Is Kratos Weaker in God of War (2018)? Unpacking the Myth

The question of whether Kratos is weaker in God of War (2018), often referred to as GoW 4, is a hotly debated topic among fans of the franchise. The simple answer is: no, Kratos is not inherently weaker. While he may appear to be less powerful at first glance, this perception stems from a combination of factors, including changes in game mechanics, graphics, and narrative choices, rather than a decline in his actual strength. Let’s delve into the nuances of this misconception and explore why the Norse Kratos is arguably even more formidable than his Greek counterpart.

The Illusion of Weakness: Why Kratos Seems Less Powerful

Many players initially feel that Kratos has been nerfed in GoW 4. This feeling is primarily fueled by the following:

• Gameplay Overhaul: The combat system underwent a radical transformation. The fast-paced, hack-and-slash style of the Greek era was replaced with a more deliberate, tactical, and over-the-shoulder perspective. This change in pace and combat style can make Kratos feel less agile and powerful compared to his previous iterations, where players could effortlessly chain together devastating combos.
• Visual Presentation: The realistic graphics of the 2018 game, coupled with the more grounded and human portrayal of Kratos, create a visual impression that he’s not as towering or invincible. His less muscular physique compared to the cartoonish proportions of the Greek era might mislead some into believing he’s physically diminished.
• Lost Arsenal: Kratos begins the Norse saga with a limited arsenal. He has lost all his iconic Greek weapons, like the Blades of Chaos, the Golden Fleece, and other god-given tools. This initial lack of powerful equipment contributes to the feeling of a weakened Kratos.
• Narrative and Story: The narrative of GoW 4 focuses on Kratos’ journey of self-discovery, fatherhood, and overcoming his past. This more emotionally nuanced portrayal can lead players to believe he has become weaker, when in reality, he is simply more reserved and controlled.

The Truth: Kratos is Stronger in the Norse Era

Despite the initial appearance of weakness, Kratos is, in fact, portrayed as more powerful than he ever was in the Greek games. Here’s why:

• Confirmed by the Game Director: Cory Barlog, the game director of God of War (2018), has stated explicitly that in a fight between the old Norse Kratos and the younger Greek Kratos, the older version would emerge victorious without question. This confirms that Kratos has become more powerful, not weaker.
• Age and Experience: The Norse Kratos is significantly older, with over a thousand years of experience in battle. He carries the memories, guilt, and wisdom of his past, which makes him a more seasoned and formidable fighter.
• More Mature Character: The emotional intelligence Kratos develops in the Norse era enhances his strategic thinking and self-control in combat. This maturity, coupled with his raw power, makes him a more dangerous opponent.
• The Loss of Greek Magic: Kratos’s power has dwindled but it’s also been stated that he lost all of his Greek magic when he destroyed his homeland, meaning his powers were lost when his world was destroyed, rather than his powers diminishing due to old age.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further solidify our understanding of Kratos’s power in the Norse games, let’s address some commonly asked questions:

Is Kratos a full God in GoW 4?

No, Kratos is not a full god. He is a demigod, the son of Zeus. He becomes the “God of War” by defeating Ares, but this is a title, not necessarily a full-fledged godhood status. In the Norse setting, his demigod status remains unchanged.

Which version of Kratos is the strongest?

The consensus among developers and fans is that old Kratos from the Norse God of War games is the strongest. This is due to his enhanced experience, control over his emotions, and continued growth in power.

Is God of War 4 Kratos the same Kratos as in previous games?

Yes, it is the same character. The events of the Greek games are his past. The Norse games represent the next chapter of Kratos’s life, following the events at the end of God of War III.

Why is Kratos Getting Weaker?

The perception of weakness comes from the loss of his Greek magic, the deliberate combat style, and a more grounded portrayal in the Norse games. He does not get weaker, though his powers have changed due to his world being destroyed.

How old is Kratos in God of War 4 and Ragnarök?

In God of War Ragnarök, Kratos is estimated to be around 1,055 years old. As a demigod, his longevity allows him to remain in peak physical condition even at this advanced age.

Why is Kratos 6’4″?

Kratos’s height changed in 2018’s God of War to give him more realistic proportions. He went from 7’6″ to around 6’4″. This was done to make him more relatable to human audiences and to match the height of Christopher Judge, his voice actor.

Who is Kratos’s hardest fight?

While there are many contenders, Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen, from God of War (2018), is often cited as Kratos’s hardest fight. Her combination of speed, power, and diverse attack patterns makes her an extremely challenging opponent.

Which god can defeat Kratos?

Many fictional characters are claimed to be able to defeat Kratos. One often cited is Beerus from Dragon Ball. Beerus’s planet-destroying power and ability to use Ki blasts to nullify godly weapons give him a strong theoretical edge over Kratos.

Was Kratos weaker in Ragnarok?

No, Kratos was not weaker in Ragnarok. The narrative and game mechanics continue to give the illusion of him being less powerful at first glance, but his true power remains immense.

Who can beat Kratos in God of War 4?

There are many fictional characters theorized to defeat Kratos, including those with powers that can disintegrate or immobilize him, such as Alucard, Ōnoki, Anos Voldigoad, Lelouch, and Kaguya Otsutsuki.

Why is Kratos shorter in GoW 4?

Kratos was shortened from 7’6″ to 6’4″ in GoW 4 to make him a more relatable character. This change in height also brought him closer to the height of his voice actor, Christopher Judge.

Why does Kratos seem so weak?

Kratos appears weaker due to the loss of his Greek magic, the new combat system, and the fact that he is actively holding back to be a more responsible parent. He is also lacking his gear from the gods.

How much weight can Kratos lift?

While his exact lifting capacity is debatable, the game states that he has a controlled descent speed of 0.8 m/sec regardless of weight (with a limit of 225 kg). However, this number does not reflect his full, raw strength.

Who can overpower Kratos?

Fictional characters like Zeno, Yhwach, Itachi, Father, Saitama, and Trafalgar D. Water Law are often suggested as potentially overpowering Kratos due to their specific, unique abilities.

Can Goku defeat Kratos?

This is a constant debate amongst fans, but many theorists argue that Goku would eventually win due to his overwhelming speed, power, and Ki-based attacks, despite Kratos’s superior arsenal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Kratos may appear weaker in God of War (2018) due to changes in gameplay and visual presentation, he is, in reality, more powerful than his previous iterations. The Norse saga is not a tale of a declining god, but rather the evolution of a demigod who is older, wiser, and more formidable than ever before. His power may be expressed in a new way, but the core of his strength – both physical and emotional – remains unparalleled. The next time you wield the Leviathan Axe, remember that you’re not controlling a weaker version of Kratos, but a battle-hardened warrior at the height of his power.