Achieving the Hopeful Finale: Your Guide to the “Good Ending” in God of War Ragnarok
The conclusion of God of War Ragnarok offers a powerful and ultimately hopeful resolution to Kratos’s Norse saga. Getting to this satisfying conclusion requires more than just beating the final boss; it involves completing specific quests and engaging with the narrative’s emotional core. The “good ending,” characterized by Kratos embracing his role as a leader and a beacon of hope, Atreus finding his own path, and a sense of rebuilding after Ragnarok, is achieved by completing the main story and then undertaking several key post-game activities. Specifically, you need to:
- Complete the main story: Defeat Odin and witness the events following the final battle. This is the foundation for everything that comes next.
- Attend Brok’s Funeral (Quest: “A Funeral for a Friend”): This is arguably the most crucial step for triggering the truly emotionally resonant ending. Travel to Svartalfheim and engage with the funeral proceedings. This quest allows the characters to grieve and begin to heal, a vital element of the “good ending.”
- Complete the post-game Favor “The Realms at War”: This favor involves consolidating peace among the realms and resolving the issues that remain after Ragnarok. It showcases Kratos’ commitment to leadership and protection.
- Engage with other post-game content: While not strictly required, completing favors like freeing Tyr and exploring the realms deepens your understanding of the world and its future, adding nuance to the “good ending.”
- Return to Sindri’s House: After completing Brok’s funeral, returning to Sindri’s house triggers a final cutscene, providing closure and a glimpse into the future. This scene solidifies the themes of hope and new beginnings.
By following these steps, you’ll experience the complete narrative arc and witness the hopeful future that God of War Ragnarok ultimately offers, solidifying the “good ending.”
Unpacking the Ending: Deeper Dive into the Narrative
Beyond the checklist, understanding the narrative underpinnings is crucial for appreciating the significance of the “good ending.” The game explores themes of fate versus free will, the cycle of violence, and the power of change and growth. Kratos’s journey from a vengeful Spartan god to a protector and leader is central to the story.
Atreus’s decision to seek out the remaining giants represents a break from the past and an embrace of his own destiny. This separation is difficult, but it signifies growth and independence, essential components of a positive resolution. The “good ending” isn’t just about defeating the enemy; it’s about the characters’ personal transformations and the hope for a better future that they create together, even if it means going their separate ways.
The epilogue content, including Brok’s funeral, allows the characters (and the player) to process the losses and appreciate the sacrifices made during the war. This emotional catharsis is vital for achieving the feeling of resolution associated with the “good ending.” The GamesLearningSociety.org delves into the deeper meanings and impacts of narratives like this. It highlights how games can affect emotional and social understanding.
Post-Ragnarok Activities Enhance the Ending
The post-game content isn’t just filler; it actively contributes to the feeling of a complete and satisfying ending.
- Freeing Tyr: Discovering the real Tyr and helping him rebuild represents a step toward a more peaceful future and a rejection of Odin’s manipulation.
- Muspelheim Crucible: Testing your skills in the Crucible provides a sense of accomplishment and mastery, reinforcing Kratos’s growth as a warrior and a leader.
- Exploration and Favors: Completing favors and exploring the realms reveals the lasting impact of Ragnarok and the ongoing efforts to rebuild and heal, underscoring the hopeful themes of the “good ending.”
These activities reinforce the message that even after a catastrophic event, there is always hope for a better future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the God of War Ragnarok Ending
1. Does God of War Ragnarok have a happy ending?
Yes, God of War Ragnarok offers an ending that is ultimately hopeful, though not without its bittersweet moments. While there are losses, the overall tone emphasizes growth, change, and the possibility of a better future for Kratos, Atreus, and the realms. Kratos fulfills the prophecy of being a revered and helpful God, breaking the old cycle of violence and vengeance.
2. Are there multiple endings in God of War Ragnarok?
While there isn’t a branching narrative with drastically different endings, God of War Ragnarok does have an epilogue that provides additional closure after the main story is complete. This epilogue includes cutscenes and quests that flesh out the characters’ fates and reinforce the themes of the game. These post-game quests and interactions are important for getting the “good ending.”
3. What is the secret ending in God of War Ragnarok?
The “secret ending” is more accurately described as a final cutscene that occurs after completing the main story and Brok’s funeral. By returning to Sindri’s House, players unlock this scene which provides a glimpse into the future and offers a sense of closure.
4. How do I trigger the secret ending cutscene?
To trigger the final cutscene (or the “secret ending”) in God of War Ragnarok, complete the main story, then undertake the quest “A Funeral for a Friend” in Svartalfheim. Afterwards, revisit Sindri’s House, and the cutscene should automatically play.
5. What happens at Brok’s funeral?
Brok’s funeral is a pivotal moment in the story, allowing the characters to grieve and reflect on the events of Ragnarok. The funeral involves a ceremony in Svartalfheim, where characters share memories of Brok and begin to heal from his loss. It’s an important step in achieving a sense of closure and paving the way for the hopeful ending.
6. Is Kratos’s story over after God of War Ragnarok?
While God of War Ragnarok concludes the Norse saga for Kratos and Atreus, the ending leaves Kratos’s future open to interpretation. The game hints at the possibility of exploring other mythologies in future installments, suggesting that Kratos’s journey is not necessarily over.
7. Where can I find the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarok?
After completing the main story, you can find the real Tyr in the Aesir Prison Wreckage area of Niflheim. This is part of the “Broken Prison” favor, which becomes available after visiting the Raven Tree post-game.
8. Can you see Atreus again after Ragnarok?
Yes, after completing the main story, Kratos can visit Atreus in Jotunheim. This allows for further interaction and provides a sense of closure regarding Atreus’s departure to find the remaining giants. The reunion is poignant and underscores the theme of growth and independence.
9. Why did Atreus leave at the end of God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus leaves to search for other giants who may have survived Ragnarok. This is driven by his own sense of purpose and a desire to learn more about his giant heritage. This departure is a necessary part of his character arc, representing his growth and independence from Kratos.
10. Will Sindri ever forgive Atreus and Kratos?
The game suggests that Sindri’s anger and grief are deeply rooted and that forgiveness may not be possible. Sindri’s reaction to Brok’s death and the events leading up to it are complex, and his inability to forgive adds a layer of emotional realism to the story. Ultimately, the focus is on the characters accepting the consequences of their actions and moving forward.
11. What are the Yggdrasil Seeds used for in the post-game?
Yggdrasil Seeds are given to you by Ratatoskr after completing the main story. These seeds allow you to access previously locked-out realms and locations, providing access to post-game content such as Jotunheim, Sanctuary Grove (Midgard), and Mist Field (Niflheim). They’re essential for exploring the full scope of the game after the main narrative concludes.
12. What can you do after beating God of War Ragnarok?
After completing the main story, there’s a wealth of content to explore:
- Muspelheim Crucible Challenges: Test your combat skills.
- Freeing Tyr: Embark on a quest to find and liberate the real Tyr.
- Berserker Gravestones: Battle challenging Berserker bosses.
- Draugr Holes: Clear out Draugr infestations.
- Collectibles: Find remaining artifacts, flowers, and other collectibles.
This post-game content enhances the overall experience and provides a deeper understanding of the world and its characters.
13. Is Odin really dead in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, Odin is definitively killed during the final battle in God of War Ragnarok. His defeat marks a significant turning point in the story, symbolizing the end of his tyranny and the beginning of a new era for the realms.
14. Is there any indication of where the next God of War game might be set?
While there’s no explicit confirmation, the ending of God of War Ragnarok and subtle hints within the game suggest the possibility of exploring other mythologies, such as Egyptian or Japanese. This remains speculation, but it opens up exciting possibilities for the future of the franchise. The Games Learning Society explores the way that games can draw on real mythologies and folktales.
15. Can I still play after the ending of God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, after completing the main story, you can continue to explore the realms, complete unfinished quests, and engage in post-game content. The game allows you to return to the world and experience everything it has to offer, even after the credits roll.
By understanding these elements and completing the necessary steps, you’ll not only “beat” God of War Ragnarok but also experience the full emotional impact of its hopeful and satisfying conclusion.