Do You Need to Play God of War Before Ragnarok?
The God of War series has been a beloved franchise for many years, and the latest installment, God of War (2018), received widespread critical acclaim. The success of the game led to the announcement of a sequel, God of War Ragnarok, which is scheduled to release in 2022. As a new player, you might be wondering if you need to play the previous game before diving into Ragnarok. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you decide.
Short Answer: No, You Don’t Need to Play God of War (2018) Before Ragnarok
While playing the previous game can enhance your experience and provide some background information, it’s not necessary to play God of War (2018) before playing Ragnarok. The story of Ragnarok is designed to be a standalone experience, and you can jump right into the new game without any prior knowledge of the series.
Why is God of War Ragnarok a Standalone Game?
God of War Ragnarok’s story is self-contained, and the game’s developers, Santa Monica Studio, have ensured that new players can easily pick up the game without any prior knowledge of the series. Here are some reasons why Ragnarok is designed to be a standalone experience:
• New Storyline: God of War Ragnarok features a brand-new storyline that takes place several years after the events of the previous game. The story is designed to be accessible to new players, and you won’t miss out on any crucial plot points if you haven’t played the previous game.
• New Characters: While some characters from the previous game return, God of War Ragnarok introduces new characters that are designed to be easily understandable to new players. You won’t need to have prior knowledge of the characters’ backstories or motivations to enjoy the game.
• Gameplay Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics in Ragnarok are similar to those in the previous game, but the game also includes new features and improvements that make it accessible to new players. You won’t need to have prior experience with the game’s mechanics to enjoy the game.
What You’ll Miss Out On by Not Playing God of War (2018)
While it’s not necessary to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarok, playing the previous game can provide some benefits:
• Backstory and Context: Playing the previous game can provide valuable context and backstory for the characters and world of Ragnarok. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the mythology and lore of the series, which can enhance your experience.
• Emotional Investment: Playing the previous game can create an emotional connection with the characters, making their struggles and triumphs more impactful in Ragnarok. You’ll be more invested in their journey and the outcome of the story.
• Easter Eggs and References: God of War Ragnarok includes numerous Easter eggs and references to the previous game. Playing the previous game can help you spot these references and appreciate the attention to detail in the game’s design.
What You Can Do Instead
If you’re new to the series, you can skip playing God of War (2018) and focus on playing Ragnarok. Here are some alternatives to get you up to speed:
• Watch Summaries and Trailers: Watch summaries and trailers of the previous game to get a sense of the story and characters.
• Read Articles and Guides: Read articles and guides about the series to learn about the mythology and lore.
• Play Ragnarok’s Prologue: Ragnarok’s prologue includes a brief summary of the previous game’s story and sets the stage for the new game. You can play the prologue to get a sense of the story and characters before diving into the main game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while playing God of War (2018) before Ragnarok can enhance your experience, it’s not necessary to play the previous game to enjoy Ragnarok. The game is designed to be a standalone experience, and new players can easily pick up the game without any prior knowledge of the series. However, playing the previous game can provide valuable context and backstory, as well as create an emotional connection with the characters. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can decide which approach works best for you.
Table: Benefits of Playing God of War (2018) Before Ragnarok
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Backstory and Context | Gain a deeper understanding of the series’ mythology and lore |
Emotional Investment | Create an emotional connection with the characters |
Easter Eggs and References | Spot hidden references and Easter eggs in Ragnarok |
Bullet Points: What You’ll Miss Out On by Not Playing God of War (2018)
• Backstory and context
• Emotional investment
• Easter eggs and references
Bullet Points: Alternatives to Get You Up to Speed
• Watch summaries and trailers
• Read articles and guides
• Play Ragnarok’s prologue