God of War Ragnarok has finally hit the shelves, and it’s safe to say it’s been worth the wait. Fans of the series will be thrilled to dive back into the world of Kratos, who returns as the main protagonist, but there’s also a fresh twist—you can play in a completely new environment if you’re joining the saga. The game has stepped up visually – the graphics are stunning, with ultra-realistic character models and beautifully detailed environments that make exploring more enjoyable than ever. You’ll find yourself wandering around just to take in the sights and stumble upon various collectibles and puzzles that enrich the story.
What’s really great this time around is the introduction of multiple playable characters, including Atreus. This addition adds a whole new layer to the gameplay, making each playthrough feel unique. Packed with Norse mythology and gripping combat scenes, God of War Ragnarok isn’t just a game—it’s an epic adventure. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, there’s plenty here to keep you hooked and coming back for more.
If you’re a fan of the God of War series, Ragnarok is a must-play as it’s a total crowd-pleaser with a robust, gripping storyline that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. This time around, Kratos, who’s a former Greek God of War turned doting dad to Atreus, is on a big mission. He’s out to save Freyr, who’s been nabbed by the Einherjar. His adventure leads him to slay the Norse God Heimdall, obtain his horn, and jet off to Asgard. But things take a turn when he gets back to Vanaheim and finds out Freyr’s in more trouble than he thought.
The setting is during Fimbulwinter, a brutal three-year-long winter blanketing Midgard. When Odin shows up, he offers Kratos a deal to back off if he heads to Asgard. You’ll be going into many side missions and brain-teasing puzzles—some you’ll need to tackle to progress, and others are only there if you’re ready for the challenge. These puzzles might give you a run for your money, but they’re worth the effort. Ragnarok offers a world with well-crafted characters and a compelling plot. The fights are intense, and the level design is top-notch.
The game expands further as Kratos and Atreus journey across the Nine Realms to stop a prophecy that threatens to obliterate Asgard. This means going toe-to-toe with gods and monsters, solving complex puzzles, and navigating through beautifully dangerous areas. And as the saga culminates, Ragnarok—the end of days—is unleashed. With Tyr, the former Norse God of War, rumored to lead the charge in the final battle, Kratos and Atreus are determined not to let fate decide their paths.
Odin rules Asgard as the king and the Allfather of the Nine Realms, keeping a close eye on everything through his ravens. If the gods step out of line, he doesn’t hesitate to deal with them harshly. Meanwhile, Thor, still furious over the loss of his sons, comes looking for vengeance. But when Kratos manages to injure him, Thor has to back off, at least for a while. With his sons no longer by his side, Thor is itching to jump back into the fray, but he’s hesitant. Atreus and Freya try to persuade him to join their cause, and eventually, he agrees to follow Atreus to an ancient temple. There, they hope to uncover more about Ragnarok and some hidden prophecies.
When it comes to the actual fighting, God of War Ragnarok shines. Whether you’re up close and personal in melee brawls or using your surroundings to outsmart your foes, the game has something for every type of gamer. The developers have built on the series’ legacy here, introducing a new skill tree, a range of weapons, and an enhanced skill buff system. There’s still plenty of room for the game to grow and evolve. The combat is both fun and challenging, making every battle feel rewarding.
And of course, what’s an action role-playing game without a compelling story? God of War Ragnarok keeps you hooked with its rich narrative full of surprising twists and heart-wrenching moments. You’ll find yourself pushing forward to see what happens next. As you progress, remember to adapt your strategy based on the different enemies you encounter—from light elves to lava golems and even demon frogs. Each one requires a different approach, keeping you on your toes and deeply engaged in the world of Ragnarok.
Fine Pair of Weapons
In God of War Ragnarok, you’ve got a big range of weapons to choose from, both old favorites and exciting new additions, each with its own unique abilities to help you take down enemies left and right. The Leviathan Axe is back as Kratos’ go-to weapon, and it packs a serious punch with its frost-based attacks—perfect for dealing heavy damage and slipping in some elemental surprises to keep the ranged foes at bay.
The Blades of Chaos are making a return, too. They start with lighter rune attacks, but you can upgrade them to heavier attacks that shine against icy opponents. There is a new skill in the game—the Whiplash. This one cranks up the heat on your Blades of Chaos, turning ordinary slashes into fiery spectacles that are a bit more intricate to pull off but well worth mastering. But we can’t forget about shields, they come with a lot of useful abilities. Not only can they block and absorb hits, but they can also unleash a wave of kinetic energy to knock back enemies. Keep in mind that while shields are super handy, they don’t let you parry attacks.
Amazing Enchantment System
Upgrading Kratos’ weapons and gear in GoW Ragnarok is downright satisfying. When you mix the upgrades with some clever rage tactics during boss fights, you might even score some killer rewards. The game offers a ton of Enchantments that you can use to boost your equipment and abilities, giving you everything from stat boosts and idle buffs to bonus perks. You’ll find these Enchantments all over the place such as in chests, hidden in dungeons, or dropped by defeated enemies. While all of these offer some sort of benefit, the really special ones come with unique boosts or great buffs. But a few of the good ones are tied to the main questline, so you’ll want to keep progressing in the story to collect them.
To use an Enchantment, first, you need an armor piece that has an Enchantment socket. Some pieces might not have any sockets, while others can have up to three, letting you customize to your heart’s content. Generally, the rarer the armor, the more sockets it has. Gold Gear, for example, often comes with at least two sockets, perfect for loading up on the powerful stat boosts. It’s a good strategy to pick armor that enhances your preferred stats. Enchantments themselves come in four flavors of rarity: Common, Perfect, Rare, and Gold. Each level ups the ante on stat bonuses, with Gold Enchantments usually having seriously high stats or an incredibly powerful perk. Besides boosting your armor, these items can also level up your weapon’s damage. These buffs stack, so the more enchantments your weapon sports, the more havoc you’ll wreak.
Puzzles are an Important Part
God of War Ragnarok is packed with puzzles that make you think, although they’re not too tough to crack. They’re perfect for giving your brain a little exercise as you dive deeper into the game. A lot of these challenges appear in the mines where you’ll have to get the hang of the mechanics to figure them out. They often involve manipulating the environment, like moving objects, pulling them in certain directions, or burning obstacles away. One standout puzzle involves using geysers to clear out areas blocked by mines, adding a nice strategic twist to your adventure. Then there’s the Leviathan Axe puzzle, where you use the axe to freeze gears and mechanisms in place. It’s very handy, although it does slow Kratos down a lot, so you have to be quick on your feet to solve the task before time runs out.
2022 has been a big year for video games with releases like Elden Ring and Modern Warfare 2, and God of War Ragnarok stands tall among them. That said, it’s not without its quirks. For instance, throwing your axe at targets can get a bit tiresome, and the puzzles can feel repetitive since many require finding the right angle to pick things up. Thankfully, the Puzzle Aim assist can give you a nudge in the right direction when you’re stuck, which is a lifesaver.
Ragnarok is also a treasure trove of collectibles—from artifacts to Draugr Holes and Berserker Gravestones. You can get these throughout the main story or via side quests, and even in the afterlife, meaning you don’t have to finish the main plot to start collecting. Using a tracker can help you locate these items, which are great for upgrading your equipment, boosting your health, or earning some extra cash. Besides the main storyline, Ragnarok offers 47 side quests spread across different realms, some even stretching across multiple realms. These quests enrich the game with rewards and deeper insights into Norse mythology. Take ‘The Weight of Chains’ in the semi-open world of Svartalfheim—it’s a poignant story involving a massive aquatic creature that sticks with you.
The story itself is a complex tapestry of characters and dramatic events, beautifully brought to life through cinematics and cut scenes. As you follow Kratos on his mission to thwart Ragnarok—the prophesied apocalypse of the Norse cosmos—you’ll find yourself caught up in a whirlwind of action and emotion. So, whether you’re puzzling through challenges or tracking down treasures, God of War Ragnarok promises a gripping adventure that’s hard to put down.
Verdict
Sony’s latest God of War game, Ragnarok, is creating quite the buzz and it’s easy to see why—it’s a fantastic game. It follows the story of Kratos, who’s an anti-hero with a knack for getting tangled up in the wild of Norse mythology. This is his fourth outing in the series, and it feels like they’ve nailed it this time, drawing on all the best bits from the earlier games. Ragnarok stands out with its jaw-dropping environments and an intense combat system that comes with powerful abilities and rune stones. Plus, the enemy AI is so clever it’ll keep even seasoned gamers on their toes when playing on tougher difficulty levels. The storyline is gripping, filled with memorable characters that bring the world to life with some top-notch graphics.