Table of Contents

Why is Kratos “Weaker” in God of War Ragnarok? The Layers of a Spartan’s Decline

Kratos’ apparent decrease in power in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok is a multifaceted issue, far more complex than a simple stat reduction. It isn’t a straightforward case of Kratos being objectively weaker, but rather a combination of factors including conscious self-limitation, loss of his Greek powers, his age, the shift in combat mechanics, and the narrative themes of change and restraint. He’s not necessarily weaker, but he fights differently, for different reasons, and with different tools and motivations. In essence, he’s weaker because he chooses to be, and because the circumstances surrounding him have fundamentally changed.

The Conscious Choice of Restraint

The most significant factor is Kratos’ deliberate restraint. He’s haunted by the carnage of his past and the destruction he wrought as the Ghost of Sparta. He fears unleashing that unbridled rage, fearing he’ll revert to his former self and repeat the cycle of violence. This fear is a constant limiter on his power. He holds back, not wanting to fully tap into the Spartan Rage that once defined him. This internal conflict is a key narrative element, showing his growth as a character. Every time he hesitates, every time he chooses de-escalation over immediate aggression, he’s actively suppressing his full potential.

The Loss of His Greek Godhood

Leaving Greece behind wasn’t just a geographical relocation; it was a severing of ties to his divine power source. The destruction of Olympus meant the destruction of the pantheon that fueled his godhood. While remnants of his strength undoubtedly remain, the raw, unrestrained power he wielded in the Greek era is gone. The shift from Blades of Chaos to Leviathan Axe is symbolic of this transition; he’s adapting to a new environment, a new fighting style, and a new power dynamic. He’s no longer drawing on the same wellspring of Olympian energy. The article even mentions that Kratos “lost all of his Greek magic when he destroyed his homeland and sailed away. So his magic died with Olympus or was left behind when he sailed away.”

The Weight of Age

While Kratos is no ordinary man, the passage of time inevitably takes its toll. He’s estimated to be over 1000 years old in Ragnarok. While he is a demigod, and that grants him tremendous longevity, age can still affect physical prowess. The wear and tear of centuries of battles, combined with the inherent limitations of his aging body, likely contribute to a subtle decline in his peak physical condition. He isn’t as spry as he once was, and the sheer endurance he displayed in his youth might not be fully replicable.

Gameplay and Narrative Integration

The game mechanics themselves contribute to the perception of weakness. God of War (2018) and Ragnarok feature a more grounded and strategic combat system compared to the hack-and-slash frenzy of the original trilogy. Players are encouraged to use tactics, positioning, and elemental weaknesses to succeed, rather than relying solely on brute force. This shift in gameplay reflects Kratos’ own evolution; he’s learning to be more calculated and less impulsive.

The story dictates the power level as well. Kratos can’t be all-powerful because that would undermine the narrative tension and the stakes of the story. If he could effortlessly overcome every obstacle, the journey wouldn’t be compelling. His vulnerabilities, both physical and emotional, are what make him relatable and drive the narrative forward.

Adaptation and Evolution

Ultimately, Kratos isn’t simply weaker; he’s different. He’s evolving as a character and as a warrior. He’s adapting to a new world, learning new skills, and confronting his past. The changes in his power level reflect this evolution. He’s no longer defined solely by his rage and destruction but by his capacity for love, compassion, and self-control. This transformation is what makes his journey in the Norse saga so compelling. He is not a god of war, but rather a god of peace.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Kratos lose all his God powers?

No, Kratos didn’t lose all of his godly powers, but his connection to his original Olympian power source was severed. He retains superhuman strength, durability, and resilience, but the raw, godlike energy he once wielded is diminished. The statement “Zeus, however, weakens Kratos and tricks him into abandoning his godly powers into the Blade of Olympus, which Zeus uses to kill him” highlights a moment where his power was compromised.
Why didn’t Thor heal from Kratos’ attacks?

Thor’s wound from Kratos is implied to be festering due to Jormungandr’s venom. It’s stated that “The reason behind Thor’s incurable wound is due to the Eitr imbued in the Leviathan Axe. In God of War, Kratos throws the weapon into the Lake of Nine and awakens the World Serpent, who rises out of the water.” The Leviathan Axe had been exposed to the World Serpent’s venomous essence, which made the wound inflicted upon Thor resistant to conventional healing.
Is Kratos getting old in God of War Ragnarok?

Yes, Kratos is getting old, although his demigod physiology slows the aging process. The consensus is that “In God of War Ragnarök, it’s likely that Kratos is around 1,055 years old. He’s something of an old man, but as a demigod, he is still more than young enough to hold his own and then some in battle.”
Why is Kratos holding back his power?

Kratos is holding back his power primarily due to his fear of losing control and reverting to his destructive past. He is trying to control the rage that he has. He fears the old ways.
How did Kratos avoid his prophesied death?

Kratos avoided his prophesied death through his own choices and the influence of Faye and Atreus. The game developers wanted to emphasize that fate can be rewritten, and killing Kratos would have contradicted that message. The positive influence of Faye and Atreus allows Kratos to choose a peaceful path and avoid being killed at the hands of Thor.
Why did Kratos say no to Odin’s offer of peace?

Kratos rejected Odin’s offer of peace because he distrusts him and prioritizes the safety of Freya and Mimir. Kratos cares about Freya and Odin threatened her in his offer for peace. He also trusts Mimir who advised him against trusting Odin’s offer.
Is Kratos stronger than Thor?

The power dynamic between Kratos and Thor is complex and context-dependent. In their confrontations, Kratos holds his own, but the fights are often interrupted or inconclusive. It’s difficult to definitively say who is stronger, as both possess immense power and resilience.
Why did Thor let Kratos live during their first encounter?

Thor did not fully let Kratos live. After a lengthy fight that destroys much of the surrounding area, Kratos is able to land a solid hit using the Leviathan Axe on Thor’s stomach. By choice, Thor chooses not to carry on because he’s gotten to see Kratos’ Spartan Rage, ripping out his tooth. Satisfied, he states to the Spartan that his blood debt is paid and leaves.
Does Kratos regret killing?

Yes, Kratos is filled with regret for his past actions and the countless lives he has taken. The ending of the 2018 God of War and Ragnarok sees Kratos filled with regret about his past and seek redemption for it as the Norse apocalypse draws near.
Who would win, old Kratos or new Kratos?

Based on the article, old Kratos from the Norse God of War games takes the trophy for the strongest Kratos. The character is older, wiser, more emotionally intelligent, and has the memories and guilt of his past to tie him into being better.
What is Kratos’ biggest weakness?

Kratos’ greatest weakness is arguably his own rage. It is stated that “Kratos’ rage, arguably his greatest strength (as we just saw, it allowed him to literally get out of the Underworld), is also his greatest weakness. Sure, in-game, Kratos’ Spartan Rage is incredibly powerful, and to anyone who’s played the games, it’s probably gotten them out of a few tough spots.”
Did Kratos lose the Blades of Chaos?

No, Kratos did not permanently lose the Blades of Chaos. He initially tried to suppress them due to their association with his violent past, but he eventually reclaims them and uses them alongside the Leviathan Axe.
Why did Zeus betray Kratos?

Zeus betrayed Kratos out of fear that Kratos would usurp him. Zeus was feared Kratos would kill him and take his place just like Zeus did with his father Cronos and continue the cycle.
What does Odin really want?

Odin desires knowledge and control above all else. Odin does want peace, but the truth is that he wants to achieve peace by stealing all the answers of the universe’s creation for himself and using them to destroy all who threaten him to prevent Ragnarok, which is a point where God of War differs from actual Norse mythology.
What is the significance of Kratos’ beard?

Kratos’ beard is a visual indicator of the passage of time and his adaptation to the Norse environment. It also contributes to his more mature and grounded appearance.

The themes explored in God of War and God of War Ragnarok extend beyond simple combat and storytelling. These games offer valuable insights into human behavior, decision-making, and the impact of choices, making them relevant to fields like education and psychology. You can explore more about the educational applications of games at Games Learning Society using this link: GamesLearningSociety.org. The nuanced portrayal of Kratos’ changing power is a testament to the game’s thoughtful design and its exploration of complex themes.

Why is Kratos weak in Ragnarok?