Should You Play GoW Before Ragnarok?
The God of War franchise has undergone a significant transformation with the release of God of War (2018) and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok. The new games offer a fresh start for fans and newcomers alike, making it a great time to dive into the series. However, for those who have already played the previous games, the question remains: is it necessary to play God of War before diving into Ragnarok?
Short Answer: No, It’s Not Necessary to Play GoW Before Ragnarok
While the games are connected, Ragnarok can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. The developers have ensured that the game is designed to be accessible to new players, with a story that is easy to follow and understand. Kratos’ backstory and previous games are not essential knowledge to enjoy Ragnarok, so you can jump right in without worrying about being left behind.
What Happens in God of War (2018)
For those who may be new to the franchise or haven’t played the previous games, here’s a brief summary of God of War (2018):
- The game is a soft reboot of the franchise, set many years after the events of the original God of War trilogy.
- Kratos has left his Greek past behind and now lives in the land of the Norse gods, Midgard.
- The game follows Kratos’ journey as he attempts to reconnect with his son, Atreus, after the death of his wife, Faye.
- The story explores themes of grief, father-son relationships, and Kratos’ struggle to come to terms with his past.
What Happens in God of War Ragnarok
God of War Ragnarok picks up where the previous game left off:
- Kratos and Atreus are on a quest to spread their wife and mother’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms.
- However, their journey is disrupted by the gods, who are gearing up for the events of Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse.
- The game delves deeper into Norse mythology, introducing new gods and characters, while exploring the themes of family, legacy, and the power of the gods.
Benefits of Playing God of War (2018) Before Ragnarok
While not necessary, playing God of War (2018) before Ragnarok can enhance your experience in several ways:
- Context and Backstory: God of War (2018) provides valuable context for the events of Ragnarok. Understanding Kratos’ backstory and his relationships with the gods can add depth to the story and characters.
- Character Development: The first game allows players to see Kratos in a more vulnerable and introspective state, making his character development in Ragnarok more impactful.
- Norse Mythology: God of War (2018) introduces players to the world of Norse mythology, making the references and allusions in Ragnarok more meaningful and accessible.
Conclusion
While playing God of War (2018) before Ragnarok can enhance your experience, it is not necessary to enjoy the game. The developers have ensured that the story is designed to be accessible to new players, and the game can be enjoyed as a standalone experience. If you’re new to the franchise or haven’t played the previous games, you can still enjoy Ragnarok without worrying about being left behind. However, if you do decide to play God of War (2018) first, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the characters and world, making Ragnarok an even more satisfying experience.
Comparison Table: God of War (2018) vs God of War Ragnarok
| God of War (2018) | God of War Ragnarok | |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Introduces Kratos’ backstory and Norse mythology | Explores Kratos’ relationships with the gods and the events of Ragnarok |
| Setting | Midgard, the land of the Norse gods | Midgard, the land of the Norse gods |
| Characters | Introduces Kratos and Atreus | Expands on Kratos and Atreus, introduces new characters and gods |
| Tone | More serious and introspective | Balances action and drama, explores themes of family and legacy |
| Necessary to Play | No, but enhances experience | No, but enhances experience |
Final Thoughts
God of War Ragnarok is an excellent starting point for new players and a thrilling continuation for those who have played the previous games. Whether you’ve played God of War (2018) or not, Ragnarok offers a captivating story, engaging characters, and intense action. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of God of War and experience the thrill of Ragnarok for yourself!