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God of War Ragnarok: The End of Ragnarok, But Not the End of the Story?

Does God of War Ragnarok end after Ragnarok? The answer is a resounding no, at least not in the sense that the narrative concludes neatly with the destruction of Asgard. While Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world, does indeed occur within the game, the aftermath leaves many threads dangling, paving the way for future stories within the God of War universe. Think of it as the end of an era, specifically the Norse saga, but not the end of Kratos’ journey or the overall franchise. The game offers a definitive close to the Norse storyline while simultaneously opening doors to new adventures and mythologies.

The Norse Saga Concludes, But the Journey Continues

God of War Ragnarok successfully brings the Norse saga to a close, fulfilling the prophecy of Ragnarok and dealing with the immediate threats posed by Odin and Thor. Asgard is destroyed, powerful figures meet their demise, and a new world order begins to emerge. However, this conclusion is not a full stop, but rather a comma. The game’s ending and post-game content clearly indicate the continuation of Kratos’ story.

The post-game exploration allows you to:

Complete side quests that further develop the world and its inhabitants.
Discover secrets and hidden areas that hint at future conflicts.
Continue to grow Kratos and his companions as characters.

These elements contribute to a sense that the world is still evolving and that there are further stories to tell. Most importantly, Atreus sets off on his own journey, a significant plot point that all but guarantees a future installment or spin-off.

Leaving the Door Open: The Fate of Atreus and Beyond

Atreus’ decision to seek out the remaining Giants is a massive narrative hook. This sets him on a path separate from Kratos, potentially leading to a game centered around his adventures in new lands and mythologies. His journey represents a shift in focus from Kratos’ personal struggles to the exploration of new cultures and prophecies.

Furthermore, the game subtly teases other mythologies, such as Egyptian and Mayan, suggesting that future God of War titles could venture into entirely new territories. This is supported by statements from Cory Barlog, the creative director, who has expressed interest in exploring these mythologies. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and the groundwork has been carefully laid for a seamless transition to a new setting.

Post-Ragnarok Activities and Their Significance

The activities available after the main storyline are not merely filler content; they serve to enrich the world and provide clues about the future:

Freeing Týr: Discovering the real Týr in Niflheim and setting him free adds a complex character to the world, one who could potentially play a significant role in future events.
Berserker Stones: Battling the Berserkers offers challenging combat encounters and provides further insight into the history of the Norse realms.
Exploring the Realms: Continuing to explore the nine realms reveals hidden stories and secrets that contribute to a deeper understanding of the world’s lore.

These activities, while optional, demonstrate that the world is still alive and evolving even after the events of Ragnarok.

Kratos’ Transformation: From God of War to God of Peace

One of the central themes of God of War Ragnarok is Kratos’ growth and his transition from a vengeful warrior to a more compassionate and guiding figure. The game’s ending reinforces this transformation, showing Kratos embracing his role as a leader and protector of the realms. This new Kratos is far more interesting and nuanced than his earlier incarnations, and his continued journey of self-discovery is a compelling reason to anticipate future games.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the ending of God of War Ragnarok and its implications for the future of the franchise:

Will there be a God of War 6? While nothing is officially confirmed, the ending of Ragnarok strongly suggests the possibility of a sequel. The narrative threads left unresolved, such as Atreus’ journey and the tease of other mythologies, make a sequel highly likely.
Will Kratos be in God of War 6? Given Kratos’ central role in the franchise, it is probable that he will return in future games. However, his role may be different, possibly taking on a more mentoring or supporting role while Atreus takes center stage.
Will God of War go to Egypt/Mayan? Cory Barlog has mentioned that future games could explore Egyptian or Mayan mythology. While nothing is set in stone, these are definitely possibilities for the next God of War setting.
Is God of War Ragnarok the end of the God of War series? No, God of War Ragnarok is not the end of the series. It marks the end of the Norse saga, but the franchise is likely to continue with new stories and mythologies.
What happens to Atreus after Ragnarök? Atreus embarks on a quest to find the remaining Giants, leaving Midgard and setting off on his own adventure. This is a major plot point that could lead to a spin-off or a significant storyline in a future God of War game.
How many endings are there in God of War Ragnarok? While there is one primary ending, there are three epilogue sequences that provide closure to certain storylines and offer hints about the future.
Can you get Atreus back after Ragnarök? Atreus is with you on and off during the main game and returns for the battle in Asgard. However, after the main story, he departs on his own quest, leaving him unavailable as a companion for the post-game content.
Where is the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarok? After completing the main story, you can find the real Týr in the Aesir Prison Wreckage area of Niflheim as part of the “Broken Prison” favor.
Can Kratos lift Mjolnir? No, Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir. The game explains that only those deemed worthy can wield the hammer, and Kratos, despite his strength, is not considered worthy.
Where did Atreus go at the end of God of War Ragnarok? At the end of the game, Atreus sets out to find the remaining Giants, fulfilling his own destiny and exploring new lands.
Is Kratos done after Ragnarök? While Kratos’ role may evolve in future games, he is not “done.” His story arc has shifted from vengeance to leadership and guidance, and this transformation makes him an even more compelling character.
Was Odin Tyr the whole time? No, Odin disguised himself as Týr for a significant portion of the game to manipulate Kratos and Atreus and gather information.
Can you meet Atreus after the ending? Yes, after beating the game, Kratos can visit Atreus and Angrboda’s place in Jotunheim, allowing for a brief reunion.
Why did Kratos cry at the end of Ragnarok? Kratos cried because he saw a vision of a future where he is revered and worshiped as a savior, a stark contrast to his past as a feared and hated destroyer. He has finally become the god he always wanted to be.
Will Sindri forgive Atreus? Sindri’s forgiveness of Atreus is a complex issue. He struggles with Atreus’ actions and the consequences, and whether or not he fully forgives him remains ambiguous.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter Begins

God of War Ragnarok is a masterful conclusion to the Norse saga, but it is also a springboard for future adventures. The ending leaves many questions unanswered and sets the stage for new stories, characters, and mythologies. While the fate of Kratos and Atreus remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the God of War franchise is far from over. The world is vast, the possibilities are endless, and the journey continues.