In the expansive world of God of War Ragnarok, while the lure of the engaging roguelike gameplay in the Valhalla DLC may captivate many players, those with an affinity for the narrative have a wealth of enriching details to explore. Amidst the captivating cutscenes and dialogues in Valhalla, God of War Ragnarok aficionados yearning for Atreus can find solace in delving into Kratos’ journal.
In contrast to The Last of Us 2’s No Return mode, which also adopts a roguelike approach, Valhalla within God of War Ragnarok is brimming with storytelling. Acting as a form of therapy for Kratos, the DLC compels him to confront his past, spurred by a significant request from Freya. This introspection leads to poignant gameplay and narrative moments, subtly intertwining elements from the Greek saga. Throughout Valhalla, players are treated to exceptional dialogue, witnessing Kratos grapple with the possibility of redemption while confronting self-doubt and a profound sense of loss.
Highlighted by Reddit user Kai_the_Mongoose, a series of journal entries poignantly showcases the profound impact of Atreus’ absence on Kratos. These entries offer a glimpse into Kratos’ emotional state, revealing a depth of emotion that goes beyond his stoic demeanor in the Norse saga. The entries resonate deeply with some readers, evoking a desire to empathize with Kratos’ loneliness, particularly relatable to parents of older children. These journal entries serve as an emotional anchor and a poignant reminder for players to explore whenever new entries are obtained.
The significance of these journal entries lies not just in their well-crafted prose, where Kratos addresses Atreus as “you,” as though directly communicating with his son. Rather, it’s the subtlety of these references that makes them stand out. Kratos’ contemplation of Atreus, interwoven within entries ostensibly unrelated to his son—whether discussing Mimir, Freya, or even a creature like a Dreki—represents a masterful storytelling stroke by Santa Monica Studio.
Regarding Atreus’ future, speculation among fans revolves around rumors of a potential God of War half-sequel. Atreus’ quest to seek out the other Giants holds immense potential for a standalone game, with the prospect of his journey traversing the Norse realms or venturing into other mythologies. As Kratos finds closure through Valhalla’s epilogue, it seems fitting for the series’ other protagonist to embark on his individual narrative before reuniting with his father.
Until official details about the future of the God of War franchise emerge, fans can immerse themselves in Ragnarok and other installments in the series. With engaging content like Valhalla, the game offers ample replayability, ensuring players remain engaged while awaiting news about the franchise’s next chapter.