Should I play Ragnarok first?

Should I Play Ragnarok First?

The God of War franchise has been thrilling gamers for decades, with its latest installment, God of War Ragnarök, being one of the most anticipated releases of 2022. As fans eagerly dive into the world of Kratos and his son Atreus, the question on everyone’s mind is: should I play Ragnarök first?

Direct Answer:
In short, you don’t need to play Ragnarök first. While God of War Ragnarök is the sequel to the 2018 game, it’s designed to be a standalone experience. The developers, Sony Santa Monica Studio, ensured that the new game is accessible to both newcomers and veterans alike.

Why It’s a Standalone Experience:

1. Recap Mechanism: God of War Ragnarök includes a comprehensive recap of the previous game’s story, ensuring that new players are caught up quickly.
2. Relevant Power Level: The game is designed to allow players to start at the beginning, even if they haven’t played the previous game. The recommended Power Level to start the game is 340.
3. New Storyline: While Ragnarök builds upon the narrative of the previous game, it introduces a fresh storyline with new characters, quests, and challenges.

Playing Ragnarök First: The Benefits:

1. Familiarity with the Series: Starting with Ragnarök means you’ll be more familiar with the series’ tone, mechanics, and character motivations.
2. Improved Understanding: Playing Ragnarök first can give you a better grasp of the world, lore, and story, making the sequel more enjoyable and impactful.
3. Higher Power Level: If you play Ragnarök first, you’ll have more experience points and a higher power level, which can make the initial stages of the new game easier to navigate.

Playing the Original God of War First: The Benefits:

1. Full Story Immersion: Playing the original God of War game first allows for a more immersive experience, as you’ll understand the characters and their motivations from the start.
2. Appreciation for Ragnarök: Having a deeper understanding of the series’ backstory and characters will enhance your appreciation for Ragnarök and its story.
3. Tighter Connection to the Characters: Playing the original game first can create a stronger emotional connection to Kratos, Atreus, and other characters, making their journeys more impactful.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the choice to play God of War Ragnarök first or start with the original God of War is up to you. While Ragnarök is designed to be standalone, playing the original game first can provide a deeper understanding of the series and its characters. Regardless of your approach, God of War Ragnarök is an exceptional game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Comparison Table:

Feel free to weigh the pros and cons for yourself. Whether you’re new to the series or a long-time fan, God of War Ragnarök is a must-play experience that you won’t want to miss.