Does Kratos Look Different in Ragnarok? An In-Depth Analysis
Yes, Kratos does look different in God of War Ragnarok compared to the 2018 God of War, although the changes are subtle yet impactful. While the fundamental design of the character remains consistent, improved graphical fidelity, nuanced facial animation, and changes to his physical characteristics, such as his beard, all contribute to a more mature and expressive Kratos. He appears older, more weathered, and even more imposing in the sequel.
The Ghost of Sparta: Evolving Visuals
Kratos’ appearance in Ragnarok is not a radical departure, but a natural progression. The team at Santa Monica Studio clearly aimed to refine his existing design, leveraging advancements in technology to create a more realistic and emotionally resonant character.
Detail and Facial Expressions
One of the most noticeable improvements lies in the level of detail and facial expressions. Ragnarok takes full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities, resulting in sharper textures, more realistic skin rendering, and more intricate details in Kratos’ armor and weapons. Crucially, the advancements in facial capture and animation allow Kratos to convey a wider range of emotions. He acts via his mimics in GOWR a lot, subtle furrowing of his brow, a slight twitch of his lip, or the weariness in his eyes, all contribute to a deeper understanding of his inner turmoil.
The Beard Factor
The beard is an undeniable part of Kratos’ identity in the Norse saga. In Ragnarok, his beard is noticeably longer and more voluminous. It adds to his appearance of age and experience, visually representing the years he has spent in Midgard, grappling with his past and raising Atreus.
Size and Approachability
Interestingly, there’s a point to be made about Kratos’s size. It’s important to note that Kratos used to be seven foot and six inches in the pre-2018 God of War games, but he was made shorter to be more approachable and closer to actor Christopher Judge’s height of 6’3″. This is according to Santa Monica Studio lead character technical artist Axel Grossman.
Muscularity
Many fans have also pointed out that Kratos is even more muscular in God Of War Ragnarok, as shown when comparing his current character model to the one from 2018’s God Of War.
Why the Visual Changes Matter
These visual differences aren’t merely cosmetic; they serve to enhance the narrative and deepen our connection to Kratos. His older, more expressive face reflects the weight of his past and the immense responsibility he feels for Atreus’s future. The subtle nuances in his expressions allow us to see beyond the stoic warrior and glimpse the vulnerability and compassion that he struggles to embrace. He looks like a tool in the older games so all the changes are an improvement. For 1 it was to make room for his beard and 2 they redesigned the shape of his face so it’s not just the tattoo.
Furthermore, Kratos’ appearance reflects his journey of self-discovery and redemption. He is no longer simply a rage-fueled killing machine; he is a father, a mentor, and a protector. His physical transformation mirrors his internal growth, signifying his evolution from a god consumed by vengeance to a man striving for peace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding Kratos’s changing appearance and related aspects in God of War Ragnarok:
1. Does Kratos look older in Ragnarok?
Yes, Kratos visually appears older in Ragnarok. This is conveyed through his more detailed facial features, a longer beard, and subtle signs of aging that reflect the passage of time and the hardships he has endured. Time and aging do not have the same effect on Kratos, who looks only a little older in the reboot game and its sequel.
2. Why does Kratos look smaller in Ragnarok?
Kratos isn’t necessarily “smaller” in Ragnarok, but rather his height was adjusted in the 2018 God of War to be more realistic. He was made shorter to be more approachable and closer to actor Christopher Judge’s height of 6’3″. This is according to Santa Monica Studio lead character technical artist Axel Grossman.
3. Why does Kratos look different now (in general, compared to the Greek games)?
Kratos’s pale white skin is the result of a curse. As the temple burned, a village oracle cursed Kratos and condemned him to wear the “mark of his terrible deed”; the ashes of his family, which turn his skin pale white, earning him the title “Ghost of Sparta”. The changes in facial structure and detail are due to advancements in character modeling and animation technology, as well as the studio’s desire to create a more nuanced and relatable character.
4. Is Kratos more muscular in Ragnarok?
Yes, by most fan accounts, Kratos is even more muscular in God Of War Ragnarok. This is shown by comparing his current character model to the one from 2018’s God Of War.
5. Why is Odin so skinny in Gow Ragnarok?
Odin is depicted as tall, wearing heavy cloaks, but is rather skinny, and even older than most depictions prior. It just shows how desperate and frail Odin is becoming in his quest to stop Ragnarok. This is a design choice to highlight his desperation and growing vulnerability in the face of the impending Ragnarok.
6. Can Kratos lift Mjölnir in Ragnarok?
No, Kratos cannot lift Mjölnir. God of War Ragnarok’s Director Eric Williams has given an explanation as to why Kratos can’t wield Thor’s iconic weapon, Mjolnir, in the game.
7. Is Kratos’ physique possible to achieve?
Achieving a physique similar to Kratos would require intense dedication and a well-planned training regimen. A common consensus is that training to achieve Kratos’s physique would likely require a smart approach of exercises such as overhead presses, rows, pullups, and deadlifting.
8. Who looks most like Kratos in real life?
Dominic Purcell is often cited as someone who resembles Kratos. Dominic Purcell has the demeanor, the build, all of it.
9. Can you remove Kratos’ beard in Ragnarok?
Yes, Kratos’ beard can be removed in the game via mods.
10. Is Kratos getting weaker in Ragnarok?
No, despite his age, Kratos is not getting weaker. he’s actually more powerful now than he ever was. greek gods grow more powerful with age.
11. Why is Kratos weaker in gow4 (compared to his Greek era)?
He lacks his magic due to his homeland being destroyed as described here: He’s also holding back which is been mentioned multiple times, especially in the Thor fight at the beginning of the game. He also lacks his tools he was uh… borrowing from other gods of Olympus.
12. Why does Kratos not use the Blades of Chaos in Ragnarok more often?
The blades remind him too much of the past and the monster he was, so it is understandable that he doesn’t want to see them, much less use them. This signifies his desire to move beyond his violent past and embrace a more peaceful future for himself and Atreus.
13. Has Kratos stopped aging?
Kratos is not immortal, but the power he has from the gods means he is nearly impossible to kill and ages far slower than any normal person, which makes Kratos’ age difficult to determine. While he ages, his demigod status significantly slows down the process.
14. Is it true the older Kratos gets, the stronger he is?
In the Norse saga, it seems to be the case. Old Kratos from the Norse God of War games takes the trophy for the strongest Kratos. The character is older, wiser, more emotionally intelligent, and has the memories and guilt of his past to tie him into being better.
15. Could old Kratos beat Thor (from the MCU or comics)?
If we’re talking about the MCU Thor, then it could go either way. But if we’re talking about Thor from the comics, then Kratos has absolutely zero chance.
Conclusion: A Masterful Evolution
In conclusion, Kratos’s changed appearance in God of War Ragnarok is a subtle, yet meaningful, evolution of his character design. The improved graphics, more nuanced facial expressions, and the addition of a more detailed beard contribute to a more mature, relatable, and emotionally resonant protagonist. These changes, combined with Christopher Judge’s compelling performance, solidify Kratos as one of the most iconic and well-developed characters in video game history. As students explore the complexities of character development and storytelling, resources like the Games Learning Society can provide valuable insights. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games and education.