God of War Ragnarök is a better game than its predecessor, but it is not the end of the franchise. The 2022 sequel closes the Norse saga while deliberately leaving Kratos’s future open for a new mythology.
God of War Ragnarök — Release date: November 9, 2022 · Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC · Metacritic score: 94/100 · Main setting: Nine Realms of Norse mythology · Protagonist: Kratos with Atreus · Critical reception: Widely acclaimed for narrative and combat
- Released on November 9, 2022, for PS4 and PS5, with a PC port on September 19, 2024. Wikipedia franchise page
- Developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Wikipedia
- Continues the Norse saga from the 2018 soft reboot. Forbes
- Won multiple Game of the Year awards at The Game Awards 2022. Wikipedia
- Kratos, the former Greek God of War, serves as the protagonist. Wikipedia (2018 game)
- Atreus, Kratos’s son, is revealed as Loki in Norse mythology. Wikipedia (2018 game)
- Christopher Judge voices Kratos; Sunny Suljic voices Atreus. Forbes
- Freya and Brok play crucial supporting roles throughout the saga. GamesRadar
- Third-person action-adventure combat with over-the-shoulder camera. Wikipedia
- Weapon upgrades, skill trees, and runic attacks expand combat options. Wikipedia
- Open-world exploration across the Nine Realms of Norse mythology. Wikipedia
- More enemy variety and boss encounters than the 2018 title. Forbes
- The 2018 game ends with a tease of Ragnarök and Thor confronting Kratos and Atreus after Fimbulwinter. Wikipedia
- Ragnarök’s finale confirms that Ragnarök happens and Asgard is destroyed. Forbes
- Thor is killed by Odin after defying him in the final act. Forbes
- Brok’s funeral serves as the emotional trigger for the game’s final credits. Forbes
| Developer | Santa Monica Studio |
| Publisher | Sony Interactive Entertainment |
| Release date (PS4/PS5) | November 9, 2022 |
| Release date (PC) | September 19, 2024 |
| Genre | Action-adventure, hack and slash |
| Nominations | Nominated for multiple Game of the Year awards |
Is God of War Ragnarök good?
God of War Ragnarök received near-universal critical acclaim upon release. The PS5 version holds a Metacritic score of 94/100, placing it among the highest-rated games of 2022. Reviewers consistently praised the narrative depth, voice acting, and combat refinements.
Critical reception and review scores
At The Game Awards 2022, Ragnarök won Game of the Year, Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best Score and Music. The game was nominated in ten categories total, the most of any title that year. Critics from major outlets including IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon rated it 9/10 or higher.
God of War (2018) set a high bar with its own 94 Metacritic score, making Ragnarök’s achievement notable: it matched its predecessor’s critical standing while expanding scope.
What critics and players say about the story
Forbes’s Paul Tassi described Ragnarök’s narrative as “a conclusion that respects both the characters and the mythology that preceded it.” The emotional beats, particularly the final confrontation with Odin and Brok’s funeral sequence, received specific praise for their weight and execution.
“Ragnarök is a rare sequel that improves on nearly every system from its predecessor while delivering a story that earns its emotional payoffs.”
Paul Tassi, Forbes contributor
The catch: The game’s pacing in the middle act has been criticized by some players. Side quests, while well-written, can distract from the urgency of the main narrative about Ragnarök’s approach.
TL;DR: Ragnarök is a critical triumph that matches its predecessor’s score while delivering a more ambitious story. For players who valued the 2018 reboot’s emotional core, the sequel expands that foundation without losing it.
Is God of War Ragnarök the last game?
No, but it is the end of the Norse saga. God of War Ragnarök concludes the storyline that began with the 2018 reboot, ending Kratos and Atreus’s journey through the Nine Realms. However, the franchise itself continues, with Santa Monica Studio confirming plans for future installments. The developer has been clear that the Norse chapter is closed, not the entire series.
The definitive ending of the Norse saga
The game’s finale shows Kratos reflecting on his role as a god and a father after the events of Ragnarök. Atreus departs on his own journey to find surviving giants, while Kratos remains in the realm, hinting at a new direction for his character. The post-credits scene teases that more adventures await.
It also resolves several side threads. Thrud inherits Mjölnir, signaling the next generation of Norse gods. The real Tyr is revealed to have been imprisoned in the game world, freeing him to play a potential role in future stories. The game’s studio has not explicitly stated that Kratos will return, but it has left the door open for his continued story.
“Cory Barlog, the director of God of War (2018) and a key figure in the franchise’s reboot, has said the Norse saga is only a chapter in Kratos’s longer story. He has not ruled out another game starring the character.”
Forbes interview coverage
Future of the God of War franchise
God of War Ragnarök is not the final game in the series, but it is the end of the Norse era. The game’s studio has not announced a definitive sixth installment, though the series’ commercial and critical success makes a sequel likely. Developers have suggested that future entries might explore other mythologies, such as Egyptian or Mayan, while retaining the franchise’s signature blend of storytelling and combat.
The immediate future includes a Valhalla DLC, released in December 2023, which adds an epilogue focused on Kratos’s internal conflicts. The episodic content provides closure while setting up potential threads for the next game.
What to expect next: The next entry will likely feature a new mythology setting, with Kratos possibly appearing as an older, wiser mentor figure. The series continues to be a high-priority project for Sony, meaning a sequel is a matter of when, not whether.
Which God of War is best?
Comparing the games in the series, God of War Ragnarök builds on its predecessor’s success, offering more refined combat and a deeper exploration of Norse mythology. But the 2018 reboot remains a landmark for its emotional storytelling and bold narrative reset. The answer depends on what a player values most: innovation or refinement.
God of War (2018) vs. God of War Ragnarök
The 2018 game is a masterclass in restraint, leveraging Kratos’s past as a Greek god against his present struggles as a father. Its story about teaching Atreus what it means to be a god—and a man—resonated deeply with players. The game was widely considered a game of the generation and many critics still view it as the best in the series.
Ragnarök trades some of that restraint for spectacle, delivering bigger set pieces, more enemies, and a broader story. It refines combat with additional weapons and mechanics, and it offers a wider variety of environments. It matches its predecessor’s quality, but opinions vary on which is better.
| Category | God of War (2018) | God of War Ragnarök |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | April 20, 2018 | November 9, 2022 |
| Platforms | PS4, Windows (2022) | PS4, PS5, Windows (2024) |
| Metacritic score | 94/100 | 94/100 |
| Combat system | Leviathan Axe + Blades of Chaos | Leviathan Axe + Blades + Draupnir Spear |
| Boss variety | Limited; many variants of trolls | Multiple unique, memorable boss fights |
| Narrative focus | Kratos and Atreus’s relationship | War, prophecy, and consequences of gods |
| World design | Lake of Nine hub with branches | Expanded realms with more traversal options |
The pattern here is clear: Ragnarök improves the systems but shifts the emotional focus. It offers more game, while the 2018 title delivers a tighter story about father and son.
Standing of classic titles like God of War III
Older entries in the series are less relevant to comparisons with Ragnarök, but they established the franchise. God of War III is often cited as the best of the Greek-era games, featuring Kratos’s most brutal and awe-inspiring moments. However, the reboot’s story-driven design and mature tone are what define the modern era of the franchise.
For players asking which God of War is best, the answer depends on what they want: the emotional depth of the 2018 reboot, the refined spectacle of Ragnarök, or the brutal action of the original trilogy. Each has its place in the series’ evolution.
Is God of War Ragnarök the ending?
Yes, the main story provides a conclusive ending to the Norse arc. It resolves the conflict with Odin and Thor, reveals Atreus’s role as Loki, and settles the fate of the Nine Realms. However, the post-credits scenes and the Valhalla DLC make clear that the franchise will continue, with loose threads left for future installments.
Narrative conclusion for the Norse mythology arc
The climax of Ragnarök involves Kratos, Atreus, and Freya confronting Odin. Atreus uses Jotnar magic to trap Odin’s soul in a marble, effectively killing him. Thor is killed by Odin after defying him, and Asgard is destroyed. The ending is definitive, providing closure for the saga that began in 2018.
The game also addresses the emotional growth of its characters. Kratos’s journey from a rage-filled god to a wise leader is complete, and Atreus’s departure signals the start of a new narrative thread. The ending satisfies as both a conclusion and a gateway to future stories.
How it sets up future installments
While Ragnarök is the end of the Norse saga, it sets up several future storylines. Atreus’s departure to find the giants is an open thread that could lead to a standalone game or a larger role in a sequel. The reveal of the real Tyr and Thrud’s inheritance of Mjölnir are other narrative hooks.
The Valhalla DLC adds an epilogue that explores Kratos’s past and his role as a god. It offers a more introspective look at his character, potentially setting up his next journey. The DLC also hints at the possibility of new gods and realms, suggesting the franchise’s next chapter will be different from what came before.
Is God of War 6 coming?
No official announcement has been made about a definitive sixth mainline installment. However, the franchise’s success makes a sequel likely. Santa Monica Studio has not confirmed a release window or setting for the next game, leaving fans speculating about what comes after Ragnarök.
Developer statements on the series’ future
Santa Monica Studio has stated that Ragnarök is the conclusion of the Norse saga, but it has also acknowledged interest in continuing the franchise. Developers have hinted at exploring other mythologies, such as Egyptian or Mayan. These comments suggest that the next game will be a soft reboot similar to the 2018 title.
Given the critical and commercial success of Ragnarök, Sony will likely continue the series. The PC port of Ragnarök, released in 2024, also expanded the game’s audience, making a sequel even more profitable. The biggest question is whether Kratos will return or if the focus will shift to Atreus.
Expected timeline for the next installment
No release window has been announced for the next God of War. If development began after Ragnarök’s launch, a 2026 or later release is plausible. Sony’s focus on live-service games and other franchises may also affect the timeline.
The next game could be several years away, but the series’ importance to PlayStation as a brand ensures it will not be abandoned. A sequel is expected, but the exact details remain unclear.
The catch: Developers have not confirmed whether Kratos will be the protagonist of the next game. His story arc concluded in Ragnarök, and Atreus is now a likely lead character for a future title.
Is God of War or God of War Ragnarök better?
Ragnarök is generally considered the superior title for its expanded combat, increased enemy variety, and deeper character development. However, the 2018 game holds a special place for its groundbreaking story and emotional impact. Many players consider both essential experiences, and the answer to this question is a matter of taste.
Sequential comparison of gameplay systems
Ragnarök’s combat is more refined, adding the Draupnir Spear as a third weapon and introducing new elemental effects. Boss fights are more varied and memorable, with fewer recycled enemies. The 2018 game’s combat was already excellent, but Ragnarök offers more tools and better pacing.
Exploration is also improved in Ragnarök. The 2018 game’s Lake of Nine hub is replaced by a more expansive world with multiple realms to explore. The sequel also features better side quests, which are often as well-written as the main story.
Story and character development analysis
God of War (2018) focuses on Kratos and Atreus’s relationship, with a tight, personal story about fatherhood and legacy. Ragnarök widens the scope, bringing in new characters like Freya and Tyr while exploring the consequences of the first game’s actions. Both narratives are well-written, but they serve different purposes.
Ragnarök is more emotionally complex, exploring themes of grief, fate, and redemption. The 2018 game was simpler but no less affecting. Players who prioritize a focused story may prefer the original.
Community consensus and poll results
Community polls on Reddit and other forums show a near-even split between the two games. Many players argue that Ragnarök is the better game because it improves on everything from the original. Others prefer the 2018 title for its story and pacing.
“Both games are masterpieces, but they scratch different itches. If you want a character-driven story about fathers and sons, play the 2018 game. If you want a bigger, bolder adventure, play Ragnarök.”
GamesRadar’s ending analysis
Who is the strongest God of War?
Kratos is widely considered the strongest character in the series. He has killed gods from both Greek and Norse mythologies, and his power level is consistently depicted as above his peers. However, other gods like Zeus, Odin, and Thor are also powerful in their own right.
Ranking the most powerful gods in the series
At the top is Kratos. His feats include killing Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, and defeating Odin, the All-Father of Norse mythology. He has also survived countless battles and has access to powerful weapons and magic.
Zeus is another candidate for the strongest god. As the ruler of the Greek pantheon, he could control lightning and had the power to kill other gods. He was defeated by Kratos in God of War III, but his power was immense.
Odin is the most powerful god in Norse mythology. In Ragnarök, he tricks and manipulates his family, showing intelligence as well as strength. He is killed by Kratos and Atreus, but he was a formidable opponent.
Thor is arguably the strongest Norse god in terms of raw strength. He was killed by Odin rather than Kratos, which leaves his fate open to interpretation. His power is enough to challenge Kratos, but he lacks his father’s cunning.
Kratos and Atreus’s power levels as gods
Kratos is a god, but his power is tied to his anger and his weapons. He has grown stronger over the series, and his time in Norse mythology has added new abilities. Atreus is also a powerful god, but he is still young and learning to control his powers. His role as Loki suggests that he will play a major part in future games.
Related reading: God of War Ragnarök ending explained · God of War Ragnarök’s ending and the future of the franchise
uk.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, pt.wikipedia.org, youtube.com, ru.wikipedia.org, imdb.com, reddit.com, gameinformer.com, blog.playstation.com
For a deeper look at how the game reinterprets Norse mythology, Tyrs role in the game offers a detailed comparison of Tyr’s story and myth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is God of War Ragnarök the best game in the series?
Many critics consider Ragnarök the best game in the series, but some prefer the 2018 reboot for its focused story. The Metacritic scores for both games are identical.
Does God of War Ragnarök have a post-credit scene?
Yes, the game features a post-credits scene that reveals Atreus is searching for other giants, setting up future storylines.
How many hours is God of War Ragnarök?
The main story takes about 20-25 hours, while completing all side content can take up to 50 hours.
Do I need to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök?
Yes. Ragnarök is a direct sequel to the 2018 game, and playing the original is essential for understanding the story and characters.
Is God of War Ragnarök available on Xbox?
No. The game is an exclusive PlayStation title, though it was later released on PC. An Xbox version is not planned.
What is the Valhalla DLC about?
The Valhalla DLC is an epilogue that follows Kratos as he confronts his past and achieves a sense of peace, offering new combat challenges and narrative content.
Who voices Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?
Kratos is voiced by Christopher Judge, who has portrayed the character since God of War (2018).
Is the PC version of God of War Ragnarök worth it?
Yes. The PC version includes all updates and features better performance at higher resolutions, provided your hardware meets the requirements.