Which Difficulty Should You Play God of War Ragnarok On? A Godly Guide

Choosing the right difficulty in God of War Ragnarok is paramount to your enjoyment of this epic Norse saga. The best difficulty for most players is “Balance”, officially known as “Balanced Experience.” This mode strikes a sweet spot, offering a moderate challenge that compels you to learn the combat mechanics, think strategically about your gear, and adapt your playstyle, all without frustratingly impeding your progress through the compelling story. However, “Balance” isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s delve into each difficulty option and help you find the perfect fit for your skills and preferences.

Understanding the Difficulty Options in God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok offers a diverse range of difficulty settings, designed to cater to players of all skill levels and gaming appetites. From those primarily interested in the narrative to hardened veterans seeking a true test of skill, there’s a mode perfectly suited for you. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

• Give Me Story: This mode is the equivalent of an “easy” setting. Combat is significantly toned down, allowing you to focus on the narrative, exploration, and puzzle-solving. Enemies pose minimal threat, and Kratos is noticeably more powerful. If you’re primarily here for the story or are new to action games, this is an excellent starting point.

• Give Me Grace: Slightly harder than “Give Me Story,” “Give Me Grace” still prioritizes the narrative but provides a more palpable sense of challenge. Enemies require a bit more effort to defeat, offering a small taste of the game’s satisfying combat system without becoming overwhelming. It’s a good choice if you want a balance between story and gameplay.

• Balanced Experience: As mentioned earlier, this is the recommended difficulty for most players. It provides a moderate challenge that encourages tactical combat, gear optimization, and skillful play. You’ll need to learn enemy attack patterns, master parrying and dodging, and utilize your full arsenal of weapons and abilities to succeed.

• Give Me a Challenge: This mode ramps up the difficulty significantly. Enemies are tougher, hit harder, and are more aggressive. You’ll need to be highly skilled at combat, resourceful with your gear, and strategic in your approach to each encounter. Expect to die frequently, particularly during boss fights. This is a great option for experienced action game players who enjoy a substantial challenge.

• Give Me God of War: This is the highest difficulty setting, designed for only the most skilled and dedicated players. Enemies are incredibly powerful, and even basic foes can pose a serious threat. Resource management is crucial, and you’ll need to master every aspect of the combat system to survive. This mode is not for the faint of heart and requires a deep understanding of the game’s mechanics.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Difficulty

Choosing the right difficulty depends on several factors, including your experience with action games, your preferred playstyle, and your tolerance for frustration. Here are some key considerations:

• Your Experience with Action Games: If you’re new to action games or haven’t played a God of War title before, starting on “Give Me Story” or “Give Me Grace” is a wise decision. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the combat system and explore the world without being overwhelmed. Experienced action game players may prefer “Balanced Experience” or “Give Me a Challenge.”

• Your Preferred Playstyle: Do you enjoy a challenging combat experience that requires strategic thinking and skillful execution? Or do you prefer a more relaxed approach that allows you to focus on the story and exploration? If you prioritize combat, “Balanced Experience” or “Give Me a Challenge” are good choices. If you prioritize story, “Give Me Story” or “Give Me Grace” are better options.

• Your Tolerance for Frustration: Some players thrive on overcoming difficult challenges, while others find them frustrating. If you have a low tolerance for frustration, starting on a lower difficulty is recommended. You can always increase the difficulty later if you find the game too easy.

• Your Goals for the Game: Are you aiming to complete every side quest, unlock every trophy, and master every aspect of the game? Or are you primarily interested in experiencing the main story? If you’re aiming for 100% completion, starting on a lower difficulty can make the process less arduous.

The Impact of Difficulty on Gameplay

The difficulty setting you choose significantly impacts various aspects of gameplay, including:

• Enemy Health and Damage: Higher difficulties increase enemy health and damage output, making them more challenging to defeat.

• Enemy Aggressiveness: Enemies are more aggressive on higher difficulties, attacking more frequently and relentlessly.

• Resource Availability: Resources, such as health stones and rage refills, are scarcer on higher difficulties, requiring more careful management.

• Parry Windows: The timing windows for parrying attacks are tighter on higher difficulties, requiring more precise timing and reflexes.

Can You Change the Difficulty Mid-Game?

Yes, God of War Ragnarok allows you to change the difficulty at any time, with one exception: you cannot switch to “Give Me God of War” mid-game. If you start on “Give Me Story,” “Give Me Grace,” “Balanced Experience,” or “Give Me a Challenge,” you can freely adjust the difficulty up or down as needed. This provides flexibility to adapt the game’s challenge to your evolving skills and preferences. If you begin on “Give Me God of War,” you are locked to that difficulty for the entire playthrough.

Final Recommendations

Ultimately, the best difficulty for you is the one that provides the most enjoyable experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find the perfect balance between challenge and fun. Start with “Balanced Experience” if you’re unsure, and adjust as needed. Remember, the goal is to immerse yourself in the captivating world of God of War Ragnarok and enjoy the epic journey of Kratos and Atreus. And while you’re at it, consider the educational aspects of gaming, as explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org.

God of War Ragnarok: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the difficulty in God of War Ragnarok:

1. Is God of War Ragnarok difficulty hard? It depends on the difficulty setting. “Give Me God of War” is notoriously difficult, while “Give Me Story” is quite easy. “Balanced Experience” offers a moderate challenge. Many players find “Give Me a Challenge” to be a substantial step up.

2. How hard is God of War Ragnarok on easy? On “Give Me Grace,” which is effectively the easy mode, enemies are noticeably easier to defeat than on the default difficulty. You can focus more on the story and exploration.

3. Do you get anything for beating God of War Ragnarok on the hardest difficulty? Unfortunately, beating God of War Ragnarok on “Give Me God of War” does not unlock any specific in-game rewards beyond the satisfaction of completing the game on its most challenging setting. There are no unique armor sets, weapons, or cosmetic items awarded for this achievement.

4. Is it worth it to 100% God of War Ragnarok? Yes, completing all realms and side quests in God of War Ragnarok provides access to powerful gear and resources that significantly enhance your character’s abilities. While there’s no bonus reward for 100% completion itself, the tangible benefits gained along the way make it worthwhile.

5. Can a beginner play God of War Ragnarok? Absolutely. Starting on “Give Me Story” or “Give Me Grace” allows beginners to learn the game’s mechanics and enjoy the story without being overwhelmed by difficult combat.

6. What level should I be in God of War Ragnarok? It depends on the area and the difficulty setting. Generally, being at least level 7 or 8 is recommended for tackling later challenges on “Balanced Experience” or higher.

7. Does level matter in God of War Ragnarok? Yes, the difference in level between you and your enemies significantly impacts your damage output, damage resistance, and ability to stagger enemies. Maintaining a similar or higher level than your opponents is crucial for success, especially on higher difficulties.

8. How to make God of War Ragnarok easier? Besides lowering the difficulty, you can enable “Puzzle Aim Assist” and “Puzzle Time Delay” in the settings to simplify puzzles.

9. Is combat better in God of War Ragnarok? Many players feel that the combat in God of War Ragnarok is improved over the 2018 game, with more options for traversal and elemental enhancements.

10. Who is the hardest boss in God of War Ragnarok? Gna, the Valkyrie Queen, is widely considered the hardest boss in the game.

11. What difficulty is best for God of War? “Balanced Experience” is generally considered the best starting point for most players, while “Give Me a Challenge” is a good option for experienced action game players.

12. Can I beat God of War Ragnarok without doing side quests? Yes, it’s possible to complete the main story without doing side quests, but you’ll miss out on valuable gear, resources, and story content that can significantly enhance your experience.

13. Who was Kratos’ hardest fight? While opinions vary, many consider Sigrun (from God of War 2018) and Zeus (from God of War III) among Kratos’ most challenging opponents.

14. What level should I be to fight Odin? It is recommended to have gear that is at least level 7 before attempting to fight Odin. Higher gear levels will make the fight much more manageable, especially on higher difficulties.

15. Is God of War Ragnarok worth playing twice? Yes, a second playthrough of God of War Ragnarok can be highly rewarding. You’ll pick up on nuances in the story that you may have missed the first time, and you can experiment with different builds and playstyles.