Do You Need to Play God of War 1 and 2 Before Ragnarok?

No, you don’t need to play God of War 1 and 2 before playing God of War Ragnarok. While understanding the original Greek saga enriches the experience, Ragnarok focuses primarily on the Norse mythology storyline that began in the 2018 God of War. The game provides enough context and flashbacks to understand Kratos’ past without requiring prior knowledge of the PlayStation 2 era. However, playing the earlier games undoubtedly deepens your appreciation for Kratos’ character development and the weight of his past actions.

Understanding Kratos’ Journey: A Deep Dive

Kratos’ journey is one of immense loss, rage, and ultimately, redemption. To fully appreciate the nuances of his behavior and motivations in Ragnarok, it’s beneficial to understand where he came from. The original God of War trilogy chronicles his rise as a servant of the Greek Gods, his betrayal, and his bloody path of vengeance against the entire Olympian pantheon.

While the Norse saga introduces a new setting and a softer, more paternal Kratos, the echoes of his past still haunt him. These echoes directly influence his relationships, particularly with his son, Atreus, and shape his approach to the events unfolding around them. Understanding the extent of his previous ruthlessness highlights the magnitude of his transformation and the immense burden of his guilt.

The Benefits of Playing the Greek Games

• Enhanced Character Appreciation: Knowing Kratos’ origin story provides a profound understanding of his character arc. You witness his descent into madness and his eventual attempt at finding peace, adding layers of depth to his interactions in Ragnarok.
• Contextual Understanding: Flashbacks in the Norse games offer glimpses of Kratos’ past, but they are brief and selective. Playing the original games provides a complete picture of his history and the reasons behind his actions.
• Emotional Connection: Witnessing Kratos’ tragic past creates a stronger emotional connection to him as a character. You understand the weight of his decisions and the pain he carries, making his journey in Ragnarok more impactful.
• Recognizing Easter Eggs and References: Ragnarok contains numerous easter eggs and references to the Greek games, providing additional layers of enjoyment for longtime fans.
• Understanding Old Characters (Sort Of): While most of the Greek characters are dead, some are mentioned, and understanding their significance adds richness to the narrative.

Why You Can Still Enjoy Ragnarok Without Playing the Originals

Despite the benefits of playing the Greek saga, Ragnarok is designed to be accessible to new players. The game skillfully introduces Kratos’ backstory through dialogue, flashbacks, and environmental storytelling.

• Self-Contained Narrative: The core narrative of Ragnarok revolves around the events set in motion by the 2018 God of War. The game focuses on the prophecy of Ragnarok and the relationships between Kratos, Atreus, and the Norse Gods.
• Effective Flashbacks: Key moments from Kratos’ past are presented through flashbacks, providing sufficient context to understand his motivations and struggles.
• Dialogue and Exposition: The characters frequently discuss Kratos’ past, offering explanations and insights into his prior experiences.
• Focus on Atreus: The game heavily focuses on Atreus’ journey, making him a central figure in the narrative. This allows new players to connect with the story through Atreus’ perspective, even without prior knowledge of Kratos’ past.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide even more clarity and information:

1. What’s the best way to catch up on the God of War story if I don’t want to play the old games?

You can watch recap videos on YouTube, read plot summaries online, or even watch a playthrough of the original games. These resources will provide you with the necessary context without requiring you to spend hours playing through the games.

2. Are the original God of War games available on PlayStation 5?

While the original God of War and God of War II are not natively available on PlayStation 5, God of War III Remastered is. You can also play the original games via PlayStation Plus Premium through cloud streaming.

3. Is the 2018 God of War a direct sequel to God of War III?

Yes, the 2018 God of War is a direct sequel, but it begins a new chapter in Kratos’ life, relocating the story to Norse mythology. The events of the Greek saga are acknowledged and influence Kratos’ character, but the narrative focuses on his relationship with Atreus and their journey in the Norse realms.

4. Does knowing about Greek mythology enhance my experience with the God of War games?

Yes, a basic understanding of Greek mythology can enhance your appreciation for the original God of War games. You’ll recognize characters, creatures, and events from mythology, adding another layer of enjoyment to the experience.

5. Will I be completely lost if I start with God of War Ragnarok?

No, you won’t be completely lost. The game does a decent job of explaining the core elements of Kratos’ past and the events leading up to Ragnarok. However, you may miss some of the nuances and emotional weight if you’re unfamiliar with his history.

6. Is there a significant difference in gameplay between the Greek and Norse God of War games?

Yes, the gameplay has evolved significantly. The Greek games featured a fixed camera perspective and a hack-and-slash combat system. The Norse games introduce a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective, a more strategic combat system, and RPG elements like character progression and crafting.

7. Are there any major spoilers in the Norse games for the Greek saga?

While the Norse games reveal key events from Kratos’ past, they don’t delve into all the details. Playing the Greek games first will still provide a unique and engaging experience, even if you know some of the major plot points.

8. How important is it to play the 2018 God of War before Ragnarok?

It’s essential to play the 2018 God of War before playing Ragnarok. The 2018 game sets the stage for Ragnarok, introducing Atreus, the Norse mythology setting, and the core conflicts that drive the narrative.

9. Can I understand Atreus’ character without knowing Kratos’ past?

Yes, you can understand Atreus’ character without knowing Kratos’ past. However, understanding Kratos’ past helps you appreciate the dynamics of their relationship and the challenges they face together.

10. Are there any characters from the Greek games that appear in Ragnarok?

No characters from the Greek games appear physically in Ragnarok. However, their influence and Kratos’ memories of them play a role in the narrative.

11. Does the ending of God of War III explain Kratos’ disappearance before the 2018 game?

The ending of God of War III leaves Kratos’ fate ambiguous. The 2018 game and Ragnarok reveal that he traveled to the Norse realms after the events of God of War III, seeking to escape his past.

12. Are the God of War PSP games (Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) important to the overall story?

The PSP games provide additional context to Kratos’ backstory and fill in some gaps in the timeline. While they are not essential for understanding Ragnarok, they offer further insights into his character and motivations.

13. Will playing the Greek games make Ragnarok easier?

No, playing the Greek games won’t necessarily make Ragnarok easier. The gameplay mechanics are different, and Ragnarok presents its own unique challenges. However, your understanding of Kratos’ abilities and combat style may give you a slight advantage.

14. Is God of War: Ascension necessary to play before Ragnarok?

God of War: Ascension is a prequel that explores Kratos’ early days as a servant of the Gods. It’s not essential for understanding Ragnarok, but it offers additional backstory and context for his character.

15. Ultimately, is it more enjoyable to play the entire God of War saga before Ragnarok?

For most players, yes, experiencing the entire God of War saga will likely lead to a more enjoyable and enriching experience with Ragnarok. The added context, emotional connection, and appreciation for Kratos’ character arc enhance the overall impact of the game. However, if time is a constraint, focusing on the 2018 God of War is the most crucial preparation.