Do I Need to Play God of War Before Ragnarök?
The God of War series has undergone significant changes since its debut on the PlayStation 2, and the 2018 game, God of War, marked a major revamp for the franchise. The upcoming sequel, God of War Ragnarök, is highly anticipated, leaving many wondering if they need to play the previous game to fully appreciate the new installment. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Norse mythology and explore whether you should play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök.
What is God of War Ragnarök?
God of War Ragnarök is an upcoming action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio. It is the sequel to the 2018 God of War game and serves as a continuation of Kratos’ journey through the world of Norse mythology. The game takes place many years after the events of the previous game and revolves around Kratos and Atreus’ quest to prevent the end of the world, Ragnarök, which is prophesied to destroy the nine worlds of Norse mythology.
Do I Need to Play God of War Before Ragnarök?
In a nutshell, no, you don’t necessarily need to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök. Here’s why:
- Ragnarök is a standalone game: God of War Ragnarök is designed to be a self-contained story, with a standalone narrative that doesn’t heavily rely on the previous game. You can jump straight into Ragnarök without needing to play the 2018 game.
- Recap and Summary: The game includes a helpful recap of the previous story, so you can catch up on the events and characters without needing to have played the 2018 game.
- Accessible Story: The game’s story is designed to be accessible to new players, with a focus on establishing the characters and world of Norse mythology. You don’t need to have extensive knowledge of the series to enjoy Ragnarök.
However, playing God of War (2018) may still enhance your experience and provide additional context:
- Deeper Character Insights: Playing the 2018 game will give you a deeper understanding of Kratos and Atreus’ characters, as well as their relationships and backstories. This can enhance your emotional investment in their journey and the events of Ragnarök.
- Familiarity with Norse Mythology: God of War (2018) introduced players to the world of Norse mythology, its gods, and its realms. Playing the 2018 game will help you better understand the context of Ragnarök and its ties to Norse mythology.
- Increased Appreciation: Playing the 2018 game will give you a greater appreciation for the progression of Kratos and Atreus’ journey and the world of Norse mythology, making the events of Ragnarök more impactful.
Key Differences Between the Two Games
To further illustrate the differences between the two games, here is a comparison of their narrative structures, gameplay mechanics, and settings:
| Aspect | God of War (2018) | God of War Ragnarök |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative | Linear story with a strong focus on character development and world-building | More focused on the events leading up to Ragnarök, with a greater emphasis on world-saving and epic battles |
| Gameplay | Third-person action-adventure with an emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving | More action-packed with a greater emphasis on combat and exploration in open-world environments |
| Setting | Based on Greek mythology, set in a mysterious, dark world | Set in the world of Norse mythology, with a greater emphasis on the nine worlds and the gods of Norse mythology |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s not necessary to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök, doing so will certainly enhance your experience and provide additional context. If you’re new to the series, you can jump into Ragnarök without feeling left behind, as the game is designed to be self-contained. However, playing the 2018 game will give you a deeper understanding of the characters and world, making the events of Ragnarök more impactful and emotionally resonant. Ultimately, the choice to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök depends on your individual preferences and gaming habits.
