How Tall is Kratos Canon? Unraveling the Height of the God of War
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of Kratos’s exact height has been a source of much debate and confusion among fans of the God of War franchise. The simple answer is that Kratos’s canon height varies depending on the era and game, but the most accepted and consistently referenced heights are 7’6” (2.29 meters) in the Greek era and 6’4” (1.93 meters) in the Norse era. However, understanding the nuances requires delving into the development history and lore. It is important to note that these figures represent in-game depictions and are separate from lore-based descriptions or early concept ideas.
Kratos’s Height Across Eras
Greek Era Kratos
During the original God of War trilogy, as well as its prequels, Kratos was a formidable figure known for his rage and brutal combat. In this era, his in-game character model places him at approximately 7’6” (2.29 meters). This height contributed significantly to his imposing presence on screen and his status as the “God Slayer.” This measurement is supported by Santa Monica Studios after working with Gnomon School, who delved into the animation history. While early scripts suggested he was 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m) tall, his Greek form in-game was clearly closer to the 7’6” mark. Some sources also mention 7 feet exactly, this is largely disregarded in favor of the more precise 7’6″ figure.
Norse Era Kratos
With the soft reboot of the series in 2018’s God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, Kratos was redesigned to fit the more grounded and mature tone of the new setting. This change included a significant reduction in his height. In the Norse era, Kratos stands at roughly 6’4” (1.93 meters). This was a deliberate design choice by Santa Monica Studio to make him more relatable and to better match the height of his voice actor, Christopher Judge (who is about 6’3″). While this change was initially controversial among fans who were accustomed to his towering stature, it reflects the character’s evolving narrative and role as a father.
Lore-Based Height
Beyond in-game models, there’s also lore information to consider. Notably, a special feature in God of War III suggested that Kratos was 8’0” (2.44 meters) tall. This height is not reflected in the game models and is regarded by many as a lore-based description rather than a strict canon measurement for his in-game presence. It’s thought that this is Kratos’s height at his absolute prime, but does not show through in the game’s character models. While early script information states he was 6’6” tall prior to character model rigging, it was adjusted. Additionally, there is mention in the comics that he is 7’6” as well.
Height Discrepancies and the “Giant Kratos”
It’s important to understand that the 8’0” measurement is not used in-game. This has led to many fans believing Kratos to be much taller than he appears, particularly after the Norse-era height reduction. It is also worth mentioning the in-game ability for Kratos to grow to a massive size as a God, with the ability to make himself “a nearly 500-foot tall giant.” This ability was demonstrated in the original trilogy and does not seem to be applicable to his size in the newer titles.
The Purpose Behind the Height Changes
The decision to decrease Kratos’s height for the Norse era is often attributed to a desire for a more realistic representation and a change in characterization. By bringing his height down, he was portrayed as less of a towering, god-like figure, and more as a seasoned warrior dealing with the responsibilities of fatherhood. The development team focused on grounding him and making him a relatable, less intimidating figure while retaining his impressive physical presence. His height in God of War Ragnarök is the most up-to-date, developer-confirmed height, solidifying his canon height of 6’4”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Kratos 8 feet tall?
While some lore suggests Kratos is 8’0” tall at his prime (most specifically a God of War III special feature), in-game models disprove this. His in-game canon heights are 7’6” in the Greek era and 6’4” in the Norse era.
2. How tall is Kratos in God of War 3?
In God of War III, Kratos is designed to be approximately 7’6” (2.29 meters), aligning with his height in the Greek era. While it was stated in a special feature that he is roughly 8 feet tall in the lore, the character model itself is 7’6”.
3. Why did Kratos get shorter?
Kratos was made shorter to be more approachable and closer to actor Christopher Judge’s height (6’3″) in the Norse era, according to Santa Monica Studio lead character technical artist Axel Grossman. It also reflects the character’s new role as a father.
4. Is Kratos taller than Thor?
No, Thor is significantly taller than Kratos. Thor is approximately 7’4” (2.25 meters) tall in God of War Ragnarök, whereas Kratos is 6’4” (1.93 meters), meaning Thor towers above him.
5. How tall was Kratos in his prime?
Lore suggests that Kratos was 8’0” (2.44 meters) tall at his prime, this is largely based on a God of War III special feature. However, in the games he was never depicted as that tall.
6. How tall is Baldur in God of War?
Baldur is roughly 5’11/6 feet tall according to the Art Book for God of War. He is noticeably shorter than both Kratos and Freya.
7. Can Kratos change his height?
In the original trilogy, as a God, Kratos can change his size to become a giant, nearly 500 feet tall. This ability is not seen in the Norse era games.
8. How tall is Freya compared to Kratos?
Freya is notably shorter than Kratos. She stands up to his ear in height, even though she is taller than her son, Baldur.
9. How old is Kratos canonically?
In God of War Ragnarök, Kratos is likely around 1,055 years old. As a demigod, he ages slower than normal humans.
10. Is Kratos immortal?
Kratos is not immortal, but his demigod powers make him nearly impossible to kill and cause him to age very slowly.
11. Is Kratos taller in the comics?
Some sources state that Kratos is 7’6” tall in the comics, which would be the same height as his Greek era appearance in the games.
12. What is Kratos’s weight?
Kratos’s exact weight is never specified in the games or official sources. However, considering his muscular build and imposing height, he is assumed to be very heavy.
13. What are Kratos’s main weapons?
Kratos is known for using the Blades of Chaos (in Greek Era), the Leviathan Axe (in Norse Era) and the Guardian Shield (in Norse Era).
14. Why is Kratos so strong?
Kratos’s strength is due to his demigod heritage (son of Zeus), coupled with his years of training and combat experience, plus his immense rage.
15. How heavy is Kratos’s Leviathan Axe?
The Leviathan Axe is a formidable weapon and weighs around 9.25 lbs (4.2 kg), according to the developer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of Kratos’s height is more complex than it first appears. While he is depicted as 7’6” (2.29 meters) in the Greek era and 6’4” (1.93 meters) in the Norse era in the game models, lore suggests a peak height of 8’0” (2.44 meters). The height differences reflect his changing character and the tone of different eras in the God of War series. Understanding these variations provides deeper insight into the character and his evolution through the franchise. While the debate about his precise height may continue among fans, the in-game models and development decisions provide a clear, canon answer to the question.