How Many Chapters Does God of War: Ascension Have?
The action-packed prequel God of War: Ascension features a narrative spread across 23 chapters. Unlike some games where a new installment might reset the chapter count, Ascension’s 23 chapters provide a cohesive, continuous storyline. This is a crucial detail for fans aiming to understand the game’s structure and pacing. It is also particularly important to note that the following game in the series begins with chapter 24 instead of restarting the chapter numbering again.
Understanding God of War: Ascension’s Narrative Structure
Ascension’s chapter system isn’t just a way to divide gameplay segments; it’s integral to the storytelling experience. Each chapter contributes to Kratos’s journey from a broken warrior to a vengeful force, leading directly into the events of the original God of War. The 23-chapter format ensures a well-paced narrative, allowing the player to experience Kratos’s trials with an appropriate sense of progression and build-up. The narrative structure takes place over the course of 6 months.
Chapter Progression and Pacing
The chapter structure of Ascension allows for a deliberate pacing, interweaving intense combat sequences with moments of story and character development. Each chapter usually features unique challenges, be it formidable foes or environmental puzzles, all centered around Kratos’s fight against the Furies. The game strategically uses its 23 chapters to maintain a balance between high-action and narrative-driven moments. The fact that the next installment begins from chapter 24 means that each chapter feels like an actual and important part of a larger journey, instead of a reset to chapter one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About God of War: Ascension
1. Is God of War: Ascension a Prequel?
Yes, God of War: Ascension is a prequel to the entire God of War series. It is set before the original God of War and even before God of War: Chains of Olympus. It delves into the events that led to Kratos’s service to Ares and the subsequent betrayal that plagues him.
2. When Does Ascension Take Place in the God of War Timeline?
The events of God of War: Ascension unfold ten years before the first God of War. It also takes place right before the PSP game God of War: Chains of Olympus.
3. What is the Main Storyline Focus of Ascension?
The central focus of Ascension is Kratos’s imprisonment and torture by the Furies after breaking his blood oath to Ares. He battles the Furies while learning about the truth of the bond between the gods.
4. Who Are the Main Antagonists in God of War: Ascension?
The main antagonists are The Furies: Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. They are ancient deities whose role is to punish the wicked, and they persecute Kratos for turning away from Ares.
5. How Long Does it Take to Complete God of War: Ascension?
Focusing on the main objectives will typically take around 8 ½ hours. For 100% completion, expect to spend around 14 hours.
6. Is God of War: Ascension Canon?
Yes, it has been confirmed that all the novels, comics, and games of the series, including God of War: Ascension, are considered canon.
7. What is the Hardest Part of God of War: Ascension?
The Trial of Archimedes is widely considered the most challenging part. This chapter consists of three difficult waves of enemies with no checkpoints or healing chests, requiring significant skill.
8. How Old is Kratos in God of War: Ascension?
Kratos is around 22-23 years old during the events of the game. By the time of the first God of War, after ten years of servitude, he’s in his early 30s.
9. What Happens After the Events of God of War: Ascension?
After Ascension, Kratos serves the gods of Olympus for a decade, which sets the stage for the events of God of War: Chains of Olympus.
10. How Big is God of War: Ascension in Terms of File Size?
The game requires 34 GB of storage. However, the total required space is 80 GB during installation,
11. Was Kratos a God During God of War: Ascension?
No, Kratos was a mortal in God of War: Ascension, as well as in Chains of Olympus, and the first God of War. In God of War: Ghost of Sparta he briefly assumes godhood, which means he did not fully understand or master his divine abilities in that game.
12. Is There Multiplayer in God of War: Ascension?
While it did have multiplayer at launch, the servers are no longer active, so no multiplayer is available currently.
13. Why Was God of War: Ascension not as Popular as Other Games in the Series?
Some criticisms include lacking creative weapons, missing gameplay features and not feeling as innovative as God of War 3, leading to the perception it was a weaker addition. It’s important to note, however, that Ascension is still very popular with hardcore fans of the series.
14. What is the Shortest God of War Game?
The shortest game in the series is the original God of War (2005), which takes about 9 hours to complete on average.
15. How Does Ascension Connect to the Rest of the God of War Series?
Ascension is a prequel that provides essential background information on Kratos’s past and the events that led to his anger and vengeance seen in the other Greek saga games. It enhances the overall story and gives an understanding of the complex character that Kratos is.