Ragnarok?
Depending on your play style and focus on side quests, the game can take anywhere from 30 to 50 hours to complete.
15. Will there be another God of War game? Will Kratos go to Egypt?
The future of the God of War series is currently unknown, but the post-game content in Ragnarok hints at potential new directions for the franchise. Kratos has traveled to Egypt in the God of War: Fallen God comic series. Whether Egypt will be featured in future God of War games is speculative.
God of War Ragnarok: A Story-Driven Experience
Ultimately, God of War Ragnarok prioritizes a cohesive and impactful narrative over complete open-world freedom. While the inability to freely explore Asgard might disappoint some, it’s a deliberate design choice that strengthens the game’s storytelling. Embrace the rich experiences offered in the other realms and the compelling post-game content. And remember, the true power of a game lies not just in its freedom, but in its ability to tell a captivating story.
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