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Should I Keep Playing God of War After Beating the Game? Absolutely!

Unequivocally, yes! Continuing your journey in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok after the main story is highly recommended and significantly enriches the overall experience. The developers deliberately designed these games to offer substantial post-game content, ensuring that the adventure doesn’t end with the credits rolling. You’ll discover hidden quests, formidable challenges, deeper lore, and a sense of completion that the main storyline alone simply can’t provide. In short, the true “God of War” experience often extends far beyond the final boss.

Why Continue Your Adventure?

The beauty of the “God of War” series, particularly the Norse saga, lies not just in its compelling narrative but also in its richly detailed world. Completing the main story unlocks a wealth of new opportunities and challenges:

Unveiling Hidden Quests and Lore: Many side quests, or “Favors” as they are called in-game, become accessible only after finishing the main storyline. These quests often delve into the world’s lore, reveal character backstories, and offer valuable rewards. For example, in “God of War Ragnarok,” a hidden quest in Niflheim allows you to rescue the real Týr, a crucial figure in Norse mythology, adding depth to the game’s narrative.
Facing Ultimate Challenges: The post-game often features the most challenging encounters. One prime example is Gna, the Valkyrie Queen in “God of War Ragnarok.” These battles test your combat skills and require strategic thinking, making victory all the more rewarding.
Exploring New Areas: Finishing the story can unlock new areas within existing realms or even entirely new realms. “God of War Ragnarok” provides new realm seeds from Ratatoskr, opening access to previously unavailable locations, including a visit to Angrboda and Fenrir in Jotunheim.
Completing the Map: Often, sections of the map remain unexplored or inaccessible during the main story. The post-game allows you to fully explore every nook and cranny of the nine realms, uncovering secrets and collectibles that you might have missed.
New Game Plus: Both “God of War” (2018) and “God of War Ragnarok” offer New Game Plus (NG+). This mode allows you to replay the game with all your existing gear and abilities, offering a fresh challenge and the opportunity to further upgrade your character. NG+ often includes new gear and enchantments that are only available in this mode.

What Awaits You After the Credits Roll?

Specific activities to pursue post-game include:

Valkyries: Hunt down and defeat all the Valkyries. These optional bosses are formidable foes, each possessing unique attack patterns and requiring different strategies to overcome. Defeating all Valkyries in “God of War” (2018) unlocks a final, even more challenging Valkyrie encounter.
Muspelheim Trials: Complete the challenging trials in Muspelheim. These combat scenarios test your skills and offer significant rewards.
Niflheim Labyrinth: Journey through the poisonous realm of Niflheim and explore the labyrinth. This area presents unique challenges and offers valuable resources for upgrading your gear.
Berserkers: In “God of War Ragnarok,” face off against the Berserkers, powerful optional bosses that offer a tough fight and valuable rewards.
Draugr Holes: Close all the Draugr Holes spread throughout the realms, battling waves of enemies.
Collectible Hunting: Track down any missing collectibles, such as artifacts, ravens, or lore markers, to fully immerse yourself in the game’s world and story.

Don’t Miss the True Ending

It’s crucial to note that both “God of War” (2018) and “God of War Ragnarok” feature additional endings or epilogues that provide closure and context to the narrative. In “God of War Ragnarok”, completing the “A Viking Funeral” Favor acts as the true ending, providing a poignant conclusion to the story. Skipping this content means missing out on vital narrative moments.

By fully exploring the post-game content, you are not only extending the game’s lifespan but also enriching your understanding and appreciation of its world, characters, and lore. It’s an opportunity to truly master the combat system, acquire the best gear, and experience the complete “God of War” saga. The Games Learning Society encourages players to engage with games in a holistic way, exploring every aspect of the game’s design and narrative. To learn more about the educational and social aspects of gaming, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify what awaits you after beating “God of War” and “God of War Ragnarok”:

1. Can I go back to every location after beating the game?

Yes, you can go back to almost every location after beating the game. The game allows you to freely travel between the realms and explore them for side quests, collectibles, or purely for exploration. Asgard is the exception, it cannot be revisited after the main story.

2. Are there missable quests in God of War Ragnarok?

No, there are no missable quests in “God of War Ragnarok.” You can backtrack during the post-game to complete any Favors you may have missed.

3. How many endings does God of War Ragnarok have?

“God of War Ragnarok” technically has two endings. There’s the initial ending after defeating Odin, and then there’s an epilogue or additional ending that you unlock by completing certain post-game activities, most notably “A Viking Funeral” Favor.

4. Where is the real Tyr in God of War Ragnarok?

After completing the main story, you can find the real Tyr in the Aesir Prison Wreckage area of Niflheim. This becomes available as part of the “Broken Prison” Favor after visiting the Raven Tree.

5. Can you see Atreus again after Ragnarok?

Yes, after beating the game, Kratos can visit Atreus and Angrboda in Jotunheim. This provides a sense of closure to their relationship and offers additional narrative content.

6. What happens when you beat all the Valkyries?

Defeating all the Valkyries grants you valuable rewards, including pieces of the Valkyrie Armor. In “God of War” (2018), after defeating all eight Valkyries, a final, more challenging Valkyrie boss fight unlocks.

7. Can you still upgrade your gear after beating the game?

Yes, you can continue to upgrade your gear after beating the game. The post-game content often provides valuable resources and materials needed to fully upgrade your weapons, armor, and enchantments.

8. Is it worth playing New Game Plus?

Absolutely! New Game Plus (NG+) offers a fresh challenge by allowing you to replay the game with all your existing gear and abilities. It also often includes new gear, enchantments, and gameplay tweaks that enhance the experience.

9. What are some of the best things to do after beating God of War (2018)?

Some of the best things to do after beating “God of War” (2018) include:

Defeating all the Valkyries
Completing the Muspelheim Trials
Exploring the Niflheim Labyrinth
Finding all the collectibles

10. Will Sindri forgive Atreus?

Sindri distances himself from Atreus after the events surrounding Brok’s death and may not fully forgive him during the events of the game. The emotional fallout of these events is a significant part of the post-game narrative.

11. Can you go to Asgard after beating God of War Ragnarok?

No, unlike the other realms, you cannot freely explore Asgard after completing the main story of “God of War Ragnarok.”

12. What is the secret cutscene in God of War Ragnarok?

The secret cutscene in “God of War Ragnarok” is found by returning to Sindri’s House after the final battle. This cutscene provides additional closure and insight into the characters’ emotional states.

13. How many hours does it take to 100% God of War Ragnarok?

While the main story can be completed in around 25 hours, 100% completion, including all side quests, collectibles, and challenges, can take upwards of 40-50 hours or more.

14. What are Draugr Holes?

Draugr Holes are locations in “God of War Ragnarok” where you can find and battle waves of Draugrs, which act as additional challenging encounters and provide valuable rewards.

15. Where is Atreus after Ragnarok?

After the cataclysm ends in “God of War Ragnarok,” Atreus is in Midgard, and then travels to Jotunheim to be with Angrboda and further explore his own path.

Should I keep playing God of War after beating the game?