How Many Apples Are in God of War? A Comprehensive Guide
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There are a total of 9 Idunn Apples to find and collect in God of War (2018). These aren’t your everyday apples; they’re mystical artifacts that permanently increase Kratos’ maximum health. Each time you collect three of these precious apples, Kratos’ health bar receives a significant boost, making him more resilient in his journey through the Norse realms. This system encourages exploration and provides a tangible reward for those willing to venture off the beaten path.
Understanding Idunn Apples and Nornir Chests
The Idunn Apples are not simply lying around for the taking. They are carefully concealed within Nornir Chests, which are special containers locked by runic puzzles. To unlock these chests, you must locate and activate specific runes or mechanisms scattered throughout the environment, often requiring some clever thinking and a keen eye for detail. Solving these puzzles is a core element of the game’s exploration, offering both a challenge and a sense of accomplishment.
Why are Idunn Apples Important?
Idunn Apples are not just collectibles; they are essential for survival in God of War. The increase in Kratos’ health bar directly impacts your ability to withstand attacks from powerful enemies, making combat less punishing and allowing you to explore more challenging areas with greater confidence. As you progress through the game, the difficulty ramps up, and having a boosted health bar can be the difference between success and failure.
Finding the Apples: A Journey of Exploration
Finding all nine Idunn Apples requires thorough exploration of the various realms you travel through in God of War. The game world is designed with hidden pathways, intricate puzzles, and challenging combat encounters that are all part of the quest to find these elusive fruits.
Early Apple Locations
The first Idunn Apple is located relatively early in the game in the Wildwoods. You’ll find a circle in the ground with paths leading in all directions. By continuing straight to the temple area, you’ll find three rune pots to destroy, revealing a Nornir Chest containing your first apple.
Another early apple is found after defeating a troll in the Foothills. This chest will be prominently located to the left, overlooking a cliff. You’ll need to hit three of the bells within a certain timeframe to unlock this one. These early finds demonstrate the common pattern of puzzle-solving required to acquire Idunn Apples.
God of War Ragnarök: A Different Approach
It’s crucial to distinguish the apple count from God of War (2018) from its sequel, God of War Ragnarök (2022). In Ragnarök, there are 15 Idunn Apples and 15 Horns of Blood Mead. While both items contribute to permanent stat increases, the Horns of Blood Mead increase Kratos’ maximum rage, and the Idunn Apples boost his health. Both are similarly acquired by solving Nornir Chest puzzles. This change reflects a different approach to character progression in the sequel, allowing for more in-depth stat customization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Idunn Apples in God of War
1. What exactly do Idunn Apples do in God of War?
Idunn Apples are rare items in God of War that permanently increase Kratos’ maximum health. For every three apples collected, Kratos’ health bar gets a significant upgrade, making him more resilient in combat.
2. How do I find Idunn Apples?
Idunn Apples are found inside Nornir Chests, which require you to solve runic puzzles. You’ll need to interact with specific objects or mechanisms in the environment to unlock these chests.
3. Are Idunn Apples missable in God of War?
No, Idunn Apples are not missable. You can go back to areas of the game after the story is complete and collect any that you may have missed.
4. How many Idunn Apples are there in total in God of War?
There are a total of 9 Idunn Apples to collect in God of War (2018).
5. How many Idunn Apples are in God of War Ragnarök?
In God of War Ragnarök, there are 15 Idunn Apples, which increase your maximum health, and also 15 Horns of Blood Mead, which increase your maximum rage.
6. Do Idunn Apples affect Atreus in any way?
No, Idunn Apples only increase Kratos’ maximum health. They have no direct impact on Atreus.
7. Is there a trophy related to finding all the Idunn Apples?
Yes, there is a trophy called “Idunn’s Orchard” in God of War (2018) for fully upgrading Kratos’ health, which requires finding all the Idunn Apples.
8. What is the connection between Idunn and the apples in Norse mythology?
In Norse mythology, Idunn is the goddess who is the keeper of the apples of eternal youth. These apples are what keep the gods young and healthy. In God of War, the apples have a similar effect, albeit on Kratos’ health rather than eternal youth.
9. What are the green apples that Sindri throws?
The green apple thrown by Sindri is not an Idunn Apple. It’s simply a regular apple, and in ancient Greek culture, throwing an apple at someone can be interpreted as a declaration of love. Kratos cuts the apple in half due to past trauma relating to love and his deceased wife.
10. What is the Nornir chest in Alfheim?
In Alfheim, near the temple of light, there will be a Nornir Chest containing a Horn of Blood Mead located down the stairs to the left of the temple entrance, if you haven’t already found the blacksmith, you’re on the wrong side.
11. Where can I find the third Idunn Apple in God of War?
The third Idunn Apple is found in the Foothills, shortly after the second troll fight. The chest is located to the left, overlooking a cliff, requiring you to hit three bells in a specific time window to open it.
12. Can I return to areas to collect Idunn Apples?
Yes, after finishing the main story, you can go back to previous areas and collect any Idunn Apples you may have missed. Completionists can explore all regions freely.
13. What are Nornir Chests?
Nornir Chests are special chests in God of War that are locked with runic puzzles. Each chest has its own unique puzzle, often requiring you to locate and activate specific runes or mechanisms nearby. They are not only a way to acquire Idunn Apples and Horns of Blood Mead but also a form of gameplay puzzle.
14. Are there other treasures to find in God of War besides Idunn Apples?
Yes, there are 12 Treasure Maps in God of War to find, each of them leading to sweet loot. These also enhance the exploration aspect of the game.
15. How do Idunn Apples enhance the gameplay experience in God of War?
Idunn Apples significantly enhance the gameplay by increasing Kratos’ survivability. As the game progresses, enemies become more challenging, and a larger health bar is crucial for navigating difficult fights. The quest to find these apples also encourages exploration and provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment for solving the challenging Nornir Chest puzzles.
By collecting all nine Idunn Apples in God of War (2018) and all 15 in God of War Ragnarök, you not only enhance your gameplay experience but also embark on a rewarding journey of exploration and puzzle-solving within the rich world of Norse mythology.