God of War Ragnarok - Story & Ending Explained

[@minhlncool]

man, the scene when Kratos look at his golden painting is way too emotional, I have played all the god of war game and I must say Kratos has gone through a lot, he earned this

[@TheProky]

I had no idea what that scene meant, so I had to find this video to explain it :D

[@rickiex]

@@TheProky in short, all his life he as been feared, scared of. He was always known for destruction and death, hence God of war. He spent the rest of his life after the fall of the Greek gods to be the complete opposite of the title of God of war, he wanted to leave everything behind, but he can never escape the chain, and sins he was given. Towards the end of Ragnarok, he finally accepted that he can no longer run, and he has to stop odin, kill in protecting his friends and family. So when he finally looks at the back of the panel, he is seen and portrayed as a god that is worshiped, and liked by people. He finally earned what he's been longing for.

[@agentr107]

@@rickiex but the part before that one was the events of Ragnarok that has happened, right?

[@truej23og]

@@TheProky yes I hate having a few seconds to decipher a mural to understand the ending of these last two games

[@MilestheDirtyMindedGoblin2099]

He created something rather than destroying

[@cloutan2746]

A few things: Greek gods get stronger with age iirc, so wrinkles may not symbolize Kratos getting weak, but rather how much he controls his emotions now since he doesn't go off 100%. Fenrir's soul didn't replace Garm's, Garm was soulless to begin with.

[@Erick-dc4do]

And Also he said that Theres no clear direction for New gow games, But a few of Them prophecy panels show egypt gods and a few others. Idk maybe kratos will settle in a few other mythologies, and also what kratos has said at the end where he says that theres much more to be done, Many other things to fix, maybe well see kratos at other mythologies as a part of a story before he gets into norse mythology

[@cloutan2746]

@@Erick-dc4do yeah, there's still the Egyptian and Japanese gods to go through

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@Erick-dc4do angrboda is half egyptian so they’ll likely go there with loki to find the remaining giants

[@A1Gamester]

Where did you guys heard that greek god get stronger with age? Never did Cory said it nor was it in the games yet everybody is saying that

[@AceOvrZero]

@@Erick-dc4do it’s more likely atreaus will be the new lead there is nothing left for kratos story and from what we can interpret from the final prophecy you see at the end he becomes a loved god so he’s the new Odin it’s implied the giant marbles aren’t in the 9 realms or else they would have found them so maybe atreaus will be going to other pantheons to look for more marbles

[@DeadxRider11]

The bit about Odin becoming Tyr, Tyr chose the cellar room in Sindri's house that has no windows and no outside look. So thats why he could easily switch places from asgard to realm between worlds.

[@rocki_bb]

And Odin is probably at Sindri's house when Atreaus is looking for him in Asgard and can't find him for a bit.

[@wealthybone2990]

Bruh is this a spoiler? I couldn't even avoid comments because mobile.

[@zachgould2286]

@@wealthybone2990 Dude that's on you lol. You're LITERALLY watching a plot summery

[@wealthybone2990]

@@zachgould2286 How's it on me? Dumbass Literally unavoidable when this is the top fucking comment it's not even my fault I was just curious to see how someone already has the story uploaded when the game just came out? Also fuck the guy that wrote this comment.

[@rocki_bb]

@@wealthybone2990 this entire video is a great big giant spoiler. It's a video that explains the story and ending

[@marioman825]

I cried a little when Atreus hugs Kratos at the end before leaving. I cried a lot when I saw Kratos' reaction to the golden mural of him, and that his wife's death truly meant she was trying to create a great future for her son and him.

[@HYV3mynd]

Same, especially due to having grown up with God of War, playing through and see the character slowly change with time. So seeing him now actually being someone once more seen as a leader and a general who has saved many rather than crushed for the will of the gods felt great

[@kevintemido]

I wonder if that scene hit harder for people with kids. Just because children and meant to go their own path when they grow up, and Atreus going on his own adventure is like when people kids leave home

[@shonzu04]

Same

[@angelgjr1999]

@@kevintemido It also hits like a wall of bricks to anyone who has lost loved ones. 😢 Game of the year, I love this game.

[@Mash3OH3]

Kratos went from a Brutal Godlsaying, god of war. To becoming a hero of the people of this new realm he calls home. Almost a benevolent god. A future that I’m sure Faye wanted for him as well.

[@Arlo1k]

The ending really got me. I played all the GOWs and seeing the development and growth of Kratos is Gold. He has been thru so much and can finally have companions that sees him as a leader. Man I’m proud of Kratos

[@G0dkill3r]

Man, same. This was the greatest game I’ve ever played. Seeing his growth and how he turned out. It was beautiful. I felt proud too lol.

[@romeodonnn]

This is the BEST game I’ve ever played the outcome was so relieving seen as kratos was not dead in atreus’s arms as shown in the prophecy’s and how he gets to choose his own future with his fathers trust the game is so amazing I really do hope there will be another one

[@Arlo1k]

@@romeodonnn I be there will be another GOW. That ending was definitely a big cliff hanger

[@122josh]

To play the original GoW games and then Play GoW 2018 and Ragnarok is to see some of the greatest character development ever in my opinion who knew all the way back in 2005 we would get the Kratos we have today incredible stuff

[@Arlo1k]

@@122josh exactly bro, Kratos came from being the most ruthless God ever to being able to parent his son well, control his emotions of rage, and so much more

[@mlncholymoon]

I think the blood payment Thor sought out was not a punch to the face but for Kratos losing his cool, you remember how throughout the fight Thor keeps taunting Kratos to not hold back, until the stalemate when Thor provokes Kratos by threatening the safety of Atreus. That's prolly why Thor said "There he is" and when he revived Kratos he also told him "I'm not leaving until I see the real you!"

[@princerell4531]

Yes I feel as though Thor wanted to prove that a God such as himself cannot change there ways..

[@mlncholymoon]

@@princerell4531 I agree, they both were, in Thor's words: "destroyers" especially in the final cutscene where he outright told Kratos that they won't change.

[@kadeloblack4774]

I didn’t get it at all…. Odin made it seem like that was a fight to the death because kratos declined his offer thor even states how he’s been waiting for it but come on really you’re gonna settle for a punch? That fight was too soon or was made for someone else to interrupt.

[@plocky4275]

@@kadeloblack4774 Key sentence there _"made it seem like"_ Remember what Thor says to Kratos when they battle during Ragnarök at The Great Lodge: _"No more fucking games. And this time... I'm allowed to kill you."_ Thor had express orders from Odin not to go all in during their first encounter. He knew Atreus was searching for Týr and he knew Kratos refused his deal. It's was useful to him to leave them do their thing so he could disguise himself as Týr and blew their strategy from the inside.

[@kadeloblack4774]

@@plocky4275 which made their first fight pointless as the game works just fine without it happening as it made no sense for it to play out the way it did. ( to me which is why I said the fight felt rushed or too soon )

[@themadtitan8379]

33:25 the thing that got me about this scene was it confirms that Faye loved him. Ever since 2018 I wondered if he was really an important part of her life or just a pawn she used to fulfill the prophecy, but this confirmed that she cared for him and their son enough to betray her entire race so they could be happy

[@ryananderson7721]

Why would you even guess that, it's clearly a forbidden love theme

[@christianbroadbent7489]

@@ryananderson7721 Because this whole time Kratos harbored fears about his wife's intent with their journey.which is clearly preventing him from moving past his grief. As said in the game the prophesy steered Kratos towards war again which is probrably the last thing kratos wants and if it was his wifes intent, which would have made sense as she was a giant, would mean their son would both go to war and be enslaved by Odin and result in Krotos's death which going by his Forester story he no longer wants which is huge for his character. By showing that his wife really loved him and that she worked to prevent their fates Kratos was able to finally move on from the emotional turmoil that he bottled up inside from her death.

[@himothy9871]

cause in the original trilogy god of war was tricked by the giants, so itll be ironic that it happened again. i too wondered if she loved him as he did her

[@themadtitan8379]

@@ryananderson7721 because I played the originals and kratos has been a pawn of fate from the beginning.

[@ragnarok9658]

No she used him. Bro how tf can u guys not see that. U just want kratos to have a happy ending. Lmao. No the fact is this. Loki is the biological son of odin. Odin is on atreus and fayes mural as the kids father. Kratos knows this now.

[@recht_voor_zijn_raap5506]

GOW Ragnarok is nothing short of a masterpiece. Finished it an hoor ago and WOW.. Just wow...

[@VincentVincent_89]

Same brother

[@greasyfish802]

@@VincentVincent_89 brother no!

[@FollowJesus777-KING]

@@VincentVincent_89 its hilarious that i read that in mimirs voice

[@austin0_bandit05]

Its pretty mediocre. By the endgame I was just glad it was over

[@calebstephan2083]

Notice in the final mural kratos also looks younger than he does in other murals and he is also wearing clothing similar to that of a Greek. My guess is when he finally becomes the new ruler the curses on him breaks and his families ashes fall off him and he assumes an appearance similar to his younger self. Remember kratos has like 3 curses placed on him. The first curse is him being bound to his families ashes, the second curse is him being incapable of commiting suicide and the third curse was placed on his stripping him of his magic and the weapons he once had which was the curse that was placed on him by fear Zeus. After he breaks All his curses my guess is he will ascend in a similar way like Athena did but he will ascend different which is why that mural portrays him as a glowing figure.

[@jaxmillion]

Him being younger was the first thing I noticed. Every other depiction of him shows detail for his beard. Not this one. It's possible. After perhaps the hinted adventures to Egypt and Mayan mythos he goes back to Greece and perhaps rules there or fixes it. OR maybe after his adventures in the Egyptian and Mayan mythos he would be considered the one true god? One above all lets say?, idk it's just a theory a game theory

[@sirith9157]

Remember there is also a Cycle of Petricide. In Greek God's realm it was almost normal for children to kill their parents. So Kratos raising Atreus to be better than him is also breaking cycle that was existing from the very beginning of his realm existence. Kratos literally started a new era before Ragnarok even started

[@jimbridge64]

@@jaxmillion if you look at the final mural, it shows a giant, so kratos will only be a "hero god" in the norse realms.

[@HyakuJuu01300]

Sorry to be a debby downer here but that final mural might very well be a statue made in honor of Kratos after his eventual death. Because he is portrayed to be absolutely gigantic compared to everyone else and pretty much all Giant Murals have size consistency.

[@jotave49]

@@HyakuJuu01300 Maybe. Maybe it's just a big statue to worship him. Like Tyr's in the bridge or Thor's in the lake of nine. That is how I interpreted it.

[@Zeke1460]

I think the last Panel with the golden Kratos on it was impactful for Kratos not just because he always secretly wanted to be appreciated and accepted (though that is a part of it), but also because it shows what Faye wanted for him. Faye wanted others to care about Kratos. This Kratos panel on the back wasn’t a prophesy imo, it was just Faye drawing what she wanted for Kratos. And not only that, Faye believed in Kratos so much that she made this panel of her own depicting them breaking prophesy and being better people than even the giants could have known. It really shows how much she loved him. So I don’t think he’s crying just out of a feeling of acceptance, I think he’s feeling all of her love and confidence in him that he didn’t have for himself.

[@inFamous_Izanagi]

This game is genuinely stunning. I've put in 37 hours and just finished the main story.

[@juna8572]

Bruh you doing 100% while going through?

[@inFamous_Izanagi]

@@juna8572 mostly, yes. Taking my time to do side quests, kill ravens, find runic attacks/upgrade health and rage while I'm there so I don't overlevel them and trivialize them for later on. It's more fun for me that way, and it makes the world feel more lived in.

[@tiredinside]

Just beat it an hour ago after 30 hours

[@inFamous_Izanagi]

@@tiredinside also played on Give Me a Challenge

[@kylzepolaczkowaty2197]

@@inFamous_Izanagi overlevel to max and dunk on odin

[@nicholasbrooks3997]

Gingy you are honestly such an S-Tier content creator. I've honestly watched whole retrospectives of yours on games that I've never played just because of how engaging it is to hear you give these overviews. Please keep up the good work.

[@fore54k3n]

I’ll do you one better how’s about hearing the same breakdown more than twice. 😊 hahaa

[@nicholasbrooks3997]

@@fore54k3n And here I thought it was just me ^.^

[@hugocoutinho8902]

About Odin being Tyr, I'm not sure when but at one point Atreus comments that one of Odin's ravens seems to be missing, later when Odin is made out we find out he had the missing raven hidden in a broom closet at the hideout. Since Odin disguised as Tyr was mostly a burden, they probably didn't keep as close an eye on him as they should, allowing him slip back and forth from Asgard without anyone noticing.

[@kadeloblack4774]

Your not gonna not notice someone missing from your place when they have no where to go for days! Even if you argue that everyone comes and goes as they please someone is gonna ask where tyr was and why they couldn’t find him

[@hugocoutinho8902]

@@kadeloblack4774 yes but need to take into consideration 3 things: - Odin/Tyr still have a raven at the house and the collectible ones (that are still his spies until destroyed) scattered through the realms, so he knows where the Kratos and the others are most of the time and can play around their absence; - Atreus runs off about 3 times to giant land and asgard and two of those are without warning, so everybody is worried and not actually considering what Tyr is doing in his room, that also happens to be the basement where we never go; - Freya only joins halfway through and only cares about killing Odin, so "where is the pacifist that doesn't want to take action" probably isn't something that weights heavy on her mind.

[@kadeloblack4774]

@@hugocoutinho8902 I’m using real world logic not game logic.

[@hugocoutinho8902]

@@kadeloblack4774 Hard to dispute then, don't know any real world norse gods or users of nordic magic well enough to defend my point

[@Zymzack]

Gingy what the fuck man this came out 3 days ago. Your content ability to release story content so close to a games release is genuinely incredible, cheers to all your hard work love watching your content!

[@killuafreecs4058]

The ending with the behind the scene panels finally made me tear up. Kratos has come so far and gone through so much pain but finally he has a story to be proud of and one that he can look back on and embrace fondly. Atreus’ hug, Kratos’ expressions, everything about this game was so masterful and weightful. I’m truly glad I experienced this game.

[@JAIMEGARCIA-gw9re]

I was never really big on the original God of War games, but the last two in the series have been 10/10 experiences.

[@ct2xperience749]

That's kinda like me with the DKC franchise

[@ernestroklicer1434]

these videos of yours mean more to me than I can explain in words. thank you

[@textmeontelegramofficialgi296]

👆👆👆Thanks for watching and commenting on my video you have been selected among my giveaway contacts me on telegram to claim your prize ☝️☝️☝️🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉✅✅

[@hiddenbananaz5168]

Gingy is a speedrunner confirmed

[@Nade_Kiyari]

100%🤣

[@boatlet5957]

How did you complete the game so fast

[@logix8055]

@@boatlet5957 freed up my schedule for 2 days and played non stop

[@darkestwolf6640]

I beat it Friday. Got lucky with my schedule

[@MrKamko16]

​@@boatlet5957 you need 38 hours to complete this game with exploration

[@sethduah8493]

Watched every minute of your GOW retrospective to prepare for Ragnarok. Super excited for this vid!

[@textmeontelegramofficialgi296]

👆👆👆Thanks for watching and commenting on my video you have been selected among my giveaway contacts me on telegram to claim your prize ☝️☝️☝️🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉✅✅✅

[@TutkunDzgn]

I loved this ending honestly it feels like the end we as Kratos fought for all those years. I do have theories about the next game because why not but still even if it is the and I am glad it was like this, I couldn’t think of a better ending to this massive journey we took since Kratos was just a Spartan soldier. About my theory I think they can make anything at this point since there are no binding to the norse mythology but I thought they can make something like this; After the fall of Asgard and Aesir the power scale has been changed and other Deities from other Mythologies can try to invade the 9 realms Kratos and his companions being the protector of the realms can stop them from doing so. This way it won’t be about vengeance but more about protecting Kratos would do his duty as God of War and he can become that God we have seen in the ending. Just a thought but I wanted to share.

[@Machosause]

Would wanna seee them bring in the Egyptian pantheon (or others from Africa), or maybe the Aztec one.

[@christopherwall2121]

I like the idea of Atreus searching for Giants in Mimir's homeland; English and Celtic folklore is full of giants, surely some Jotnar may have been there.

[@Thevikingninja117]

Me too. The game was just perfection.

[@d.a.f.]

@@christopherwall2121 What is Mimir's homeland?

[@christopherwall2121]

@@d.a.f. The British Isles. Britain and Ireland have rich mythology and folklore, and plenty of stories of giants. I think it'd be pretty clever. Granted, Mimir, or as he used to be called, Puck, is from a considerably more recent story, but it's also one that was set in the Classical Greek era, so it mostly kinda works out.

[@122josh]

It's the perfect ending for Kratos and the Norse Saga I think the story isn't as focused as 2018 which is to be expected with more characters and a larger scope but if this is to be the end of Kratos's story I'm glad he redeemed himself and he became the father and the god he chose hes no longer the hated and feared Ghost of Sparta but a revered God who did real good in the end as the final mural shows. I was quite shocked how happily this ended because I'm so used to every God of War game ending in some form of tragedy it was nice to see and its thoroughly earned by Kratos well over 17 years of games and one hell of a stunning story arc he is one of the greatest characters ever .

[@f.p.2010]

The story isn't messy at all

[@koibitothescrublord4977]

How is the story messy? Don't come here with some complaining if you don't have reasons. The story is great. Every dot that needed to be connected, got connected. Tell us you're reason to hate or don't hate at all.

[@122josh]

@@koibitothescrublord4977 I loved the story it ended the Norse saga perfectly I just felt because of the larger cast I felt it wasn't as focused as 2018 which is to be expected as the cast is larger I did not hate it in the slightest it's my GOTY messy wasn't the right word tbf.

[@122josh]

@@koibitothescrublord4977 edited the messy part out as it didn't reflect what I really meant

[@brettrichardson7924]

Odins representation in this game felt very true to the myth, a real strategic bastard but a god nonetheless.

[@360Roko]

What on Earth do you mean very true ? It's a complete inversion of the myth. They took every bad thing about Loki and applied it to Odin.

[@neoshenlong]

They made him look and sound basically like a Mafia boss and honestly I digged that approach a lot. My only complaint was that he didn't seem powerful enough.

[@Scarecr0wn]

He was amazing. One of those villiains who appear and while you want him defeated in the end, you can´t get your eyes off of him. All performances were amazing tho, I can´t recall one character that would not work for me.

[@FluffyWuffy17]

@@neoshenlong I felt more like he was a sleazy car salesman or even like Saul Goodman. Like you know very charismatic, but at the same time you can kinda just feel the scumminess oozing off him.

[@michaelblower7363]

I loved the neat little twist at the end. It seems that the "Father" in Atreus/Loki's prophecy mural (where Atreus is cradling the dying man), turns out to be the "All-Father" not his Father. ;-)

[@Pablojunior2006]

It was kratos, but they made their own destiny

[@boudebey2559]

But he had the red marks on him? And at the same time its showing that Atreus is taking his soul like he did to fenrir so very interesting

[@josephstalin2606]

The giants made no false prophesies. As Angrboda says one way or another you end up fulfilling the prophecies even if it’s not in the context you’d think. Like Atreus running away to Asgard and “working” with Odin did end up happening, But Atreus was using Odin the whole time and obviously it didn’t take place after Kratos died (Like Atreus thought the prophecy meant). Also in the mural where he’s holding the man, he’s also seen with something coming out of his mouth and into Odin which was foreshadowing the spell Atreus used to trap Odins soul in the orb. So the mural did predict what would happen but instead of it being Kratos it was Odin

[@vvbr2372]

My main gripe with the story (only one actually) was towards the end it felt rushed, felt like the devs wanted to do more with surtr and the assault of asgard. Also the tactics of Kratos was "go for the wall and hope for the best" they had a wolf that can tear holes through the realms! Use that damn wolf to open tears not outside the walls but inside the walls easy win, and if you can't do that then every time a gate is destroyed have the wolf open a tear to said realm...

[@K-11609]

I’m the same. As soon as they marched for war I felt like things were going too fast. I honestly think it would’ve been better if they took the battle to another game. Have this one be the setup to it and end with the armies marching to war. Then the next and final game could showcase an infinite possibility of things, but the one I would’ve gone for is showing us in the beginning of the game that Ragnarok fails, and so the rest of the game revolves around time travel to win or even prevent Ragnarok. That would also help explain who tf blew the horn in the 2018 game.

[@vivaafineasyferb]

@@K-11609 Gow3 all over again? lol

[@jamoyky1]

Yeah… same here. Absolutely loved this game, but it really feels like the last act (or just all of Ragnarok basically) felt rather rushed and underdeveloped. A lot of moving factors weren’t ever fully concluded or shown light on, and most of the movements made in its finale wasn’t all that fruitful. It almost feels like this portion of the game was developed within a limit, and it makes me sad that this the last of its saga. Still, outstanding game, just a half-baked third act. Could’ve benefited from an extra 2 hours or so

[@K-11609]

@@vivaafineasyferb Only similarity being the beginning. More like both GoW 3 and 2 combined

[@Batman8877]

Are you guys kidding me? I thought only the intro, the parts with Heimdall, the Valkyries in the spark of creation place, and the fights with Thor were good. I know that sounds like a lot of stuff but it's really not considering how long this game is. Everything else was a complete letdown and I'm a huge fan of the other games so don't accuse me of being a hater. This game was plagued with modern game tropes, it felt like I was playing Horizon Dawn or Assassin's Creed and that's not a good thing. The pacing of the story was so slow and so unrewarding for a lot of parts, I shit you not there's literally a part where you're picking fruit for about 20 minutes. Most things or people you were looking for were either useless, never existed, or didn't have as much of an impact. Instead of having a nice cut scene they had us listen to dialogue as we traversed the same recycled land structures/layouts with hordes of enemies thrown at us. They tried telling us things or how characters felt while all this shit was happening. It's not like it matters though because a lot of the dialogue was confusing, strange, cringe, events that happened off screen or that were so insignificant that they were immediately brushed off by the characters. I'm going to talk about Freya and Sindry for a minute. I always liked Freya as a character but I never understood the emotions or guilt they were trying to force on us for killing her son. He was a crazy son of a bitch and lose cannon that needed to be stopped. He would have killed her and much more If Kratos didn't intervene. If she couldn't see that then I think at some point in the story Kratos should have taken her out as well. Instead they made her a good guy which is fine but I felt like they took her character to such an extreme that there was no way back for her. I felt like there was no way back and that it was inevitable that Kratos and Freya would have to kill one another because they simply couldn't see eye to eye. It was just weird and kind of bipolar that she forgave him and all of a sudden needed Kratos to help break her spell and fight against Asgard. It was also weird that Kratos let her ambush / try to kill them, they tried so hard to make Kratos seem like an intelligent and understanding guy but he just came off as dumb and a totally out of character understanding guy. Yes, Kratos has changed and he's no longer the same man but the Freya and sparing Thor stuff was very out character. Sindry went from a totally lovable goofball to a vengeful unjustified prick. Took out all his blame and aggression on Atreus when he knew the stakes of having all the gods at his house to fight against Asgard. Again it was just completely out of character and not justified to have Sindry turn on us like that. My last complaint might sound weird especially when we're talking about a God of war game but there's way too many enemies In this game! As soon as I would get done fighting a powerful wave or boss I was immediately forced and thrown into another one with practically every step. It wasn't good or clever, it was designed to stop or slow the player down so they get that 25 hours + play time for main story. I don't know guys I found this game to be incredibly underwhelming and it makes me sad.

[@Jake_O115]

Gingy you are the god of KZbin videos, I really don’t understand how you can pump out so much S tier content so quickly!! Thanks for hours of entertainment

[@DotTiuri]

I think the mask was pointing at the wolf there. It doesn't only point at the mask shards but at realm tears instead which all the mask shard are.

[@Catermiller14]

Top tier content. You steady been releasing the best videos, man!!!!

[@YoungZues850]

Amazing recap. You covered everything in a timely manor with plenty of details. This video definitely deserves a like and a possible follow on the channel

[@haloman5230]

I always thought it would be cool for kratos to have a series or even just a spin-off with an entirely fictional pantheon of gods. Ones with their own mythology written by the studio. That way no one really knows what to expect except for what’s written before them.

[@slite3276]

Would be cool but… the gow series is based (loosely) on mythology and trying to get as close to that mythology as they can all while having that specific mythologys gods getting ripped apart… im basically saying i could see outrage if its not a “real” mythology

[@cheeser9530]

It would be interesting but I feel like us the players knowing about Odin and Thor outside God of War makes them that much more menacing and exciting. Same goes for Zeus.

[@Android-dd7if]

Nah

[@Th3Branded1]

Honestly ever since I found your channel gingy I haven’t stopped watching a single vid love your vids bro keep up the good work fr

[@somuchtocook9159]

Honestly looking through that entire series, I have realized that kratos in ragnorok has gone in a sense full circle, the first game starts with kratos as a general about to fall and the spark for the entire tragedy is that ares set his family in one of the villages causing him to burn his own family, and in the ending he took up the mantle of the general in the war against Asgard, in which his sons friends were living in, and he chose to save them from the second time he burnt a place down (this time due to the suggestion of Atreus which was written in prophecy) as soon as Atreus was concerned about innocents, kratos was there to guide him in how to handle the emotions to ensure that Atreus does not end up like him.

[@Kicksncoffee1983]

I was waiting for this video. Thanks Gingy!

[@derpyturtle195]

wow, you got this one out quick. Just finished the game myself and man, what a journey. Love these story videos you do, they always help me comprehend the thoughts i have that i find hard to articulate.

[@AesirUnlimited]

I agree with you on the mask thing. I could’ve sworn that the reason why the mask piece was gone was because Garm had it. So when Atreus let him free, the piece was gone too. But that ended up not being the case for some reason.

[@arizonaranger2333]

EXACTLY. Like why would the mask be shining that way?

[@thomasblanton2080]

Garms realm tears are the same color as the realm tear in odins basement.

[@grayle2718]

@@arizonaranger2333 My only explanation is that the mask reacts to anything that can tear through realms - maybe garm got his power from the same place, so it reacted? IDK I was also betting garm had eaten it.

[@arizonaranger2333]

@@grayle2718 that’s what I was thinking. Figured they would try to like get the mask piece from garm after figuring out it wasn’t behind him.

[@-Bile-]

In one of the cutscenes after Atreus first gets the mask, you see him carve a small piece out of it with his knife, perhaps in an attempt to make some worn symbols more legible, or to trick Odin in some way. Either way, I think this caused the mask to misdirect the party to helheim.

[@9rkey86]

Just to let y’all know it may have went over your head but in god war 2018 when we seen Thor for the first time that was Atreus dream/visions he said himself when he was talking to the other giant

[@trigzzfrl3013]

A DLC with Atreus searching for the giants seems like a no brainer hope they do it

[@calebstephan2083]

No. Angrboda told him in Jotunheim and in the musphelheim mural that the remaining giants that didn't die and hide in the orbs left the Norse lands and sailed across the oceans to new lands. If they make a dlc it will probably be based on kratos rebuilding the damaged realms and becoming all father. Also the actor for Atreus is almost an adult so his voice is that of an adults now. The next series will probably be based on adult Atreus since they can't portray teenage Atreus anymore since the actors voice sounds like an adults now.

[@gotworc]

@@calebstephan2083 that's too much to make a DLC which is why they would probably not make that a DLC. Most likely another series of games.

[@SpecialK_94]

The final confrontation with Thor/Odin worked incredibly for me as a thematic contrast between Kratos/Atreus. The whole series has themes of gods gaining power to kill and usurp their fathers. Kratos and Atreus break this cycle in learning to love and trust each other fully. Odin was incapable of the same growth so the minute Thor began his road to redemption and showed defiance against his father, Odin commits the ultimate God of War taboo: a father killing his son willingly. There's probably a lot more there but just something I found resonant!

[@uglypineapple03]

Ngl One of my favourite (and one of the most powerful) moments, even so short, was Sindri killing Odin and avenging his brother. The pre- Brok's Death Sindri would'nt have done this and I somewhat love this change, because yes, he is angry, yes, he is hurt, and in final blow, he let's it all out. I fucking love Sindri xD

[@slite3276]

I get that all 3 main characters wanted odin dead, but it felt weird to see them all just hesitate to break the sphere.. i was like bruh whaaat than sindri did his thing and i was like thank youu

[@kevintemido]

I honestly did not see the Tyr revelation coming. It caught me off guard. It was well done

[@keelobrown4991]

The amount of tears this game had me in. If this is the end then ill be happy, if they did continue though, i would prefer if they dont go to another realm and face their gods like egypt or something because it would go against everything kratos has now become. Two ideas i think would be cool for a sequel is atreus’s journey to find the giants and the mask tear being a key focus or and bear with me here…. The return of the olympians, just imagine a conflict between the 9 realms and olympus, this time with kratos being the target of vengence. Maybe they could combine all of these ideas into one. I was hoping this game would do a bit more to bridge the gap between the greek and norse realm, maybe reveal more about how they both exist but are seperate. Something tells me that mask tear is the key as atreus and odin agreed that it didnt come from any of the nine realms.

[@Vandalgia]

I would definitely be fine if they put Kratos to rest and left the game as how it ended here, although I'm still curious about how Atreus' journey will go. But the charm in this iteration of God of War is Kratos' relationship with Atreus, how he changed, and his unwavering love towards his son. There's nothing left to tell about that tale, and I'll be fine if it ended up in this note. It's the perfect ending for Kratos' journey.

[@Scarecr0wn]

I would actually be interested in new game from Atreus´s perspective where his search would lead him into Slavic mytology. It is much less known territory, even less to gaming sphere. But it would give devs/writers insane amount of freedom while still a lot of myths and legends to work with. It is also a lot different from generally known mythologies so it could offer nice change of atmosphere and overall approach.

[@zackie8172]

I don’t think they are facing any gods, it think it will be about the green crack Odin was looking into, and Athena being in the higher plane of existence manipulating other pantheons

[@thedynamiclife2485]

But they teased Celtic and Egyptian Mythologies in this game

[@Sam-A]

you came a long way Gingy, happy for your success. used to watch your old for honor videos and it pleases me to come back and watch your take on other games i love. this video was awesome, thank you.

[@f.p.2010]

Really curious about the whole mask thing. Odin mentioned that he heard a voice whispering to him in a dream... Athena maybe? Or something Atreus has to deal with later? Really hope to see more of Atreus, I had a really strong connection with him and seeing him leave made me break down

[@josephstalin2606]

I think they’ll leave it ambiguous for now but it seems otherworldly. Like there’s something else more godly than the gods themselves. You have to wonder if gods make mortals who makes other gods? There must be some higher power that there’s secrets and infinite knowledge that the gods can’t even obtain

[@zackie8172]

I do think Athena is going after Atreus in the next game causing Kratos to come back

[@rend9042]

@@josephstalin2606 I agree that there has to be some otherworldly foolery goin on here and also think that in some way Athena is tied to it. Maybe not directly like she's actively influencing things but more like whatever she ascended too in gow 3 and/or some realm that's associated with that probably ties into that infinite knowledge tear that odin was obsessed with.

[@MerriemWeebster]

Finished the game yesterday and have been waiting for the analysis videos. Didn’t expect yours to come out this early tho, so that’s really good timing for me lmao.

[@brandonwithnell612]

i think it was mentionedd that one of odens crows must have been hiding in the closet tyr was useing, thats also why oden as tyr chose the closet as its small and others would be less likely to look inside, i guess oden was trying to make tyr appear so uselessso that the others would ignore that he was often missing for extended periods of time

[@brandonwithnell612]

@Chaosfurian ohdon

[@wolfganglisborg3970]

This guy is good at this. I respect when content creators know they have a voice that's suitable for narration. Like in able to pay attention due to the pace of how he's speaking.

[@douvaman]

i know what the mask is, it’s greek after i heard “opsidioni spitha” (οψυδιανη σπίθα) i took a closer look, it’s not common greek or ancient greek it’s linear A a language that no one has translated and dates almost 2.000 years BC. it is a part of the Archegons (primordials) athena could had it as it would explain why she lived after Kratos killed her, also, odin said that the tear happened after he killed Ymir… he was a primordial!! which links the greeks with the norse, making the primordials the beings that created the universe and the gods Ymir could be seen as Oceanias or Ouranos, that’s the short version

[@LordBackuro]

Damn that’s a interesting take

[@Thevikingninja117]

whoa that is amazing man thank you.

[@utodbz]

I was hoping Athena will show up in this game but too bad...maybe next game

[@douvaman]

@@Thevikingninja117 np 😁

[@douvaman]

@@utodbz me too… i was hoping we would visit greece after they seen the mask, also notice how kratos never saw the mask, when they where asking everyone about the mask, Tyr, Mimir, Brok, and Sindry, no one knew what it was but Kratos never saw it! he would immediately identify it

[@royboy8158]

Can you bless us with your awesome story telling, great editing, sweet transitions for witcher 3 PLEASE???

[@sarahsault6494]

Nidhogg doesn't guard the roots. He purposely chews the roots in hope of destroying everything. The eagle at the top of the tree is meant to strike whenever Nidhogg pokes his head out to do this and Ratatoskr actually carries messages between all the realms and to annoy Nidhogg.

[@122josh]

Probably my GOTY having sat on it for a day or 2 no doubt Elden Ring was absolutely incredible and if it wins all the awards I would not complain but for me Ragnarok tied up one of the greatest character arcs in gaming perfectly and did the Norse setting justice with some incredible art direction and boss fights also some of the side content in this game is absolutely incredible. Great video as always Gingy.

[@filmsharks]

I honestly loved this god of war, especially in terms of Kratos's character development. From being a raging, uncrotrollable, vengance/revenge driven mad man to a strict, protective, sensible and reasonable (able to reason with) father and person. It shows growth of not only him but the game to.

[@Coffeecrayon76]

I hope the actor for odin wins some award he was great

[@KingKong-ux3gg]

The voice and demeanor was absolutely perfect

[@37Kilo2]

I loved that they portrayed him as unassuming and non-threatening; He seemed like a weak old grandfather, which contrasted all the horror stories about him from the other characters. Made you think "is he really as bad as everyone's making him out to be?" and then he murders Brok, and you're like, "ok fuk this dude. He needs to die."

[@hippieseven5582]

Was it not james woods

[@scoishvelociraptormaloish22]

@@hippieseven5582 it's Richard Schiff

[@ivancanono3098]

watch The Good Doctor.

[@fulcrum6236]

I have a theory, i think the mask glowed in helheim in the direction of Garm because since he can travel through realms he was the fastest path to the other part of the mask

[@Kennedy_]

LOL the gjallarhorn rocket launcher joke was good. May the light provide Guardian

[@dannykay5536]

I just wanna say god of war was my all time favourite game but now this even more of a masterpiece is my all time favourite 😍

[@melissataylor8733]

I kind of wish the time travel aspect would have been more prominent. Have Kratos actually die more or less because of Atreus and then Atreus goes with Jörmungandr back in time, but like waaay back (hence "the boy seems familiar to him" makes more sense than a 5 second encounter). Atreus then spends a long time trying to figure out how to save Kratos, his travels and search for knowledge take him to many different realms and he eventually becomes Tyr. The god Atreus is obsessed with, is in fact himself. Odin fears Tyr because Tyr has great knowledge of future events, because he lived them as Atreus. The game could then replay some of the key events but altered in a way that causes Odin to die instead of Kratos, so Atreus ultimately saves his father. Atreus as the real Tyr would have a better reason to remain away from the main characters (as opposed to just being in a different prison). Atreus/Tyr would only be able to influnce events indirectly and in much the same way the Faye did in the first game, which is a neat continuation of that concept. This also links in with real inconsistencies in Norae mythology with Tyr possibly being worshipped earlier than Odin, somr scholars belive that Tyr has been adopted into the Norse mythos from an earlier (now lost) religion.

[@tide6095]

I think the mask pointing to Garm makes sense as the mask having the power to point to the missing pieces would direct Aterus to a way off Helheim and to Niflheim. Garm being able to open portals and break apart realms logically means he also is a path to Niflheim meaning the mask would point to Garm as he is the fastest way to Niflheim.

[@josephstalin2606]

Yep I agree. Basically the mask points towards Garm because he’s the only “gateway” to Niflheim or any other realm the mask would’ve been

[@XxChromeRavenxX]

This is definitely an interesting theory, I like it.

[@labman472011]

I drive a lot for work and I'm thoroughly enjoying all of your content! I especially love the long-form content you do! Keep up the good work I'll be listening!

[@ech0e404]

I loved when Heimdall kicked off Ragnarok with his exotic rocket launcher Gjallerhorn, came in clutch for the DPS check against Surtur.

[@ytghoulzz2749]

I think they might make a spin off game only focused on Loki and his story after ragnarok they said it would be the last game for kratos but kratos could always travel to another mythology and help others sense he will now be known as a savior of the Norse pantheon

[@gnarlyboyjai]

They never said last for kratos. They only said this is it for the Norse games. They said this well before ragnarok released

[@mckinleyclqmp8718]

I really do love your content man you are amazing seriously I’m glad to have you on the platform 👍your the best

[@makhundred]

ALREADY DAWG????

[@smarty1268]

I finished it an hour ago.

[@angelgjr1999]

The main story isn’t that long. Finished it in less than 30 hours.

[@TheyCallMeASTRO]

Got just under 60 hours logged now, 8 trophies left 😮‍💨

[@k2tme451]

I got the platinum, definitely worth the time spent.

[@TheyCallMeASTRO]

@@k2tme451 I’m only on give me balance and some of these endgame boss fights have me wantin to smash something 😮‍💨😂😂😂

[@cataddict_]

prob my favourite channel atm ur content is incredible

[@vesselthanatos3033]

I kinda hope they continue by going through different mythological pantheons. Even if Kratos or his son aren't the MCs, it's still a unique and interesting way to interpret myth

[@cedarfromthegrove]

facts Im most excited for Egypt

[@georgealvarez1195]

Kratos IS the game. Asking for him to not be the MC is asking for a separate game

[@hoobslice]

7:20 people did question what tyr was doing… huginn or muninn was hidden in tyr’s room which means every time he “isolated himself in room” he was actually in Asgard. They didn’t think Tyr was gone or missing, they just assumed he was in his room the entire time.

[@CoolSmoovie]

Only thing I wish this game had was a flashback to a younger angrier Kratos in the new Norse Realms. I really want to know how Faye managed to tame him.

[@professortubby23]

They fought did they not?

[@CoolSmoovie]

@@professortubby23 Yeah it’s alluded that they fought the first time they met. Woulda loved to play/see it. You gotta love a woman who can kick ur tail

[@colorblockpoprocks6973]

as nice of a sentiment as it is, it feels almost funny that the ending had a "kratos is happy to be a god" thing. cuz he spent all this time hating it. maybe it was *because* of the fear aspect rather than the love aspect that he wouldve rather not been a god. but it still wouldnt exactly equate to a heart-filled "finally" moment to get something you werent enthused about. he didnt... like, "crave" love and respect. he just probably didnt wanna be feared and regarded as a monster is all. but, hey, maybe his want for not being seen as a monster is all he got out of being revered. he didnt go "finally, people love me", its "its cool that people love me but fuck is it a relief to not be cowered at anymore" hm..

[@rianeduardo2244]

I just finished the story and fate granted me this video lol

[@kylebernadyn2465]

I think the ending was simply rushed. - No explanation on why or how Faye died - there seems to have been a retcon with Odin dying in Atreus’s arms instead of Kratos - Sindri’s just left a shell of his former self with seemingly every bridge burnt - The World Serpent was just forgotten about by everyone - didn’t get an explanation on who blew the horn at the Lake of Nine in the previous game - Surtr’s entire involvement in the process was useless - the siege of Asgard was half-baked in a way - Fenrir had no part in Ragnarök despite having realm travel capabilities and being the prophesized killer of Odin - Freyr just sacrifices himself randomly? - Tyr’s character was basically just assassinated They switched from Cory Barlog to Eric Williams for game direction and unfortunately I think it shows. The story was strong for seemingly 80% of the game but by the end there are just so many loose ends and unexplained phenomena, sharply contrasting how clear and tightly-knit Cory’s story was in the previous game. Edit: oh AND none of the Giants are revived whatsoever for Ragnarök (besides Jormungandur) even though it seemed like Faye’s ashes might play a part in that process

[@MajinPorunga]

This game needed a Spartan Flash back. I was HOPING the whole way through we would get to play a section in Greece as a dream and a reminder. Maybe a flashback to Pandora too. I'd love his pure unadulterated rage and power shown to really show just how strong he is. Instead we got a GLIMPSE which Mimir witness to what happens when he loses control just briefly. It was a nice touch seeing abit of brutality. Wish there was more god killing and fighting with a slow progression to trying to save them instead.

[@emmanuelcarter2260]

A flashback would’ve been pointless atp

[@lowrez1381]

just finished it after 43 hours. i put GOW (2018) as a top 3 game for me with how expansive it was and how rewarding the character development was. ragnarok manages to take everything from the last one and triple everything good about it. i remember exactly going to ding bigir and finding the crater with a DLC load of new and interesting mini bosses and dragons to hunt out along with the story of faye and what thor did there. from start to finish it was phenomenal and greatly expands on what rewarded fans both in gameplay and story. 20/10 emotions can’t describe. Rest in Peace Brok

[@Gantros]

As for what happens next, I’ve had a headcanon where Kratos journeys to Egypt and fights the pantheon there. This has the inadvertent effect of telling the story of Exodus. He then returns to Greece and finds new versions of the Greek pantheon, which leads him to Rome, where he reunites with Atreus, who has reincarnated himself into a mortal form. After killing the Roman pantheon, Atreus sacrifices himself trying to enlighten and inspire the oppressed mortals of the Roman world. This ends up being the origin of Christianity, with Kratos being the Old Testament God, and Atreus becoming known as the New Testament God. Ultimately, Kratos had cleared the world of most of its pantheons, creating the vacuum for the monotheistic faiths that would take their place.

[@slothboi7131]

Too much drama would be involved with that regarding Christianity

[@m1co294]

The Roman pantheon is basically (in fact, pretty much literally) the Greek pantheon

[@Gantros]

@@m1co294 I know, that’s why I think it would be interesting if the Roman gods remembered Kratos or are simply new gods in the same guise. Old Testament giving way to the New

[@dims4627]

27:25 that could be because of Garm and that's why the mask was reacting near him and stopped when he was gone. He's can tear holes between realms, maybe his own presence "confused" the mask

[@jonathanallen2818]

Getting married today at a dry wedding and honestly the fact that you posted this today to take the nerves off of my brain is so helpful please keep up the content I really want a retrospective of the entire plot after this love you dude.

[@olgagaming5544]

What is a dry wedding?

[@jonathanallen2818]

@@olgagaming5544 no alcohol, which in retrospect was not the best decision. But I am a glass case of emotions so I am just going to trust past me.

[@olgagaming5544]

@@jonathanallen2818 ahhhh I GET IT NOW DRY WEDDING HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA THE FAMOUS DRY WEDDING XD

[@dimitrilitovsk2372]

This is awesome. I also love how kratos killing baldur causes Ragnarok (according to my understanding of Norse mythology). At least baldurs death is the first stage of Ragnarok

[@ccgaming6464]

So I was looking into Norse Mythology Myself as well and I came across that Freya has two children with a God who was believed to be able to take Odin's place as the All-Father so it got me thinking especially with the scenes in the game is this leading into Kratos getting together with Freya or not?

[@gnarlyboyjai]

For a minute I wanted that to happen but as the story progressed I actually feel like their relationship is better platonic

[@ccgaming6464]

@@gnarlyboyjai see Funny thing is that I was in that boat at the beginning and it then changed into wanting them to get together

[@K-Dash02]

@@ccgaming6464 I guess you can take their relationship literally or you can take it figuratively, besides Freya has always been a sort of Mother figure to Atreus since 2018

[@luciferlos6892]

NGL i was hyped to finish the game just so I could watch this video

[@themadtitan8379]

Also something you didn’t mention, if you go back to the spark of the world after freeing Tyr you can find him and have a short dialogue exchange. Not sure if you can find him in more locations since he seemed like he’d have something to say about Kratos, but I know of that one at least

[@gnarlyboyjai]

You can also find him in the strond in Alfheim, freyrs camp in Vanaheim, and In Midgard near the dagger artifact collectible

[@conley2729]

As a father now and playing this game it makes me look at this story in a whole new light

[@totalmadnesman]

I just watched the entire playthrough of the story of this game (the 7h verison, not the 18h version lol) so this comes perfect!

[@TheMrMayo]

Not only did I enjoy your explanation of the game, but I appreciate the Destiny 2 reference midway through.

[@Izalith1798]

19:16 "Exotic Rocket Launcher" caught me dying. 😂😂 P.S. Destiny when?

[@textmeontelegramofficialgi296]

👆👆👆Thanks for watching and commenting on my video you have been selected among my giveaway contacts me on telegram to claim your prize ☝️☝️☝️🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉✅✅✅

[@mout0088mtz]

As a God of war fan seens the 1st release in 2005 or 2004 I don't remember, this one made realize that many mistake will teach you to be better among self, yet patients will always be the key on long term wishes to come true. Once I had closed my heart now it opens for the better.

[@TutkunDzgn]

27:33 I don’t exactly know or confirm but I think it was in the Wolf’s body and he lost it in the Niflheim somehow, the reason why I think this is the case is because if you go back of the wolf in Helheim the mask stops glowing but if you turn the mask towards the wolf it starts glowing again. I know Atreus says I mistranslated it and then went to Niflheim it could be interpreted as it will eventually end up there since game is all about prophecy and fate but I might be talking out of my ass so just a theory.

[@starmegalo1770]

Nice point brother. I was wondering how Atreus can make a mistake when his language ability is overpowered. Anladim simdi.

[@johndoh4537]

Could also be how the realms are aligned

[@TutkunDzgn]

@@johndoh4537 Actually thats a very good point Garm is able to open realm tears so the mask was glowing to Garm for Niflheim we just couldnt see it

[@nickeno]

I was waiting for this video, great as always!

[@akoskaplar4145]

Waaaaaait, the color of that tear..reminds me of Athena.

[@textmeontelegramofficialgi296]

👆👆👆Thanks for watching and commenting on my video you have been selected among my giveaway contacts me on telegram to claim your prize ☝️☝️☝️🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉✅✅✅

[@Willyboyichi]

I just found it funny how Atreus asked if he could turn into an animal in GOW 2018 when kratos told him he was a god, and now that’s one of his abilities.

[@danal9787]

Great recap. Thanks for the hard work.

[@mightybryan1033]

I want a game where it shows us how Kratos actually becomes redeemed and worshipped

[@Marcothegamer223]

Next game in pretty sure

[@haydenturner9680]

Did you manage to play the game? I know it was a bit rushed but Kratos was the champion all along the draupnier spear is seen in the mural. Kratos like ended Odin’s tyranny on the realms and also saved the remaining Asier in Asgard and United the realms. It was definitely rushed but that’s what he’s worshiped for bringing not war but ever lasting peace to the 9 realms.

[@slite3276]

@@haydenturner9680 yea when he was elected general and everyone looked up to him after the final … he was no longer looked at as a monster god killer

[@gnarlyboyjai]

@@haydenturner9680 This is why I love the way they told this story. It doesn’t deliberately spell everything out for you but it’s also not super cryptic like a fromsoft game.

[@mendozax0345]

1:21 i love that you say they escaped unscathed while kratos is getting choked by freya

[@DeathLore]

And gets stabbed by a sword

[@JYang0602]

Honestly that “Thor Killing Us” Fakeout was pretty great

[@frankielatimore9437]

I loved this ending so much I wish I didn't finish it so quickly

[@justcallmeKad]

You should make a story video for the Valhalla DLC. They made that for the hardcore God of War fans

[@joon-young9589]

God of war Egypt next

[@Doomsie69]

Amazing video as always. I really appreciate the work and effort that you put up in these videos thank you very much ❤

[@smarty1268]

Don’t think this the last game, if it was they wouldn’t have said this the final “Norse” game and I think the next game will be under Atreus in Egypt as that was the original setting before GOW4(2018).

[@lykos2738]

I like Atreus and if they want to give him his own spinoff that's totally fine but there is no GoW without Kratos. If it ends here I guess I can live with that. The Kratos of Ragnarok is a far cry from the Kratos of III.

[@smarty1268]

@@lykos2738 there is and they are going to prove it next game, kratos’s arc is done and Atreus’s is just beginning.

[@christopherwall2121]

I was thinking the Isles, since Mimir's from there, there are a lot of giants in English and Celtic folklore, and the conversations this time really amped up the references to both.

[@lykos2738]

@@smarty1268 So you're totally fine with no more Blades of Chaos? No more Spartan rage? No more Leviathan axe? Change isn't always a good thing.

[@rockybhai4603]

@@lykos2738 yeah even I would love to have more games with kratos it's difficult to imagine a god of war game without him but logically saying for how long do you think Santa Monica can continue the gow franchise around kratos because at one point kratos arc will start to feel dragged which won't be good for franchise. So to keep the franchise fresh and for telling new stories at some point kratos will have to go

[@marcusbohman590]

The Destiny Gjallarhorn reference was much appreciated

[@totalmadnesman]

Oh and yeah, dude youa re fast af. I love it!

[@Dad3.9]

I don’t think kratos getting older makes him weaker

[@phileezor]

❤ I started watching all your videos after watching SOMA’s. Thank you for all these well curated videos.