God of War Ragnarok: Unpacking the Endings and Epilogue – How Many Are There?
The world of God of War Ragnarok is vast and compelling, filled with intricate lore and impactful choices. Players journey alongside Kratos and Atreus, witnessing the end of the Norse saga and the dawn of a new era. But the ending, or rather, endings, can be a little confusing. So, let’s cut to the chase: how many endings are there in God of War Ragnarok?
There’s really only one true ending to the main narrative arc, culminating in the epic battle against Odin and the resolution of the Ragnarok prophecy. However, God of War Ragnarok features a substantial epilogue containing three distinct “epilogues”, adding depth and closure to various character arcs and setting the stage for potential future storylines. These epilogues, while varying in scope, are integral to experiencing the full weight of the narrative. This means that while there is not multiple endings per se, there are multiple follow-up pieces of content after the ending you see at the end of the main quest.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Epilogues
The primary “ending” occurs after defeating Odin. This is where the credits roll and the core narrative of Kratos and Atreus facing Ragnarok concludes. However, don’t stop there! Once the credits roll, you are free to roam the map and complete the game in its entirety if you would like. You will also notice that the epilogue quests begin to unlock and become available to you.
The Significance of the Epilogue
The epilogue isn’t just tacked on; it provides crucial closure and sets the stage for the future:
- Emotional Closure: It allows players to witness the immediate aftermath of Ragnarok, seeing how key characters cope with loss, change, and new beginnings.
- Character Development: The epilogue provides a platform for key characters to grow and develop beyond the main storyline, showing their reaction to the chaos that just ensued.
- World Building: It subtly hints at future conflicts and adventures, leaving the door open for potential sequels or DLC. The team behind God of War left so much more on the table for potential storylines.
These epilogues take the form of Favors, which are side quests that are not necessary to complete the main game, but provide more closure to the game. While it’s certainly possible to see the credits and stop playing God of War Ragnarok, you may miss out on some key storylines.
The God of War Ragnarok Epilogue: Key Post-Game Content
The main epilogue Favor comes in three parts, and they are not created equally.
- A Funeral for Brok: As mentioned earlier, the characters gather one last time to send Brok on his final journey. The funeral is the only moment that features a true cutscene to shore up the events, and is arguably the most important element to complete during the epilogue.
- Freya’s Reconciliation
- The search for Tyr
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About God of War Ragnarok’s Endings
Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the nuances of God of War Ragnarok’s ending and post-game content:
1. Are there multiple choice-driven endings in God of War Ragnarok?
No, there are no branching paths leading to drastically different endings based on player choice. The core storyline and ultimate resolution remain consistent regardless of your decisions throughout the game.
2. Can I still play God of War Ragnarok after the main story concludes?
Absolutely! The game encourages post-story exploration and completion. You’re free to revisit realms, tackle side quests, and uncover secrets even after the credits roll.
3. Is there a post-credits scene in God of War Ragnarok?
There is no traditional post-credits scene with a visual teaser, but the epilogue serves as an extended post-game sequence that provides further context and potential hints at future narratives.
4. Can you 100% God of War Ragnarok after finishing the main story?
Yes, you can achieve 100% completion after the main story. All areas become accessible, and no collectibles are permanently missable.
5. Where can I find the real Tyr after completing the game?
You can locate the real Tyr in the Aesir Prison Wreckage within Niflheim as part of the “Broken Prison” Favor, which becomes available after visiting the Raven Tree post-game.
6. Will Atreus return in future God of War games?
Atreus departs on his own journey at the end of Ragnarok, but the ending strongly suggests he will return in some capacity in future installments. He will be with you on and off throughout the game.
7. Is it possible for Kratos to wield Mjolnir in God of War Ragnarok?
No, Kratos cannot wield Mjolnir. The game makes it clear that the hammer’s power is intrinsically tied to Thor and Odin’s lineage and intentions.
8. What happens to Sindri after Brok’s death?
Sindri is deeply affected by Brok’s death and struggles to cope with the loss. He distances himself from Kratos and Atreus, grappling with grief and anger. Sindri doesn’t forgive Atreus or Kratos, as he cannot forgive himself.
9. Where does Atreus go at the end of God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus embarks on a quest to find the remaining giants, fulfilling the prophecy revealed by Faye.
10. Does God of War Ragnarok hint at a future Egyptian setting?
While there are no explicit teases of an Egyptian setting within Ragnarok itself, prior lore (specifically the comic series God of War: Fallen God) establishes Kratos’ previous travels to Egypt. This does not confirm that a next installment will be based in Egypt.
11. What is the significance of the mural Kratos discovers at the end?
The mural depicts Kratos as a respected leader and protector, contrasting his previous role as a destroyer. It symbolizes his newfound hope for the future and his potential to usher in an era of peace. He will need Freya and Mimir to help him rebuild and restore the Nine Realms.
12. Did Odin know he was being impersonated as Tyr?
Odin was the one impersonating Tyr. This was a central plot twist in the game.
13. Why did Brok suspect that Tyr was an imposter?
Brok’s keen eye and familiarity with Tyr’s true character allowed him to detect inconsistencies in the imposter’s behavior and knowledge. When the God of War mentioned a path to Asgard, Brok understood that Tyr was not what he claimed to be.
14. Where did Mjolnir land after Odin threw it away?
Mjolnir ends up in Alfheim, half-buried in the ground.
15. Is Kratos’ story over after God of War Ragnarok?
While Ragnarok concludes the Norse saga, Kratos’ journey is not necessarily over. The ending leaves his story open for future installments, potentially exploring new mythologies and challenges.
Conclusion: Beyond the Battlefield
God of War Ragnarok delivers a satisfying conclusion to the Norse saga, but the true depth of its narrative is unveiled through the epilogue. While there aren’t multiple, diverging endings in the traditional sense, the epilogue enriches the experience, solidifies character arcs, and sets the stage for potential future adventures within the God of War universe. Don’t skip it!
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