What Happens After You Beat Odin in God of War Ragnarok?
The defeat of Odin at the climax of God of War Ragnarok is a pivotal moment, but it’s far from the end of the game’s rich and expansive world. After overcoming the Allfather in a grueling final battle, the story branches into a significant post-game phase, rich with content and exploration opportunities. The immediate aftermath sees Odin’s soul trapped within a marble by Atreus’s Giant magic, and after a conflicted debate about his fate, Sindri destroys it, leaving the realms without the direct influence of the Aesir leader.
However, the realms aren’t static. The player is granted the ability to further explore the nine realms, embark on numerous side quests, tackle challenging boss fights, and witness significant character developments. This period post-Odin is vital for understanding the broader narrative of God of War Ragnarok and setting the stage for what could potentially come next for Kratos and Atreus. It’s a time of closure, new beginnings, and reflection, offering far more than just mopping up stray encounters. Let’s delve into the specifics of what awaits you in the world after the fall of Odin.
The Post-Ragnarok World: A Realm of Opportunity
After the climactic fight with Odin, the realms are irrevocably changed. The war has taken its toll, and the power dynamics have shifted dramatically. Kratos, now a figure of wisdom and reluctant leadership, finds himself with new responsibilities and paths to explore.
Exploring the Nine Realms
The most immediate and appealing aspect of the post-Odin game is the freedom to revisit and further explore the nine realms. These realms are no longer under the direct threat of Odin’s tyranny, and previously inaccessible areas open up. Players can find:
- Lore and artifact collectibles: The world is still brimming with secrets to uncover, historical artifacts to find, and lore snippets that expand the game’s story and the world’s rich mythology.
- Leftover Favor side quests: Many side quests, called Favors, remain, often providing engaging stories and valuable rewards. These often flesh out secondary characters and their experiences in the aftermath of Ragnarok.
- New Realm Seeds: Ratatoskr provides new realm seeds after the main quest, unlocking previously inaccessible areas, such as visiting Angrboda and Fenrir in Jotunheim.
Challenging Post-Game Content
Beyond exploration and Favors, God of War Ragnarok offers some of its most difficult challenges after Odin’s defeat.
- The Hidden Quest of Niflheim: A crucial side quest involves rescuing the real Tyr, who was imprisoned by Odin. This quest is both exciting and emotionally resonant.
- Gna, the Valkyrie Queen: Players can battle Gna, the formidable new Valkyrie Queen in Muspelheim. Considered by many to be the hardest boss in the game, she provides a brutal, skill-based combat challenge.
- New Gear and Upgrades: Exploring all of this post-game content offers new armor, weapons, and upgrades, enhancing Kratos’s power and style.
Character Arcs and Closure
The defeat of Odin is also a pivotal moment in the character arcs of those who survived the final battle.
- Atreus’s Departure: Atreus leaves Kratos for his own journey, seeking out other giants across the realms. This departure is crucial, signifying the evolution of his character and the beginning of his own story.
- Sindri’s Anguish: Sindri is left grieving and deeply resentful of Kratos and Atreus after Brok’s tragic death. His anger and potential for future antagonism add a complex layer to the post-game world.
- Kratos and Freya: Kratos and Freya embark on a journey of cleanup, dealing with the lingering threats and the aftermath of the war, solidifying their bond and offering closure on Freya’s journey.
- Mimir’s Reflection: In the post-game, Kratos can also visit Atreus’ old room, where he talks with Mimir about his parenting with his son, adding another layer of closure to his paternal arc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Odin the last fight in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes, Odin is the final boss of the main story in God of War Ragnarok. The fight is challenging and serves as the culmination of the game’s central conflict.
2. Is Odin dead at the end of Ragnarok?
While Odin’s physical body is destroyed, his spirit is initially captured by Atreus in a marble. However, Sindri ultimately destroys the marble, ensuring Odin’s complete demise.
3. Can you still explore after beating the game?
Absolutely. God of War Ragnarok encourages exploration of the nine realms after completing the main story. Numerous side quests, hidden areas, and challenging boss encounters await.
4. Does Atreus leave Kratos after Ragnarok?
Yes, Atreus leaves Kratos to embark on his own journey to find and help the remaining Giants. He departs with Kratos’ blessing, signifying a major transition in his character arc.
5. Can you get Atreus back after Ragnarok?
While Atreus does not permanently rejoin the player as a companion after the main story, there is content within the post-game where Atreus can be seen during his own journey. You can also interact with Mimir and reflect on Atreus’s departure at Sindri’s house.
6. What is the hidden quest in Niflheim?
The hidden quest in Niflheim involves rescuing the real Tyr. This quest is an important part of the post-game narrative and adds significant lore to the game.
7. Who is Gna and why is she so difficult?
Gna is the new Valkyrie Queen, and she is considered by many to be the most difficult boss in God of War Ragnarok. She is unlocked in Muspelheim after the main game’s story and requires exceptional skills to defeat.
8. What happens with Sindri after Ragnarok?
Sindri is deeply resentful of Kratos and Atreus after the death of Brok. His anger and grief position him as a possible antagonist in future games.
9. Was Tyr actually Odin in disguise?
Yes, a significant plot twist reveals that Tyr, who you rescued early in the game, is actually Odin in disguise. This deception plays a central role in the narrative of God of War Ragnarok.
10. What are realm seeds, and how do you get them?
Realm Seeds allow access to new areas and are primarily provided by Ratatoskr after completing the main story. These seeds open up previously blocked realms and exploration options.
11. Is God of War Ragnarok the last game?
Santa Monica Studio has stated that God of War Ragnarok is the end of the Norse saga and that there won’t be another trilogy. However, the ending leaves the door open for future titles focusing on Atreus or other characters in the universe.
12. What could Kratos do next?
The ending opens up the possibility for Kratos to explore other mythologies, like ancient Egypt, or even return to Greek mythology to confront the impact of releasing the power of hope.
13. Is Prime Kratos stronger than Odin?
While Odin is a powerful god, Kratos’ unique abilities and weapons, especially his Blades of Chaos, allow him to fight toe-to-toe with powerful foes. Many believe his blades possess raw power that even Odin’s magic cannot replicate.
14. What happens with Odin’s Ravens after Ragnarok?
Even after Odin’s death, his ravens continue to spy on Kratos and Atreus throughout the nine realms, highlighting his lingering influence on the world even after death.
15. Can you go back and finish side quests after the story?
Yes, the post-game content allows players to go back and finish any missed side quests (Favors), explore previously inaccessible areas, and continue leveling up. This content offers the chance to fully complete the game and experience all it has to offer.
In conclusion, while the defeat of Odin concludes the central narrative of God of War Ragnarok, the game opens up into a vast, engaging post-game experience. Filled with exploration, challenges, and character development, the post-Odin content is crucial for fully understanding the scope of God of War Ragnarok and what could lie ahead for Kratos and his world.