The Time Gap Between God of War 3 and 4: A Comprehensive Look
The question of how much time elapses between the events of God of War III and the soft reboot, God of War (2018), is a fascinating one, sparking much debate and speculation among fans. While the games don’t explicitly state a precise number, we can deduce a significant time gap through careful analysis of in-game lore and external references. The generally accepted estimate is roughly 999 years between the end of God of War III and the beginning of God of War (2018). This substantial leap in time accounts for the significant changes in Kratos’ demeanor, appearance, and the setting of the game.
Analyzing the Time Jump
The most compelling evidence for this timeframe comes from an observation made by a Redditor, highlighted in the provided information. This observation connects the historical context of God of War III to the real-world event of the destruction of Sparta by an earthquake in 464 BC. According to this analysis, God of War III concludes near that time. The story of God of War (2018) moves into a new mythological setting in the Norse world and is disconnected from the Greek world where the earlier games take place. The same analysis indicates that Kratos’ journey in this new setting starts roughly 999 years later. It’s important to note that the God of War games don’t exist in our historical timeline, but using the destruction of Sparta as a starting point allows fans to extrapolate a timeline in the game world.
The Impact of Time on Kratos
The immense time jump between games is crucial to understanding Kratos’ character arc. After the events of the Greek saga, he has aged and weathered the burden of his past. He is no longer the rage-fueled Spartan warrior. The Kratos we encounter in God of War (2018) is a mature, battle-worn figure marked by the passage of time and the scars of his previous life. He now attempts to find solace in the quiet, snowy wilds of the Norse realms. This significant change in his disposition is only understandable when one considers that so much time has passed. In essence, it’s not just a change in location, but a change in Kratos himself, forced by hundreds of years of quiet and contemplation on the path he’s walked.
Ageing and Appearance
The visual representation of Kratos is another telling factor. In God of War 1 through 3, he appears to be in the prime of his life. However, in God of War (2018), he’s noticeably older, with a thick beard and lines on his face, evidencing the decades, perhaps even centuries of living. This aging is a direct result of the long period that passes after the events of God of War III. The visual difference in Kratos serves as a concrete marker for the passing of such a significant amount of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the time gap between God of War 3 and God of War (2018), along with other related details, to provide a more comprehensive understanding:
What is the timeline for the first three God of War games?
The first God of War takes place sometime before the destruction of Sparta. God of War II happens 13 years after the first game. Then, the events of God of War III follow immediately after God of War II. This means that there is at least 13 years between the first and the third game. Kratos was stated to be around 38 when he became God of War, after serving 10 years, and then became around 50 years old by the end of God of War III
How did Kratos survive the ending of God of War 3?
Kratos is a demigod (son of Zeus) turned god, and therefore, virtually immortal. He is also cursed to never die, which allows him to survive his own suicide attempt with the Blade of Olympus at the end of God of War III.
Is Kratos cursed to live forever?
Yes, Kratos’ inability to die is due to a curse, making him virtually immortal. This explains how he survives seemingly fatal injuries throughout the series.
How old is Kratos, overall, by the end of God of War (2018)?
Considering he was likely around 50 by the end of God of War III, and that God of War (2018) takes place roughly 999 years later, he is approximately 1,050 years old by the beginning of the 2018 game.
How long does it take to complete the God of War series?
Focusing on main objectives, a playthrough of God of War (2018) can take about 20½ hours. For 100% completion, expect to spend around 51 hours in the game. The length of previous games varies.
Is Kratos a full god?
Kratos is born a demigod, the son of Zeus, but he becomes a full god after killing Ares, becoming the God of War.
What time period does God of War (2018) take place in?
God of War (2018) is set in a pre-migration era when Norse gods walked the Earth, not during the Viking Age as many assume.
Is Kratos older than Odin?
Yes, Odin is far older than Kratos. Odin was born during the time of Ymir, before the creation of the world in Norse mythology.
How much later is God of War: Ragnarök?
God of War: Ragnarök is set three years after the events of God of War (2018).
Did Kratos kill all of the Greek Gods?
Kratos killed most of the major Greek gods, but some lesser gods survived, such as Phobos, the god of fear; Circe, goddess of magic; Amphitrite, the Queen of the Sea; Triton, the god of the waves; and Nike, god of victory.
Is there any profanity in the God of War games?
The main game content has no profanity. Some threats are uttered by Kratos to enemies, but they are not vulgar. However, some bonus cutscenes from producers do include strong language.
Why did Kratos cry at the end of God of War (2018)?
Kratos cried because he was finally seen as a god worthy of worship rather than being feared or hated. This represents his transformation and desire to be seen differently.
Is Atreus a god?
Yes, Atreus is a demigod (son of Kratos), who is part giant and part god. He also carries the identity of Loki within Norse mythology.
Is Christianity present in the God of War universe?
Yes, Christianity is part of the world in the God of War universe, although it is not a central theme.
Does Kratos die in God of War: Ragnarök?
No, Kratos does not die in God of War: Ragnarök.
Conclusion
In summary, the time between God of War III and God of War (2018) is a staggering 999 years. This massive leap in time is not just a plot device but a crucial element that helps explain the profound changes in Kratos’ character and the overall narrative shift into Norse mythology. This long gap allows Kratos to mature, and provides the space needed for the new direction of the story to develop without betraying what has come before.