So, You’ve Conquered Ragnarok: What’s Next, God of War?

Alright, champion. You’ve done it. You’ve seen the credits roll on God of War Ragnarok, not just seen them, but earned them. You’ve climbed every cliff, solved every puzzle, and vanquished every foe until you hit that glorious 100% completion mark. Kratos would be proud. But the question remains: what do you do now? Do you shelf the axe and mourn the end of the journey? Absolutely not! Midgard, and all the other realms, still hold secrets, challenges, and the potential for even more epic battles.

The immediate answer is: delve deeper. 100% doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve experienced everything. It means you’ve ticked off the completion list. Now it’s time to truly explore what remains, refine your combat skills, experiment with builds, and maybe even subject yourself to some self-imposed challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to do after achieving that coveted 100% completion in God of War Ragnarok:

• Perfect Your Combat: You might have beaten the game, but can you do it flawlessly? Now is the time to master Kratos’ moveset, learn enemy attack patterns intimately, and experiment with different weapon combinations and runic attacks. Try taking on Berserker Souls or Gná, the Valkyrie Queen (if you haven’t already) with self-imposed restrictions, like only using the Leviathan Axe or Spartan Rage.
• Experiment with Builds: The game offers incredible flexibility in how you build Kratos. Try different armor sets, enchantments, and pommels to create specialized builds tailored to specific playstyles. Want a high-luck build focused on procs? Or perhaps a strength build that turns Kratos into an unstoppable juggernaut? Now’s your chance!
• Explore Every Nook and Cranny (Again): Even with 100%, you might have missed a hidden chest or a piece of lore. Take another trip through the realms and explore every location thoroughly. You might be surprised what you find.
• New Game Plus (NG+): The ultimate challenge awaits in New Game Plus! This mode allows you to replay the entire game with all your gear and abilities intact, but the enemies are significantly tougher and have new attack patterns. It’s a fantastic way to test your skills and see how powerful you can truly become.
• Challenge Runs: These are self-imposed limitations that make the game even more difficult. Examples include a “no healing” run, a “no armor upgrades” run, or even a “Spartan Rage only” run. These challenges will force you to think creatively and master the game’s mechanics.
• Dive into the Lore: God of War Ragnarok is rich in Norse mythology. Take the time to delve deeper into the stories of the gods, giants, and other creatures that inhabit the realms. You can find countless resources online, in books, and even in the game itself through Mimir’s stories and collectible lore scrolls.
• Share Your Experiences: Join online communities, forums, and social media groups dedicated to God of War. Share your experiences, discuss strategies, and connect with other fans. You can even create your own videos or guides to help other players.

Ultimately, what you do after 100% completion is up to you. The important thing is to continue enjoying the game and exploring its many facets. Don’t let the end of the story be the end of your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Post-100% God of War Ragnarok

Here are some of the most common questions players have after achieving 100% completion in God of War Ragnarok, along with detailed answers:

Combat & Challenges

1. How do I beat Gná, the Valkyrie Queen? Gná is arguably the toughest fight in the game. The key is to learn her attack patterns and dodge perfectly. Use realm shifts strategically and equip armor and enchantments that boost your resistance to her elemental attacks. Consider a build focused on cooldown to maximize runic attack usage. Practice makes perfect!
2. What’s the best way to prepare for New Game Plus? Max out your equipment! Upgrade your weapons, armor, and enchantments to their highest possible levels before starting NG+. This will give you a significant advantage in the early game. Also, experiment with different builds to find one that suits your playstyle.
3. Are there any new items or equipment in New Game Plus? Yes! NG+ introduces new armor sets, enchantments, and weapon upgrades that are not available in the standard game. These new items often have unique properties and can significantly enhance your builds.
4. How can I improve my parrying skills? Parrying is crucial for mastering the game’s combat. Practice parrying against different enemy types to learn their attack timings. Use the “Dauntless Shield” to make parrying easier, or the “Stonewall Shield” for a more aggressive playstyle. Remember to focus on the enemy’s weapon, not their overall animation.

Exploration & Lore

5. Is there anything I might have missed even after 100% completion? Possibly! Some hidden areas and interactions are extremely well-hidden. Try revisiting locations with different equipment or abilities to see if you can uncover anything new. Check behind waterfalls, explore caves thoroughly, and talk to all the NPCs.
6. Where can I find more information about Norse mythology related to the game? There are numerous resources available online and in libraries. Books on Norse mythology, such as Neil Gaiman’s “Norse Mythology,” can provide valuable context. The game itself also contains a wealth of lore, including Mimir’s stories and collectible artifacts. You can always check educational sites like Games Learning Society, at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, too.
7. Are there any secrets hidden in the post-game world that aren’t required for 100%? Absolutely! While achieving 100% means completing all the listed objectives, there are still subtle details and Easter eggs scattered throughout the realms. These might include references to other games, hidden dialogue, or environmental storytelling elements.

Builds & Strategies

8. What are some effective early-game builds for New Game Plus? Focus on builds that maximize damage output and survivability. The “Steinbjorn Armor” is a good option for its high defense, while the “Lunda Armor” can inflict poison damage. Experiment with different runic attacks and weapon combinations to find what works best for you.
9. How do I create a build focused on Luck? Luck affects the probability of status effects and other beneficial procs. To create a luck-focused build, equip armor, enchantments, and pommels that boost your luck stat. The “Guiding Light” armor set and the “Amulet of Kvasir” are good options.
10. What’s the best way to deal with enemies that are resistant to my attacks? Use elemental attacks to exploit enemy weaknesses. The Leviathan Axe excels against fire enemies, while the Blades of Chaos are effective against frost enemies. Also, remember to use your shield and Spartan Rage strategically to disrupt enemy attacks.
11. How do I effectively use Spartan Rage? Spartan Rage can be a powerful tool in combat, but it’s important to use it strategically. Save it for tough encounters or when you’re surrounded by enemies. Use the different Spartan Rage abilities to unleash powerful attacks and heal yourself.

Miscellaneous

12. Will there be any DLC or expansions for God of War Ragnarok? While there’s no official confirmation, the game’s ending suggests the possibility of future expansions. Keep an eye on official announcements from Sony and Santa Monica Studio. As of the latest information, God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC has been released.
13. Is it worth replaying the game on a lower difficulty setting? Absolutely! Playing on a lower difficulty setting allows you to focus on the story and explore the world without the added pressure of challenging combat. It can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to experience the game from a different perspective.
14. How do I access the Muspelheim Trials after completing the game? The Muspelheim Trials are accessible from the beginning of the game, but you’ll need to find the Muspelheim seed pieces to unlock them. These seed pieces are hidden in chests scattered throughout the realms. Once you’ve found all the seed pieces, you can travel to Muspelheim and begin the trials.
15. What other games are similar to God of War Ragnarok that I might enjoy? If you enjoyed God of War Ragnarok, you might also enjoy other action-adventure games with similar combat systems and storytelling, such as the Dark Souls series, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Horizon Forbidden West. You should also check out the previous God of War (2018) to see how Kratos’s journey began in Norse Mythology.

Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and keep fighting! The realms await your return.