Atreus’s Asgardian Adventure: Unpacking His Journey in God of War Ragnarok
Atreus’s journey to Asgard in God of War Ragnarok isn’t a single, linear event, but rather a progression intertwined with the game’s narrative. He first travels to Asgard during the game’s seventh chapter, “The Runaway.” This initial journey is a solo venture, driven by Atreus’s desire to understand his destiny and thwart the impending Ragnarok.
The Road to Asgard: A Breakdown of Atreus’s Journey
Atreus’s desire to travel to Asgard stems from Odin’s invitation at the beginning of the game. He believes that by infiltrating Asgard, befriending Odin, and learning his plans, he can potentially alter the course of fate and prevent Ragnarok. However, Kratos vehemently opposes this plan, fearing the dangers and manipulation involved.
Feeling stifled and driven by his own convictions, Atreus disobeys his father and escapes through a Mystic Gateway, leading him to an unfamiliar area. This marks the beginning of the seventh chapter, “The Runaway,” where players take control of Atreus and navigate his solo adventure.
This isn’t the end of Atreus’s involvement with Asgard, as he will return to the world later during the main story.
Navigating the Narrative: Understanding Chapter Placement
Determining your progress in God of War Ragnarok can be tricky. The game doesn’t provide a percentage completion indicator or a clear progress bar. Therefore, understanding chapter titles and plot points is crucial. “The Runaway,” being the seventh of the 18 chapters, places Atreus’s initial Asgardian excursion roughly a third of the way through the main storyline.
Keep in mind that while Atreus’s personal journey begins around a third of the way into the game, the full narrative arc involving Asgard spans a significant portion of the game’s duration, culminating in the final confrontation.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Atreus and Asgard
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Atreus’s journey and its context within God of War Ragnarok:
1. Why does Atreus want to go to Asgard so badly?
Atreus believes he can gather vital information about Odin’s plans and potentially find a way to prevent Ragnarok. He feels a responsibility to shape his own destiny and not be a pawn in someone else’s game. His belief in his ability to manipulate Odin and learn from him drives him to take the risk.
2. What happens when Atreus first arrives in Asgard?
Initially, Atreus seeks to ingratiate himself with Odin and the Aesir. He pretends to be amenable to their goals and attempts to gain their trust to uncover their secrets. This involves careful navigation of social dynamics and political intrigue within Asgard.
3. Does Kratos eventually go to Asgard?
Yes, Kratos does eventually travel to Asgard. His arrival is a significant plot point, driven by his desire to protect Atreus and confront the looming threat of Ragnarok. The events in Asgard mark a crucial turning point in the game’s narrative.
4. Can you explore Asgard freely after beating God of War Ragnarok?
Unfortunately, unlike other realms, Asgard is not freely explorable after completing the main story. This limitation reinforces the narrative significance of Asgard as the focal point of the final conflict.
5. What role do Odin’s ravens play in Atreus’s journey to Asgard?
Odin’s ravens are instrumental in facilitating Atreus’s initial journey to Asgard. He uses them to travel there.
6. Is the Tyr that Kratos and Atreus initially find actually Tyr?
No, the “Tyr” they initially encounter is actually Odin in disguise. This deception is a key plot twist and highlights Odin’s manipulative nature.
7. How does Brok realize “Tyr” is not who he claims to be?
Brok’s sharp instincts and attention to detail lead him to question “Tyr’s” actions and statements. His skepticism plants seeds of doubt among the group, ultimately exposing Odin’s deception.
8. What happens to Brok?
Tragically, Brok is killed by Odin after uncovering his deception. This event has a profound impact on the characters and fuels their determination to stop Odin.
9. Can you find the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, after completing the main story, you can find the real Tyr imprisoned in the Aesir Prison Wreckage in Niflheim. Freeing him unlocks additional content and lore.
10. What happens to Atreus after Ragnarok?
After the cataclysm, Atreus wakes up in Midgard and eventually meets Angrboda. Angrboda tells him he needs to share with Kratos that he’s been seeing giant visions.
11. Will Sindri ever forgive Atreus?
Sindri will not forgive Atreus for the foreseeable future, and he distances himself from the boy.
12. What mythology might the next God of War game explore?
While nothing is confirmed, Celtic mythology is a strong possibility, given Mimir’s canonical Celtic origins. Other possibilities include Egyptian or even a return to Greek mythology. The possibilities are vast and depend on the direction Santa Monica Studio chooses to take the franchise. You can learn more about the educational potential of the series and its exploration of different mythologies at GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. Is God of War Ragnarok the last game in the series?
Santa Monica Studio has stated that Ragnarok concludes the Norse saga for Kratos and Atreus, but the ending leaves room for a follow-up focusing on Atreus. Whether this will be a direct sequel or a new standalone title remains to be seen.
14. What if Atreus had used the Mask as Odin intended?
If Atreus had used the Mask as Odin intended, then Odin would have gained the power to defeat Kratos and fulfill the prophecy.
15. Where does Atreus / Loki Simply Walks to Asgard｜God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus walks to Asgard in Part 8 of the game, which is streamed on PS5 in 4k at 60.