Why God of War Ragnarok’s Sequel Being a Kratos Game Isn’t Off the Table

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Why God of War Ragnarok's Sequel Being a Kratos Game Isn't Off the Table

As a dedicated fan who’s journeyed alongside Kratos through the blood-soaked realms of Greek and Norse mythology, I can’t help but feel a bit skeptical about the prospect of Atreus taking the spotlight in future God of War installments. Don’t get me wrong, I love the kid, but the franchise is named God of War, not Son of God of War, for a reason!

It’s widely believed that Atreus could be the protagonist in the next God of War game, considering how the ending of God of War Ragnarok suggests this and because he was playable for significant parts of that game. This potential change could significantly alter both the gameplay and storyline of God of War, and not all fans are excited about Kratos potentially being replaced. However, it’s important to note that Atreus taking the spotlight is not a certainty yet.

It would certainly be unusual and challenging for Kratos to step back and become a secondary character after God of War Ragnarok, given that the series is named God of War, not God of Mischief or Son of God of War (though an Atreus-led spin-off with that title might not be too far off). From a branding perspective, Kratos’ journey has been deeply intertwined with the franchise’s broader narrative. His raw power, rage, and primal ferocity have shaped the series’ intense combat style. While change is generally beneficial, God of War would need to alter many key elements if Atreus were to take over as the main character. Given Kratos’ central role in the series, it might be simpler to keep him as the protagonist, and there’s certainly room for that to continue happening.

God of War Ragnarok Leaves the Door Open for Kratos to Return as the Player-Character

The Valhalla DLC Is God of War Ragnarok’s True Ending

In God of War Ragnarok’s conclusion, it appears that Atreus might become the primary character. However, the Valhalla expansion offers an alternate direction for the series moving forward. Although Kratos seems to be settling his past wrongdoings and assuming Tyr’s vacant role as the Norse God of War, this could be seen as a retirement from combat. Yet, it also ensures that he remains at the heart of the story in the near future. Contrary to popular belief, Kratos isn’t retreating to a secluded cabin for a tranquil retirement; instead, he’s choosing to stay engaged with the events happening in the Norse realms.

It’s reasonable to think that, as long as Kratos is still alive, he could potentially reappear as the main character again.

In a new spin on the series, Atreus might explore the world seeking the remaining Giants, but Kratos could continue as the primary character in future installments, staying within the Norse realms and continuing his noble struggle. This approach seems advantageous for marketing, image, and potentially development (as Santa Monica Studios could leverage assets and characters from the last two games), but it also offers significant opportunities to expand the God of War formula.

The Pros and Cons of Keeping Kratos as God of War’s Main Character

In numerous aspects, it’s undeniable that Kratos is the central figure in the God of War series, making his continued presence a smart choice for both narrative and fan appeal. However, fans are eager for something fresh, not just a repetition of past games. If a sequel titled Ragnarok were to focus on Kratos instead of Atreus, it would need to capitalize on key story elements such as his new role as the Norse God of War, to craft an engaging and distinct narrative. This is feasible given the rich opportunities for innovative plot developments that these fresh circumstances present.

Currently, it’s widely believed that for now and possibly in the future, Atreus will step into the shoes of the God of War character. This assumption is backed by several reasons. Firstly, Atreus is younger and is still learning about his godhood, which means there’s more room for him to grow compared to Kratos in certain aspects. Secondly, his unique combat style that leans heavily on magic could lead to more innovative gameplay experiences. While Kratos might have the capacity to continue leading the series, whether he would be a more engaging character choice than Atreus is yet to be determined.

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2024-11-19 23:09