Summary
There has been no confirmation yet about aGod of War Ragnaroksequel, but developer Santa Monica Studios has certainly hinted at it. With the story ofGod of War Ragnaroknow concluded,Kratos and Atreus' Norse saga has come to an end, but Santa Monica knows it would be leaving money on the table without a sequel. As such, a sequel can be expected. However, it’s possible a sequel won’t arrive until 2026 (based on the time gap betweenGod of War(2018) andGod of War Ragnarok), so fans will likely need to wait at least a couple more years to see the beloved story continue.
Wherever the story goes in the nextGod of Warinstallment, there is one major plot point it needs to avoid retreading. At this point, both 2018’sGod of WarandGod of War Ragnarokhave largely centered around the same narrative, although there are generally other side stories happening at the same time. The story thatGod of Warstarted in 2018,God of War Ragnarokseems to have finished, so there is little reason to go back to it at this point. Instead,God of War Ragnarok’s sequel should explore previously uncharted territory with its story, as long as it can do so while still producing a narrative as compelling as its predecessors.
God of War Ragnarok’s Sequel Needs to Avoid Kratos and Atreus' Relationship
Kratos and Atreus' Relationship Journey Was a Significant Focus in God of War and God of War Ragnarok
One of the most significant focuses of the rebootedGod of Warseries has been the relationship between Kratos and Atreus. From the first game in 2018, Kratos has had to learn how to be a loving father to his son, more than a harsh mentor with unrealistic expectations.Kratos referring to his own son as “boy"has been heavily memed since the first game’s release, but it is also very telling of his view of Atreus and their relationship. As Atreus grew older between the events ofGod of WarandGod of War Ragnarok, he began to butt heads with his father much more than he ever did before, simply due to exploring independence and becoming his own person. This was largely due to Kratos' personal journey, as it is primarily what has come between him and Atreus.
A large portion ofGod of War Ragnarok’s narrative then was about Kratos' growth, as he learned to forgive himself for his past and truly love his son. This was magnificently summed up inRagnarok’s free Valhalla DLC, which saw Kratos finally leaving his past behind and moving forward. As such, to focus again on the relational struggles between Kratos and Atreus in a sequel might feel like all of Kratos' character development throughoutRagnarokand its Valhalla DLC would be for nothing. Instead,God of War Ragnarok’s sequel should explore different narrative opportunities.
God of War Ragnarok’s Sequel Needs to Explore Different Narrative Opportunities
The heartbeat of theGod of Warreboot series' narrative is character development, so wherever it goes from here, it will need to make that a priority. However, with the relationship betweenKratos and Atreusnow sufficiently developed, the narrative will need to venture elsewhere to have the same impact it has had before.
Atreus is arguably a top pick for such a storysince he has never been on his own in the way that he is now, so there are likely plenty of compelling story opportunities where he is headed. Kratos, on the other hand, will need a companion that will create conflict with him if he is to develop any further. Whatever the case, the relational journey of Kratos and Atreus has been wrapped up with a pretty bow, and Santa Monica should avoid opening it up again.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
