Highlights

  • God of War's Valhalla DLC gave Kratos closure and could be hinting at Atreus taking the lead in the next game.
  • Atreus' development suggests a potential half-sequel with him as the main character as Kratos guides from the sidelines.
  • The dual-protagonist approach in Ragnarok sets up Atreus for his own story while Kratos transitions into a new role.

God of War brought the Norse arc to a thrilling crescendo with Ragnarok, leaving many players to wonder where the story will be headed now. Following the events of Ragnarok, God of War has left the road ahead of Kratos and Atreus wide open with possibility. However, one of last year's most exciting releases happened in the form of a surprise-free expansion for Ragnarok. The Valhalla DLC gave Kratos some long-awaited closure in accepting himself, and this could actually be hinting at where the franchise is heading.

With the battle of Ragnarok over, it feels as though God of War's Norse saga has come to an end. With Kratos seemingly ready to move on to something new while Atreus is off searching for more Giants, it now feels clear that God of War will be changing its setting once again. For a DLC, Valhalla bringing Kratos inner peace was a major piece of character development, and this may be a sign that Atreus is about to take up the mantle in the next mainline game.

God of War Ragnarok Valhalla DLC Greece
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God of War Is Setting Up Atreus' Next Chapter

Atreus has come a long way since he was first introduced back in 2018. One of the biggest rumors swirling around the God of War franchise is the potential release of a half-sequel starring Atreus. It's still unsure whether a half-sequel will happen or not, but Kratos' place in the Valhalla DLC shows that Atreus may actually be ready for a full-length game.

Kratos In Valhalla Sets The Stage For Atreus' Journey

Although Valhalla was completely focused on Kratos, it may be putting everything in place for Atreus to star in the next chapter. Kratos now accepts his role as a god, which means the character's longevity may be dwindling. After all these years, it's great to see Kratos finally come to terms with himself, but there isn't much room for the character to grow from here on out. Valhalla teased a bright future for Kratos, but his role as the main character feels like it's nearing completion.

Ultimately, Ragnarok felt like a transition. The first chapter of the Norse saga in 2018 had players only playing as Kratos, but that changed in Ragnarok. The sequel featured both Kratos and Atreus in playable roles, and although this could have just been a way to further the story, it also feels rather symbolic. Kratos and Atreus parting ways at the end demonstrates that Atreus is now ready to go out on his own to tell his own story. The dual-protagonist approach to Ragnarok could have been a clever way to get players used to playing mainly as Atreus all along.

God of War's Future Role For Kratos

If Atreus is about to take up the mantle and carry the franchise into the future, Kratos doesn't need to completely disappear. Instead, Kratos could act as a guide and mentor for Atreus in the same way he always has been, just from the sidelines. If the next God of War focuses on Atreus' journey, Kratos could eventually join, but as a companion instead.

There's also the question of how much time will pass between the events of Ragnarok and the next chapter. A fascinating approach would be to showcase a fully grown and mature Atreus in the driver's seat while Kratos settles into his age and takes on a new role as a wise teacher. Seeing Kratos handing off the torch to his son would be a heavy, emotional moment that could give Kratos a happy ending while continuing the legacy of God of War.