Should I Finish God of War Before Playing Ragnarok?

To directly answer the question, it’s not strictly necessary to finish God of War before playing God of War Ragnarok, but playing the previous game, especially God of War 2018, is highly recommended to get the most out of the experience. Completing or at least playing through God of War 2018 will provide a deeper understanding of the characters, storyline, and emotional depth that God of War Ragnarok builds upon.

Understanding the God of War Series

The God of War series is known for its epic storytelling, deep characters, and intense action sequences. God of War Ragnarok continues this tradition, offering a grander tale with better graphics and more varied combat compared to its predecessor. However, the game’s full impact and emotional resonance are best appreciated with the context provided by the earlier games, particularly God of War 2018.

Navigating the God of War Universe

For newcomers, God of War 2018 serves as a perfect starting point, introducing a new chapter in Kratos‘s life. However, for those interested in the full saga, the series in chronological order by release date includes God of War (2005), God of War II (2007), God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008), God of War III (2010), God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010), God of War: Ascension (2013), and then God of War (2018).

Assessing the Importance of Playing Previous Games

While it’s possible to jump into God of War Ragnarok without prior knowledge, understanding the character development and story arcs, especially of Kratos and Atreus, enhances the experience. God of War Ragnarok is designed to be accessible to new players, but the depth of the narrative and the emotional investment in the characters are significantly enriched by knowledge of the preceding game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I 100% God of War before playing Ragnarok? If you have the time, it’s highly encouraged to play God of War 2018 before Ragnarok to prevent feeling lost and to maximize your enjoyment.

2. Is God of War Ragnarok playable after beating the game? Yes, after completing the main story, you can enter a post-game chapter called Beyond Ragnarok, where you can travel between realms and explore them freely.

3. Is it OK to play God of War not in order? While it’s fine to start with God of War 2018 as it’s a new chapter in Kratos‘s life, the first four games are fantastic and shouldn’t be missed, including God of War Ascension, which serves as a prequel.

4. In what order should I play God of War? The chronological order by release date starts with God of War (2005) and ends with God of War (2018) before moving on to Ragnarok.

5. What to know before playing God of War Ragnarok? Before diving in, knowing the story of God of War 2018 and being aware of tips such as pausing cutscenes, using Atreus to locate enemies, and trying out different armor sets can enhance your experience.

6. Where is the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarok? The real Tyr can be found in the Aesir Prison Wreckage area of Niflheim as part of the Broken Prison favor after completing the main story.

7. What to do after 100% God of War Ragnarok? After finishing the game, you can explore Muspelheim Crucible, free the real Týr, tackle Berserkers, explore Draugr Holes, fight secret bosses, and more.

8. Can you switch between Atreus and Freya in Ragnarok? Yes, you can choose to fight as either Kratos or Atreus and select your companion, including Freya, using the game’s combat mechanics.

9. Is Ragnarok harder than God of War? God of War Ragnarok is slightly harder than its predecessor, so some battles may require retries.

10. Is Ragnarok bigger than God of War? Yes, God of War: Ragnarok is bigger, with a narrative shared more equally between Kratos and Atreus.

11. Does Kratos get Mjolnir? No, Kratos cannot wield or pick up Mjölnir due to several reasons tied to the game’s storyline and Kratos‘s character development.

12. Why is Kratos so weak now? Kratos lacks his magic from his homeland and is holding back, which, along with the loss of tools from other gods, contributes to his perceived weakness.

13. Is Kratos weaker in Ragnarok? Compared to his battles against the Greek pantheon, Kratos in Ragnarok seems weaker, which is a deliberate narrative choice reflecting his character growth and circumstances.

14. Why did Kratos say no to Odin? Kratos trusts Mimir‘s judgment of Odin‘s untrustworthiness and cares for Freya, whom Odin threatened, leading him to decline Odin‘s offer for peace.

15. Are there multiple endings to God of War Ragnarok? Yes, after the credits, there are additional scenes that provide closure and can be considered as multiple endings to the game, wrapping up storylines neatly for players.

By understanding these aspects and considering the depth that previous games add to the God of War series, players can decide how they want to approach God of War Ragnarok, whether by diving in directly or by exploring the rich history of the characters and world that God of War 2018 and other predecessors offer.