Why Does Kratos Look Weak? Unpacking the Ghost of Sparta’s Perceived Decline
The seemingly diminished power of Kratos, the iconic protagonist of the God of War franchise, in the Norse saga has been a point of discussion and speculation among fans. The truth is, Kratos isn’t inherently weaker, but several interconnected factors contribute to this perception. He’s deliberately holding back, has lost access to key abilities, and has shifted his focus, leading to a different presentation of his strength. The perception of weakness is further influenced by his physical appearance and gameplay changes, which may give the impression of a less powerful character, but is often not reflective of a genuine decline in his inherent strength. This article will delve deep into the reasons behind this perceived weakness, unpacking the nuances of his Norse journey.
The Loss of Greek Magic and Olympian Abilities
A Clean Slate, a Different Kind of Power
Perhaps the most significant contributor to the idea that Kratos is weaker lies in the dramatic shift between the Greek and Norse settings. Kratos lost all of his Greek magic when he destroyed Olympus and sailed away. This wasn’t a gradual fading; it was a complete severance. Think of it as a clean slate. The magical energies he had previously wielded, borrowed from the gods and imbued in his weaponry, were tied to that realm and that pantheon. Leaving Olympus meant leaving that power behind.
The Limitations of Norse Influence
This loss is not just about a weaker spell book. It fundamentally alters Kratos’ fighting style. In the Greek games, he was a whirlwind of Olympian rage and divine power. In the Norse saga, he’s more grounded, relying on his raw strength, experience, and new tools like the Leviathan Axe. This isn’t weakness; it’s a recalibration. He is adapting to a new world, with new rules. His use of Olympian abilities is now limited, as confirmed in the latest game where he is unable to access his former powers. This significant change in his magical capabilities is a primary reason why he seems less formidable to many players.
Deliberately Suppressing His Strength
The Weight of Fatherhood
Kratos’ shift in the Norse era is not just a change of power source; it’s a shift in character. He is now a father, fiercely protective of his son, Atreus. One of the major reasons why Kratos may seem weaker is because he is actively hiding his true strength. Kratos is afraid that his son would become a homicidal maniac like him. He deliberately holds back and hides his strength to set a good example. He is trying to instill a sense of caution and control in Atreus, a marked contrast to the rage that defined his past.
Teaching Through Restraint
This restraint manifests in combat, with Kratos often choosing tactical approaches over brute force. He’s teaching Atreus the value of strategy and the cost of unchecked aggression. He’s still incredibly powerful, but he’s no longer the same force of nature he once was due to the weight of fatherhood. He prioritizes teaching over dominating, which contributes to the sense that he is holding back. This deliberate restraint is crucial to his character development in the Norse saga.
Physical Appearance and Game Mechanics
Changes in Body Composition
The articles states it’s likely that Kratos gained weight in his life in Midgard due to the more mundane nature of his lifestyle with his new family. The lifestyle shift, from a warrior constantly engaged in epic battles, to a more normal one within the realms of Midgard, will naturally affect his body composition.
Height Differences and Design Choices
Kratos’ height has also been adjusted. In the pre-2018 God of War games, he was depicted as seven foot and six inches tall. In the later games, he was made shorter to be more approachable and closer to actor Christopher Judge’s height of 6’3″. This change in character design, made to make Kratos more approachable, also contributes to the perception that he is smaller and therefore weaker.
Gameplay and Presentation
The shift in camera perspective, the more deliberate combat system, and the increased focus on RPG elements all contribute to this change. While some perceive these shifts as a weakening of Kratos, they are ultimately gameplay and design choices that enhance the player experience and make his journey in the Norse world even more impactful. He is still a formidable opponent, but the game showcases this strength in a new light.
The Truth: Kratos Is Still Incredibly Powerful
Despite these changes, it’s crucial to remember that Kratos is still one of the most powerful characters in gaming. The perception of weakness is a result of his evolution, both as a character and within the narrative of the Norse saga. He has lost some abilities, is deliberately holding back, and has undergone design changes, but he remains a force to be reckoned with. Kratos’ journey is one of growth and adaptation, not of decline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs to provide further insight into Kratos’ perceived weakness:
1. Why can’t Kratos use his Greek magic anymore?
Kratos’ Greek magic was tied to Olympus. When the realm was destroyed, he lost access to that specific type of power.
2. Does Kratos get weaker with age?
As a demigod, Kratos ages slower than humans. It is documented that Greek gods grow stronger with age, which is the case for Old Kratos. The idea that Kratos is getting weaker is due to a change in presentation, not his actual age.
3. Can Kratos still turn giant?
No. With the destruction of Olympus, Kratos lost his ability to turn giant. He did attempt to use Olympian abilities in the past but was unsuccessful.
4. Is Kratos’ axe as strong as Mjolnir?
Kratos’ axe is a powerful weapon, but Mjolnir has unique magical properties. In lore, Kratos cannot lift Mjolnir due to the specific enchantments placed on the hammer. However, the axe is still powerful and serves Kratos’ specific style in the Norse saga.
5. How heavy is Kratos’ Axe?
The Leviathan Axe weighs 9.25 lbs. It is forged from high carbon steel W108.
6. How much can Kratos lift?
Kratos’ lifting strength is staggering. He is said to have a strength of around 30-24 quintillion tons, which is around 1/3 the mass of the moon.
7. Why does Kratos look fatter?
Kratos likely gained weight due to a change in lifestyle in Midgard. It is a more mundane lifestyle, which may have affected his body composition.
8. Why does Kratos look smaller in Ragnarok?
Kratos’ height was adjusted to be closer to actor Christopher Judge’s height of 6’3” to make the character more approachable.
9. Can Kratos take a bullet?
Kratos is not bulletproof. He can be wounded by piercing weapons, and there is no evidence he has tanked damage directly from a projectile exceeding that of a bullet.
10. Why is Atreus so weak in God of War Ragnarok?
Atreus is still learning to control and understand his powers. He is also still a kid, so his strength will continue to grow over time.
11. Will Atreus be stronger than Kratos?
It’s possible. Atreus is inheriting his godly powers at a young age. If he continues to grow he might surpass Kratos one day.
12. Why is Odin so skinny in God of War Ragnarok?
Odin’s thin appearance is possibly due to his use of Vanir magic. It may also reflect his inner character and use of deception and manipulation over raw strength.
13. Why does Kratos hide his strength?
Kratos hides his strength to try and prevent Atreus from becoming like him. He wants to teach his son control and restraint.
14. Is Kratos weaker in GoW 4?
Kratos is not necessarily weaker, but his gameplay is different. The new graphics and gameplay changes provide a perception of him being weaker, but in reality, he is just as powerful.
15. Who can beat Kratos?
Various characters from different universes possess unique abilities that could challenge or defeat Kratos. Such characters might include Alucard, Ōnoki, Anos Voldigoad, Lelouch, Kaguya Otsutsuki and many others, who have special abilities that can immobilize or overpower him.