Summary
Fans ofGod of War Ragnarokgot a pleasant surprise in the form of last year’s free ValhallaDLC, which offered a surprising amount of new narrative and gameplay content. The DLC is essentially an epilogue for the base game and while it does a lot to further Kratos' character development, it should also serve as the last outing for the famous hero, paving the way forotherGod of Warprotagonists.
The ValhallaDLC, despite being a mode that’s wholly disconnected from progression inGod of War Ragnarok’s main campaign, serves up classic roguelike gameplay within a relevant narrative context. The story of the expansion sees Kratos reckoning with his past and coming to terms with his violent and often immoral actions. Valhallais basically intensive psychotherapy for Kratos, ending with him accepting who he has been and who he has become over the course of the past two games. This finale is a moving, fitting conclusion to Kratos' story, and Santa Monica should refrain from pulling him into a leading role in the next game.
Kratos Needs To Be Past Fighting After God of War Ragnarok’s Vallhala DLC
Kratos Has a New Life After Valhalla
Kratos has committed a number ofunsavory acts throughout theGod of Warseries, and his actions in the previous two games are a reaction to his checkered past, in many ways. He makes certain decisions, like his reluctance to inform Atreus of his godhood in 2018’sGod of War, out of fear, as he doesn’t want to relapse into his old life of violence or begin a new cycle of murder and warfare.
Who he kills, who he spares, and how he treats those around him in these games is also informed by this shameful view of himself.
He strives to repent and redeem himself but he never truly faces his guilt and shame until Valhalla. When his journey in the DLC is over, he is more at peace with himself and ready to accept Freya’s offer to take Tyr’s place as the Norse God of War. This could set the stagefor a newGod of Wargamestarring Kratos back in his old role, but it shouldn’t, as putting Kratos back into battle would undermine his Norse Saga character arc as punctuated by Valhalla.Instead, Kratos should move forward as a pacifist.
How Kratos Could Be Portrayed in the Next God of War
It’s been speculated that Atreus will lead the nextGod of Wargame, and this speculation seems to be supported by the conclusion ofGod of War Ragnarok. Even if this ends up being the case, it’s probable thatotherGod of Warcharacters, including Kratos, will appear in future entries. If Kratos does show up in the next games, Santa Monica might feel tempted to make him a playable character. That said, this should be avoided unless his playable sections are devoid of combat entirely.
InGod of War2018,Ragnarok, and the ValhallaDLC, it seems like Kratos is slowly transitioning into the role of a mentor or wizened guide. After Valhalla, Kratos ought to complete this transformation, becoming a non-combatant character altogether. He can still play a role in the story, perhaps guiding Atreus in his solo adventure or providing tactical or strategic support from afar. Anything else simply wouldn’t make sense for the character and could make the narrative of all theGod of Wargames feel inconsequential.
