Brace yourself, warriors, for Fimbulwinter has arrived, and with it, the prophecy of war Ragnarok looms large. Kratos and Atreus return in God of War Ragnarok, the highly anticipated sequel to 2018’s critically acclaimed reboot.
This time, father and son face a Norse apocalypse, forging new alliances and battling fearsome foes in a desperate struggle for survival. But fret not, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate the perilous realms and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
Unveiling the Chapters: A Roadmap for the Main Story
God of War Ragnarok boasts a captivating narrative split into chapters, each offering unique challenges and exhilarating encounters. While the exact number of chapters is yet to be revealed by developers at Santa Monica Studio, estimates suggest around 18 chapters, with each taking roughly two hours to complete.
This translates to a substantial campaign brimming with Norse mythology, epic boss battles, and heartwarming moments between Kratos and Atreus.
Combat Evolved: Mastering the Art of War
God of War’s combat was praised for its brutality and depth, and Ragnarok promises to refine the experience further. The core gameplay remains familiar – Kratos wields his Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, while Atreus fights alongside him with his bow and newfound abilities. Here’s a breakdown of key mechanics to keep in mind:
- Combat Awareness: Pay close attention to enemy attack indicators. Yellow circles denote blockable attacks (parry with L1), while red circles signify unblockable attacks you must dodge (roll with Circle).
- Weapon Switching: Utilize both the Leviathan Axe for powerful ranged attacks and crowd control, and the Blades of Chaos for swift up-close combos. Mastering weapon switching allows for devastating attack chains.
- Atreus’ Assistance: Atreus is no longer a helpless child. He can fight independently and unleash special attacks with his bow. Utilize his skills strategically to gain an edge.
- Shields and Parrying: Blocking with your shield (R1) is crucial, but successful parries with L1 just before an attack lands and leaves enemies stunned, opening them up for brutal counterattacks.
- Spartan Rage: When the rage meter fills, unleash Kratos’ fury with Spartan Rage (R2+L2). This temporary power boost allows for devastating attacks and throws enemies around like ragdolls.
Conquering the Realms: A Glimpse into Exploration
Beyond the captivating story, God of War Ragnarok entices players with vast and diverse realms to explore. Each realm boasts unique landscapes, enemy types, and secrets to uncover. Here’s a peek at some confirmed locations:
- Midgard: Kratos and Atreus’ familiar home, now ravaged by Fimbulwinter’s harshness. Prepare for encounters with familiar faces and new threats.
- Vanaheim: The realm of the Vanir gods, known for its lush jungles and hidden temples. Expect to encounter new allies and face the consequences of Freya’s rage.
- Svartalfheim: The realm of the dwarves, filled with breathtaking underground caverns and technological marvels. Solve dwarven puzzles and uncover secrets within the mines.
- Asgard: The home of the Aesir gods, shrouded in mystery. Prepare for a grand entrance and potentially face the wrath of Odin himself.
A Hunter’s Paradise: Delving into Side Quests and Collectibles
God of War Ragnarok isn’t just about the main story. The world is brimming with optional content that rewards exploration and completionists. Here’s what to look out for:
- Favours: These side quests offer opportunities to learn more about the characters and world, often granting valuable rewards like new armour or combat skills.
- Collectables: Keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures like Legendary Chests containing powerful gear, Nornir Chests with upgrades for your health and rage, and artefacts that provide lore entries.
- Hidden Secrets: The realms are filled with hidden nooks and crannies, some containing valuable resources or even secret bosses for the truly skilled players.
Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Godslayers
Here are some valuable pointers to remember as you embark on your Ragnarok adventure:
- Upgrade Your Gear: Regularly visit the dwarven shops (Brok and Sindri) to upgrade your armour and weapons. Upgrading stats and adding enhancements significantly improves your combat prowess.
- Explore Every Nook and Cranny: Don’t just follow the objective markers. The realms are filled with hidden paths, lore entries, and resources waiting to be discovered.
- Utilize Atreus’ Skills: Atreus is a valuable asset. Don’t forget to utilize his ranged attacks and special abilities to take down enemies and solve puzzles.
FAQs
Q. Is there a walkthrough available for God of War Ragnarok?
Absolutely! Since the game isn’t out yet (as of May 6, 2024), there aren’t official walkthroughs. However, many websites are building comprehensive guides based on trailers and previews. These guides will likely cover the main story missions, side quests (called Favors), collectable locations, and combat tips. Some popular resources include IGN’s Wiki Guide and Push Square’s Guide
Q. Will there be a video walkthrough available?
Yes, for those who prefer a visual approach, content creators will likely be uploading full gameplay walkthroughs with commentary on Youtube shortly after the game releases.
Q. How long is the God of War Ragnarok story?
Estimates suggest the main story of God of War Ragnarok can take around 30-36 hours to complete, with individual chapters averaging under two hours. This doesn’t include optional content like favourites and collectables.
Q. Should I complete Favors (side quests)?
Favours are a great way to level up Kratos and Atreus, earn valuable gear and resources, and experience more of the Norse world and its characters. They often tie into the narrative and lore, so completionists will want to tackle them.
Q. Is there a specific order to play in?
The game will likely have a linear main story, but there may be some flexibility when you complete Favors and explore certain areas. It’s best to follow the narrative flow for the main story beats, but otherwise, explore at your own pace.
Q. What are the new combat mechanics in Ragnarok?
Based on previews, expect new weapon abilities, shield techniques, and potentially even new weapons for Kratos and Atreus. Atreus seems to take on a more active combat role as well.
Q. What difficulty levels are available?
Previous God of War games offered a variety of difficulty settings, so Ragnarok will likely follow suit. Expect options for a more relaxed experience or a brutal challenge.
Q. Are there any combat tips?
Learning enemy attack patterns and utilizing parries and dodges effectively will be crucial. Upgrading your gear and mastering weapon combos will also make combat smoother.
Q. What kind of collectables are there in Ragnarok?
We can expect a variety of collectables like hidden artefacts, Nornir chests (offering powerful rewards if you can break the runes to open them), legendary chests with epic gear, and perhaps even references to previous God of War titles.
Q. Should I explore every corner of the world?
Exploration is highly encouraged! Hidden secrets, lore entries, and resources are often tucked away in optional areas.
To read more, Click here
