The Mind-Blowing Twist behind Atreus' Shapeshifting in God of War Ragnarok

Highlights

Atreus' shapeshifting abilities in God of War: Ragnarok may have come from his father, Kratos, according to a new theory from a fan.

Atreus is believed to have acquired his powers from Zeus, the Greek mythological god known for his ability to change shape. If Atreus were to star in a God of War spinoff, his shapeshifting skills could greatly enhance the combat gameplay, adding a dynamic and fast-paced element.

A new theory regarding Atreus' shapeshifting abilities in God of War: Ragnarok has surfaced, adding an intriguing and complex element to his character. Throughout the game, Atreus displayed the ability to transform into various creatures such as bears and wolves, primarily for combat purposes. However, this new theory suggests that these abilities may be linked to Kratos' lineage.

Released last year, the sequel to the 2018 game received widespread acclaim from critics and has already sold over eleven million copies as of February 2023. God of War: Ragnarok's captivating storyline has been recognized as one of the best of 2022, prompting ongoing discussions and the discovery of hidden details. Among these revelations, one particular detail has sparked speculation and given rise to this fresh theory surrounding Atreus' extraordinary abilities.

Atreus, like some Aesir gods, possesses the ability to shapeshift in God of War: Ragnarok, but the origin of this power remains unclear. A Reddit user named Traveler548 suggests that it may have come from his father, Kratos. In the game, Angrboda mentions that shapeshifting is not commonly associated with giants, but she sees the potential value in it. The Reddit user also notes that Zeus, in Greek mythology, had the ability to shapeshift, implying that Atreus might have inherited it from his godly lineage.

Prior to the game's release, there was much speculation that Kratos' son would take on the role of the franchise's protagonist. Although this did not come to pass, some argue that Atreus could play a leading role in a God of War spinoff or successor in some capacity. The developer has not yet confirmed the direction of the franchise's future. If Atreus were to take on a central role, it is likely that his shapeshifting abilities would heavily impact the combat gameplay.

Atreus' combat sections in God of War: Ragnarok were often seen as the weakest aspect, even though he had several standout moments. These sections typically interrupted interactions with characters like Odin, as Atreus attempted to uncover the Allfather's intentions. To streamline the gameplay and increase the pace of combat, giving Atreus the power to shapeshift was a crucial addition. Interestingly, according to one Reddit user, it is possible that his abilities were inherited from the gods of Kratos' homeland rather than his mother's lineage.

Experience God of War: Ragnarok on both PS4 and PS5 now.