Warning: Minor spoilers ahead for God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla.While manyGod of War Ragnarokplayers could end up focusing on the addicting roguelike gameplay offered within the freeValhallaDLC, story lovers also have plenty to take in, including some small details. As great asValhalla’s cutscenes and dialogue may be,God of War Ragnarokfans who are missing Atreus will want to take a look at Kratos’ journal.
UnlikeThe Last of Us 2’s No Return mode, which is also a roguelike,God of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla offers plenty of storytelling. The DLC essentially serves as a therapy session for Kratos, as he juggles with a big request from Freya that forces him to tackle his past. This leads to some memorable gameplay and narrative moments where aspects of the Greek saga appear, and throughout the DLC fans will hear some exceptional dialogue where Kratos ponders whether he can truly be redeemed. However, self-doubt is not all he is feeling.
A series of journal entries highlighted by Reddit user Kai_the_Mongoose show just how hard Kratos has been hit by Atreus leaving his side. Whilethe Ghost of Spartahas grown to be far less stoic in the Norse saga, the level of emotion in these journal entries takes things to another level. With some commenters mentioning that the entries made them want to cry, as they show Kratos’ loneliness while also serving as something that parents of older children will find relatable, the journal is something that players should not forget to check whenever they acquire a new entry.
What makes the journal entries so special is not only how well-written they are, as Kratos refers to Atreus as “you” as if he is speaking directly to his son, but their subtlety. Players are likely to miss these Atreus references because they are not made obvious through an entry like “To Atreus” or “To My Son,” but are instead spread throughout journal entries that should have nothing to do withAtreus. Kratos thinking about Atreus when he is meant to be talking about Mimir, Freya, or even a creature like a Dreki makes for a powerful bit of storytelling on Santa Monica’s part.
As for what is next for Atreus, many fans are hoping that the rumors of aGod of Warhalf-sequelwill turn out to be true. Atreus’ mission to find the other Giants is something that could undoubtedly support a standalone game, as his journey could take him throughout the Norse realms or even into another mythology. With Kratos getting his own epilogue throughValhalla, it only makes sense for the series’ other protagonist to get his own bit of content before reuniting with his father.
Until fans get some official information on theGod of Warfranchise’s future, they can continue to playRagnarokand the other games in the series. Thanks tohighly replayable content likeValhalla, players should have no problem keeping busy until that time.
God of War Ragnarok
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Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
