Unlock the Secrets of The Next God of War Game: Side Quests That Surpass the 'Weight of Chains'

Highlights

The Weight of Chains in God of War Ragnarok is an exceptional side quest that exemplifies the game's unique setting and premise.

The quest's captivating plot, innovative mechanics, and compelling narrative greatly enhance the overall gaming experience. It strikes a perfect balance in its storytelling, delving into the protagonist's past and serving as a crucial stepping stone towards their redemption arc. All in all, it is a remarkable addition to the game.

God of War Ragnarok offers a plethora of unique and exciting side content. However, there is one particular side mission that perfectly captures the essence of the game's setting and premise. Santa Monica Studio would be wise to take inspiration from The Weight of Chains when it comes to designing well-developed and meaningful side quests.

While the side content in the 2018 installment of God of War was noteworthy, the side quests in God of War Ragnarok have significantly raised the bar. Not only is there more content available, but it is also more memorable and mechanically intriguing. Moving forward, regardless of how the franchise evolves and what fan expectations may be, it is crucial to continue building and enhancing the side content. The Weight of Chains serves as an excellent reference for achieving this.

Why The Weight of Chains is the Blueprint for a Great Side Quest

Whether The Weight of Chains stands out as the best side quest in God of War Ragnarok is purely subjective. However, it undeniably serves as a prime example of what a top-notch side quest should entail within the game's world. The Weight of Chains manages to captivate players due to its unique and refreshing gameplay mechanics, unexpected twists and turns, and most importantly, its ability to enhance the game's overall narrative and character development. Despite its lengthy nature, the quest never feels like a waste of time, as it maintains a well-paced progression and consistently provides captivating storytelling that rivals that of the game's main plotline.

The Weight of Chains achieves a harmonious balance in terms of its narrative design. Rather than diverting attention from God of War's main storyline, it seamlessly presents a mini-narrative that directly ties into one of the key characters in the player's party. Initially unassuming, the quest begins when the player stumbles upon an island in Svartalfheim, engaging in standard exploration and navigating through environmental puzzles.

Mimir's peculiar behavior revolves around his obsession with obtaining a special key. Little did they know, the so-called "island" they were on was actually a colossal whale-like creature that Mimir had assisted in capturing years ago. Consumed by guilt for his part in imprisoning the creature, Mimir implores Kratos and Atreus to set it free, thus becoming the primary objective of their quest.

Similar to the intense Berserker fights in God of War Ragnarok, The Weight of Chains offers more than just an entertaining gameplay segment driven by novelty. The quest's storyline directly correlates with Mimir's past as an agent of Odin and his yearning for redemption. By relating his own experience of imprisonment to that of the creature, he vividly demonstrates the extent of his personal growth.

While not essential to the overall narrative of God of War Ragnarok, The Weight of Chains adds intrigue and relatability to the story. The game focuses on progression and creating a better future, and this selfless mission of liberating the creature allows the characters to demonstrate their desire for change in an unexpected and enjoyable way. Furthermore, the quest offers players the opportunity to delve deeper into the character of Mimir, a peripheral figure. These elements greatly contribute to the excellence of The Weight of Chains as a captivating side quest, prompting Santa Monica to employ similar storytelling and game design principles in the sequel of the game. God of War Ragnarok is now available on both PS4 and PS5.