Santa Monica Studio's God Of War Ragnarok stands as one of PlayStation's classic titles, and this is evident within the massive amounts of high praise and reception it has received since its release. It managed to subvert many fans' expectations with surprising yet suitable ends to characters' journeys, and a conclusion to the overarching story from 2018's title.
Given the ending of the game and some of the events that unfold in the lead-up to its final sequence, Santa Monica Studio has given itself an opportunity to provide an extension to Ragnarok through DLC or a new title entirely.
Warning: Major God Of War Ragnarok spoilers. Read at your own risk...
5 Atreus Giant Search
With Ragnarok seeing a surprising end with both Kratos and Atreus surviving, it still contained a bittersweet sequence. Due to all the prophecies, and Atreus as Loki being responsible for the giants, he leaves on his own journey to form his own path without his father which is conveyed in an emotional scene. The beginning of this journey would more than likely be concentrated on Atreus's search for the giants, after Asgard and Odin's defeat, which ends the Norse saga and the main threat both characters faced.
This would be the perfect opportunity for a DLC or a new series without Kratos, as some feel that his story has ended, and Atreus has become a likable and reliable character to handle things on his own. God Of War Ragnarok was heavily focused on this character's coming of age as there were often scenarios where players would be following his separate path while in disagreement with Kratos. A new title could extend this, and allow for not only a new location with multiple different realms, but it would also contain the opportunity to delve into more character development as he ages.
4 Adult Atreus
If Santa Monica Studio decides to wait for several years before a new God Of War installment, it will be perfect for a story that revolves around a grown-up Atreus. Considering Atreus's voice and motion capture actor Sunny Suljic's age, creating a DLC or a new game in an attempt of conveying an older and more adult Atreus, may not be as convincing. With Ragnarok releasing 4 years after God Of War (2018), many fans would expect a similar waiting time or even longer considering Ragnarok standing as a conclusion to the Norse saga.
Whilst doing this earlier than most will expect may add complications to performance portrayals, it does not mean it is completely impossible for creators and Santa Monica Studio to implement. Just as many players grew up playing with Kratos and his path of vengeance to now a change of character for the better, the same can be done with Atreus in greater quantity considering the character's young age between 2018's game and Ragnarok.
3 Kratos Becoming A Loved God
Instead of many fans' anticipation of Kratos' death by the end of Ragnarok, Kratos witnesses a prophecy that shows him a path many would not have expected. Rather than dying in the war in Atreus' arms, the prophecy showcases a Kratos being worshiped and loved by many, even suggesting Kratos eventually becoming the new 'all-father' after Odin's death. A sequel could include the events that would play out on the way to this prophecy coming to fruition, and perhaps involve an expansion on Kratos and Freya's newfound companionship.
Despite this, it is unlikely this would occur as Ragnarok gave fans a feeling of Kratos' storyline coming to an end and this would be evident in the developer's attempts to have players become accustomed to Atreus' gameplay and story sequences.
2 Atreus vs Sindri
With the final act of God Of War Ragnarok including the death of Brok at the hands of Odin disguised as Tyr, Sindri's anger and frustrations were directed at both Kratos and Atreus. Although neither of the two characters caused Brok's death, Sindri still holds the two accountable given the amount of trouble and confrontation that follows them. Sindri's anger towards Atreus in particular was very evident, as his behavior became more akin to one of anger and rage which is very unlike the Sindri fans are familiar with.
It feels very similar to the frustrations Freya held for Kratos at the end of 2018's game except for Kratos not being the one to kill his brother. Whilst it's pretty obvious that Sindri would not stand much of a chance against Atreus let alone Kratos, it has shaped up another title to contain Sindri as a potential antagonist regardless.
1 Atreus & Angrboda
Despite Atreus going on his own path alone at the end of Ragnarok, the chances of both him crossing paths with Angrboda sooner than later are highly likely. The pair were set up to be love interests throughout the game, and many players would have made assumptions that a time skip would have occurred during the game if Kratos did end up dying. Since this wasn't the case, it would be reasonable to suggest that Angrboda will eventually join Atreus in the aftermath of his search for the giants.
With the lack of confirmation of a new title, DLC, or new series, fans can only speculate at this current moment as to what Santa Monica Studio has next in store for Kratos and Atreus.
God Of War Ragnarok is now available on PlayStation.