Summary
God of War Ragnarokdelivered an exciting surprise announcement at The 2023 Game Awards. While it was initially doubtful going into the show whether fans would get any news regarding the next step in Kratos' and Atreus' journey, early into this year’s event, atrailer forGod of War Ragnarok’supcomingValhalla DLCwas shown as one of TGA’s many world premiers. In its brief running time, Kratos appears to be battling various enemies across some familiar-looking locales.
More specifically, it seems likeGod of WarRagnarok’sValhallaDLC will follow a recent trend seen in some of Sony’s other properties. Similar toThe Last of Us 2Remastered’s No Return mode, the DLC looks like it will be a roguelike experience, possibly giving players challenges akin to the Muspelheim arena from the main campaign. Though roguelike modes don’t normally contain major plot advancements, it is not outside the realm of possibility that Santa Monica will use this opportunity to shape a narrative that may set the stage for a long-rumored half-sequel.
God of War Ragnarok’s ValhallaDLC will be free and is a roguelike mode with possible story components. It will be available on Tuesday, December 12, for PS4 and PS5.
How God of War Ragnarok’s Roguelike Valhalla DLC Could Connect to a Possible Half-Sequel
God of War Ragnarokis viewed by many fans as the pinnacle of Santa Monica’s work to date with the franchise. Its epic tale left fans craving to see where it would go next from the moment the credits rolled. While significant parts of the story were concluded, it then saw the father and son duo separating, with Atreus setting off on his own path following the climatic clash against Odin and his forces. Kratos himself was left in a state of limbo, staying behind to pick up the pieces in the aftermath along with Freya and the other survivors of Ragnarök, while accepting Atreus needed time and space to process and move forward alone.
WithGod of War Ragnarok’s ending being left open, many fans assumed there would be some type of content update regarding the next leg of the tale to bridge the gap before the full third entry in the current Norse cycle. TheValhallaDLC, then, could be a way of depicting Kratos dealing with being apart from Atreus for an extended period, directing his returning anger and frustration at waves of enemies in a roguelike context.
What God of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla DLC Might Entail
One important detail seen in the trailer forGod of War Ragnarok’sValhallaDLCis that Kratos appears to be traveling alone, making it possible that the DLC takes place after the main campaign. Mimir also seems to be still faithfully accompanying him. While the experience could be framed as a side adventure between the events of the existing plot, if it is set after the main story, Atreus’s absence will presumably have to be mentioned to some degree, if not fully explained.
Even if the above ends up not being the case, andValhallacontains no new narrative elements, fans will perhaps still be given a preview of what might be in store for the next release in other ways. The DLC might introduce new enemy types and mechanics, or see some ofGod of War Ragnarok’s familiar foesreturn with a fresh spin. Whatever Santa Monica may have in store for players inValhalla, gamers won’t have to wait long to find out, as its release is mere days away.
