God of War Ragnarok is out now on PS4 and PS5, and the story is set just a few years after the events of God of War (2018). It’s been nearly half a decade since the game was released, so it’s time to dust off those cobwebs and get a refresher. If you’d rather avoid playing the game all over again, here’s 10 things you should know before starting God of War Ragnarok.
While it has been four years since God of War released on PS4 (and that’s plenty of time for you to have played it!), we thought it best to give you a spoiler warning before we proceed any further. We’re going to be summarizing the major plot points of the first game so you’re all up-to-speed and ready for the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus’ adventure. If you’re using Ragnarok’s release as an opportunity to finally catch up with the series, then you might want to turn back now.
Faye is Dead
The continuation of Kratos’ story picks up after the death of his wife, Faye, revealing that he eventually found some level of peace and even had another child named Atreus. It’s unclear as to how she died, but her death brings Kratos, who’s been a bit of an absent father, and Atreus closer.
Before Faye died, she had a request, her final wish: spread her ashes from the highest peak in all the realms. The journey strengthens the bonds between father and son while also simultaneously unearthing a few of Faye’s secrets, such as her handprints guiding the way.
After Baldur’s Death, Freya Is Out For Blood
Freya may be the goddess of love and fertility, but she doesn’t look so loving in the trailers for God of War Ragnarok. Of course, there’s a very good reason for it: Baldur, her son, is dead, and Kratos killed him with the help of Atreus.
Freya went to great lengths to protect Baldur from death, an end that she and Odin foresaw. Due to a flaw in Freya’s spell, Baldur’s immunity was broken, and he was finally capable of dying. Despite Kratos’ decision to protect Freya, she doesn’t see it that way and promises to “rain down every agony” on Kratos.
Thor Will Want Revenge
Thor is a perfect example of what godhood can do to you if your urges and actions aren’t tempered with a good mind. Though we haven’t interacted with Thor yet, we do learn some of his deeds, and they aren’t exactly heroic; in fact, according to Mimir, Thor is a “fat dobber” and a “sweaty ballbag.”
With the death of Magni and Modi, Thor has all the reasons he needs to start swinging at Kratos Atreus, not out of justice or love for his sons, but because it’s a slight against Thor. Many of the stories pertaining to Thor have him come off as incredibly violent for merely being inconvenient.
Atreus Is Not the Last Frost Giant
As Kratos and Atreus’ journey comes to an end, more of Faye’s secrets are uncovered, painted on the empty halls of Jotunheim. At the highest peak in all the realms, Kratos and Atreus witness the fate of the frost giants: killed by the Aesir gods.
One would quickly presume Atreus is the last of the Jotnar, the frost giants, but that’s not the case. They’re certainly near extinction, but Atreus, Angrboda, Jormungandr, Fenrir, Skoll, Hati, and even Thor are characters that are still part of the Jotunnn race.