Is God of War’s Easy Mode Really That Easy? A Deep Dive
God of War’s easy modes, particularly in more recent entries like God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök, are designed to be exceptionally accessible, offering a combat experience that allows players to focus primarily on the narrative and world-building. Enemies become significantly less aggressive and deal considerably less damage, while Kratos becomes much more resilient. In essence, “easy mode” allows you to cut through enemies quickly, often taking negligible damage in the process. It’s a mode where you can truly feel like the God of War, effortlessly dominating your foes.
It’s crucial to understand that “easy” doesn’t equate to “mindless.” While the challenge is drastically reduced, you’ll still need to engage with the combat system, use your abilities, and occasionally dodge attacks. However, the margin for error is significantly wider. You can make mistakes without facing immediate punishment, and you don’t need to optimize your build or master complex combos to succeed. Think of it as a guided tour through the game’s incredible story and breathtaking environments, with the occasional light workout instead of a grueling marathon.
This accessibility isn’t a weakness; it’s a conscious design choice. Sony Santa Monica Studio understands that not everyone plays games for the challenge. Many are drawn to the rich lore, compelling characters, and epic scope of the God of War universe. Easy mode is a gateway, allowing these players to experience the full narrative without being bogged down by frustrating difficulty spikes. It democratizes the experience, making it available to a wider audience, regardless of their skill level.
The “Give Me Story” mode in God of War Ragnarök epitomizes this philosophy. It’s arguably the easiest easy mode in the series, minimizing combat difficulty to the point where even casual players can breeze through encounters. This mode emphasizes the cinematic storytelling and character development that God of War has become known for. If your primary goal is to witness the unfolding saga of Kratos and Atreus, and enjoy the stunning visuals and epic set pieces, “Give Me Story” is an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the “easiness” of God of War’s easy mode is a deliberate design choice aimed at making the game accessible to a broader audience. It’s a celebration of narrative, world-building, and character development, allowing players of all skill levels to immerse themselves in the God of War universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about God of War’s Easy Mode
Here are some frequently asked questions about God of War’s easy mode:
How Long Does It Take to Beat God of War on Easy Mode?
Generally, playing on easy mode can significantly shorten the playtime. The original God of War games (PS2 era) could be completed in 7-12 hours. God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök are longer games, but easy mode allows for a faster playthrough, potentially reducing the main story completion time to around 15-20 hours. This depends heavily on your playstyle and how much you explore.
Can I Change the Difficulty Mid-Game?
Yes, you can change the difficulty at any point in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök. The game will usually reload your most recent checkpoint for the change to take effect. This gives you the flexibility to adjust the challenge as needed. If you’re finding easy mode too easy, feel free to bump it up a notch!
Is “Give Me Story” Mode Too Easy?
For experienced gamers, “Give Me Story” might feel overly simplistic. However, it’s perfect for players who prioritize narrative over challenging gameplay. If you find yourself effortlessly defeating enemies without any sense of tension, you may want to consider increasing the difficulty to “Give Me a Balanced Experience.”
What’s the Difference Between “Give Me Story” and “Give Me a Balanced Experience”?
“Give Me Story” is designed for players who want minimal combat challenge and maximum narrative immersion. “Give Me a Balanced Experience” is the game’s normal difficulty, offering a moderate level of challenge that requires some strategic thinking and skillful execution. It’s a good starting point for most players.
Does Playing on Easy Mode Affect the Story or Ending?
No, playing on easy mode does not affect the story or ending in any way. You’ll experience the same narrative and character development regardless of the difficulty setting.
Will I Miss Out on Anything by Playing on Easy Mode?
The main things you might “miss out on” are the intense challenge and sense of accomplishment that come with overcoming difficult encounters. However, you won’t miss any story content, collectibles, or areas.
Is God of War Combat Generally Difficult?
The difficulty of God of War combat depends on the chosen difficulty setting. On higher difficulties, the enemy variety, aggressive AI, and strategic depth can make combat quite challenging. However, on easy mode, the combat becomes much more forgiving and accessible.
Is God of War Harder Than Dark Souls?
On its hardest difficulty (“Give Me God of War”), God of War can be brutally challenging, but it’s generally not considered as consistently difficult as the Dark Souls series. Dark Souls emphasizes precision timing, meticulous planning, and learning enemy patterns, while God of War, even on its hardest difficulty, offers more room for error and emphasizes spectacle and action.
Which God of War Game is the Easiest?
Many players consider God of War: Ascension to be one of the easiest games in the series. God of War III is also generally considered easier than its predecessors.
Does My Character Level Matter on Easy Mode?
Yes, even on easy mode, your character level still affects your damage output and defense. However, the impact is less pronounced than on higher difficulties. Being significantly underleveled can still make encounters more challenging, even on easy mode.
Is it Worth Completing 100% of the Game on Easy Mode?
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your personal preferences. Completing 100% of God of War or God of War Ragnarök unlocks all the content and allows you to fully explore the game’s world. However, there are no specific rewards for achieving 100% completion beyond the satisfaction of doing so.
Which Difficulty is Recommended for a First Playthrough?
For most players, “Give Me a Balanced Experience” (normal difficulty) is the recommended starting point. It provides a good balance between challenge and accessibility, allowing you to enjoy the story and combat without feeling overwhelmed.
Is There a Trophy for Beating God of War on the Hardest Difficulty?
In God of War Ragnarök, there isn’t a specific trophy awarded for completing the game on the hardest difficulty (“Give Me God of War”). This means you can earn the Platinum trophy regardless of the difficulty setting. However, previous God of War games may have a trophy.
What Other Games are Similar to God of War?
Games like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Horizon Forbidden West, Devil May Cry 5, and Bayonetta 3 offer similar gameplay experiences, storytelling, and action as God of War.
Can Games Teach Us Important Skills?
Absolutely! Games can teach us a variety of valuable skills, including problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, and even empathy. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to researching and promoting the educational potential of video games. Games Learning Society explores how game design principles can be applied to improve learning outcomes in various fields.