The Unforgettable Norse Element God of War Must Keep in Its Next Installment

The God of War franchise has evolved significantly since its initial hack-and-slash release on the PS2. Kratos, known for his relentless anger towards the Greek gods, has now become a father figure in the Norse mythology realm, leading to the maturity and growth of the character and series. This evolution has resulted in the production of exceptional games over the past five years, including 2018's God of War and 2022's God of War Ragnarok, which have garnered praise from both fans and critics. Now, all attention is focused on the next move by Santa Monica Studio, as many anticipate a shift to another renowned mythological setting.

Santa Monica Studio has announced that God of War Ragnarok marks the conclusion of the franchise's Norse Era. While the upcoming location for the next installment remains unconfirmed, fan theories primarily suggest an Egyptian mythology theme. Numerous mythologies are viable options at this stage, but the key aspect for any future sequel is how it effectively incorporates the chosen mythology into its gameplay. Santa Monica Studio demonstrated their exceptional ability to translate core elements of Norse mythology into captivating gameplay, and one particular feature should undoubtedly be retained regardless of the setting.

The Next God Of War Should Keep Endgame Bosses

The Norse Era of God of War, starting with the 2018 installment, introduced significant changes to the franchise. Notably, the gameplay shifted from hack-and-slash to a more nuanced experience, accompanied by redesigned boss fights. These endgame bosses in God of War and its upcoming sequel, Ragnarok, pose a formidable challenge to even the most skilled players. They serve as highlights of the Norse Era, setting it apart from the previous trilogy and creating a consistent theme throughout each entry.

In God of War, the Valkyries, Odin's envoys responsible for guiding worthy warriors to Valhalla, take on the role of these formidable bosses. However, a curse placed by Odin himself has driven them to madness, making their defeat an act of mercy. Conquering these Valkyries is no small task, particularly when facing Valkyrie Queen Sigrun, who presents one of the most challenging boss battles in recent gaming history. In Ragnarok, players will encounter a similar challenge in the form of the Berserkers, spectral warriors who fulfill a nearly identical endgame role as the Valkyries. Just like their counterparts, they provide an equally demanding and intense fight for Kratos and Atreus.

Santa Monica Studio's next entry in God of War has the potential to bring exciting reinventions, but one element that should be retained from the Norse Era is the challenging endgame bosses. Unlike many games today that rely on DLCs and live-service features, God of War stands out by offering a more complete experience. However, once the main story is finished, there is a lack of endgame content. The Valkyries and Berserkers provided players with worthwhile goals to strive for, even if they seemed impossible at times. Removing them would mean losing a key aspect that made the Norse Era so beloved by gamers.

Though it will likely be a while before any official news about a new God of War game is released, fans can only hope that Santa Monica Studio chooses to carry over more elements from the Norse Era than not. Whether the game takes the players to Egypt or not, there is great potential for introducing new endgame bosses that enhance the overall experience and provide a satisfying challenge for those who actively seek it. While these elements may be considered supplemental, God of War and Ragnarok have shown that even the smallest details can make a significant impact.

God of War Ragnarok is available now on the PS4 and PS5.