Delving into the Depths: Unraveling the “Return to the Summit” Chapter in God of War (2018)
The “Return to the Summit” chapter occurs as Chapter 11 in God of War (2018). It takes place towards the latter half of the game’s main story, marking a critical juncture in Kratos and Atreus’ journey. This chapter sees the pair revisiting the mountain they initially ascended, but under vastly different circumstances.
Why “Return to the Summit” is a Key Chapter
“Return to the Summit” is more than just a trip back to a familiar location. It’s a pivotal moment in the narrative, filled with environmental puzzles, combat encounters, and further development of the relationship between Kratos and Atreus. The summit, once a symbol of their initial quest, now represents a new set of challenges and revelations. Successfully navigating this chapter is essential for progressing towards the game’s conclusion. This journey showcases a significant shift in the story and gameplay, offering both familiar landscapes and fresh obstacles for players to overcome.
Navigating the Mountain Again
The journey back up the mountain isn’t a simple retracing of steps. Certain pathways have changed, new enemies have appeared, and previously inaccessible areas are now open for exploration. Expect to encounter familiar foes, alongside new challenges that necessitate mastering combat and puzzle-solving skills.
Traversing the Environment
Players will need to utilize a combination of climbing, traversal, and puzzle-solving to reach the summit once again. This includes:
- Burning away Hel Bramble: A recurring obstacle, requires the Blades of Chaos.
- Climbing Cliffs: Utilizing Kratos’ strength and agility to scale vertical surfaces.
- Solving Environmental Puzzles: Manipulating objects and interacting with the environment to create pathways.
- Using Color-Changing Stones: These stones often play a role in solving puzzles or revealing hidden paths.
Combat Encounters
Be prepared for intense combat encounters with various enemies, including:
- Draugr: The most common enemy type, appearing in various forms.
- Hel-Walkers: Undead warriors, often encountered near Hel Bramble.
- Trolls: Powerful and resilient enemies, requiring tactical combat strategies.
Loot and Rewards
Throughout “Return to the Summit”, players can discover valuable loot and upgrades, including:
- Hacksilver: The game’s primary currency, used for purchasing and upgrading equipment.
- Armor: Various pieces of armor, offering stat boosts and unique abilities.
- Enchantments: Items that can be slotted into armor, further enhancing Kratos’ abilities.
- Coffins: Containing valuable resources and sometimes even unique items.
One notable example from the linked article is the Sigil of the Weapon, a Legendary Enchantment found by disabling a Scorn Pole after clearing Hel Bramble. These rewards contribute significantly to Kratos’ overall power, making exploration a worthwhile endeavor.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About “Return to the Summit”
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the “Return to the Summit” chapter and its significance:
1. Is “Return to the Summit” the last mission in God of War (2018)?
No, “Return to the Summit” is not the last mission. It comes towards the end of the game’s main story but is followed by further chapters and the game’s conclusion.
2. Can I go back to the mountain after completing the main story?
Yes, you can return to the mountain and other locations after completing the main story to complete side quests, explore, and collect any remaining items.
3. What should I do if I get stuck on a puzzle in “Return to the Summit”?
Take your time to carefully observe the environment, look for clues, and experiment with different solutions. Pay attention to any instructions or hints provided by Atreus or Mimir. If needed, consult a walkthrough for specific guidance.
4. What level should I be before attempting “Return to the Summit”?
Ideally, Kratos should be at least level 5 or 6 before attempting “Return to the Summit” to effectively handle the combat encounters. Upgrading your gear and skills is also recommended.
5. What is the significance of the color-changing stone mentioned in the walkthrough?
The color-changing stone is likely a key element in a specific puzzle within the “Return to the Summit” chapter. Interacting with it might reveal hidden pathways or trigger mechanisms necessary for progression.
6. What are Scorn Poles and how do I deal with them?
Scorn Poles are environmental hazards that inflict the Weakness status effect, reducing Kratos’ damage output. You can disable them by destroying the Hel Bramble surrounding them.
7. Are there any missable items in “Return to the Summit”?
No items are truly missable. You can always return to previous locations after completing the main story to collect anything you might have missed. This approach is consistent with modern game design principles, allowing players to explore and complete the game at their own pace, a concept that is also researched by the Games Learning Society.
8. How long does it take to complete the “Return to the Summit” chapter?
The time it takes to complete “Return to the Summit” varies depending on your playstyle and difficulty level. However, it generally takes between 1 and 2 hours.
9. What are the best strategies for defeating the enemies in this chapter?
Utilize a combination of light and heavy attacks, parrying, dodging, and runic abilities to effectively combat the enemies. Exploit their weaknesses and take advantage of environmental hazards.
10. Is it necessary to complete all side quests before “Return to the Summit”?
No, it is not necessary. You can complete side quests at any point in the game, including after finishing the main story. However, completing side quests can provide valuable rewards and upgrades that make the main story easier.
11. How does “Return to the Summit” contribute to the overall story?
“Return to the Summit” advances the main story by revealing new information about the world, the characters, and the challenges they face. It also serves as a turning point, leading to the game’s climax.
12. Can Atreus die in “Return to the Summit”?
Atreus cannot permanently die. If his health is depleted, he will be incapacitated but will eventually recover. However, protecting Atreus is still important, as his assistance is crucial in combat and puzzle-solving.
13. What is the best way to upgrade Kratos’ abilities for this chapter?
Focus on upgrading Kratos’ strength, defense, and runic abilities. Equip armor and enchantments that enhance these stats. Also, upgrade the Blades of Chaos, as they are essential for dealing with Hel Bramble.
14. Does difficulty affect the experience of “Return to the Summit”?
Yes, the difficulty level affects the combat encounters, enemy health, and damage output. Playing on a higher difficulty level will make the chapter more challenging, requiring greater skill and strategy.
15. What makes God of War so special?
God of War is exceptional due to its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, visceral combat, and well-developed characters. The relationship between Kratos and Atreus is a central theme, adding emotional depth to the game. The blend of mythology, action, and puzzle-solving creates a truly unforgettable gaming experience. Understanding the complex dynamics of gaming and how they relate to education is a topic often explored by GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding the nuances of the “Return to the Summit” chapter and the broader context of God of War (2018), players can fully appreciate the game’s storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and overall impact.