WARNING: Major spoilers for God Of War RagnarokWhileGod Of War(2018) contained a plethora of epic battles, surprises, and jaw-dropping foreshadowing,God Of War Ragnarokoffers surprises not many would have anticipated. Given the ending of 2018’s game which showcased specific prophecies, the writers were able to do an excellent job at subverting some expectations, while adhering to some and sticking the landing accurately.
There are certainly a few flaws and imperfections with this masterpiece more notably with its ending sequences, but for the most part,Ragnarokis able to deliver where it most matters and subverts expectations in the most appropriate way possible.
5Kratos' Survival
One of the biggest, most surprising aspects ofRagnarokis Kratos making it out alive.God Of War(2018) showcased a prophecy that displayed Kratos dying in the hands of his son Atreus. With the manner of the game’s buildup from the trailers to some of the comments of an’inevitable' end by the director Eric Williams, many had drawn conclusions that entailed Kratos indeed dying, but this was not the case.
Not only did the leave a plethora of fans surprised, but it also came juxtaposed with an incredible element of storytelling. Kratos and Atreus' intentions to change and form a strong bond, which is partly why they were able to twist their fate. It left many with a feeling of satisfaction acknowledging all the events Kratos has been through, tofinally witness a prophecy that suggests he will become a god that is loved.
4Atreus & Thor’s Relationship
In the midst of Atreus' outbreak andfallout with Kratos and his runaway, the trip to Asgard comes with a box full of surprises. Considering Odin’s intentions of working hand in hand with Atreus, it also meant Thor would have to fall in line and tag along with the player. The tension between the two was obvious since Atreus killed one of his own children, but as the pair go through adventures together, there is a feeling that Thor gradually begins to open up to Atreus.
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This in itself was a shock considering Thor was presented as one of the main antagonists of the story. And there is another subversion of expectation as tensions quickly rise once Thor turns on Atreus, which set up the two opposing sides in the lead-up war. The duo had signs of becoming a formidable one, butgiven the manipulation of Odin, it sadly did not last very long.
3Sindri’s Anger Toward Kratos & Atreus
After Brok’s unfortunate death at the hands of Odin, who had been in disguise as Tyr throughout the game,Sindri’s grief and frustrations were clear. Whilst his brother’s death was not directly anybody’s fault, he felt as though both Kratos and Atreus' presence, drama, and confrontations all led to Brok’s demise. Given Sindri’s positive energy and overall happy persona, it was a massive shock to see the level of anger that was portrayed.
In the middle ofthe war, it felt as though the game was building Sindri up to be a potential antagonist to Atreus in a future title. Whilst he may come around to forgiving the pair, it is a very familiar situation that Freya held at the end ofGod Of War(2018), despite neither of the two being the perpetrators.
2Odin Killing Thor
Despite the previousGod Of Wargames containing a father and son rivalry which ends withKratos eventually killing Zeus, it was certainly a surprise to see Odin kill Thor inRagnarok. Beyond Kratos potentially dying, many fans may have assumed if Thor were to die, it would be at the hands of Kratos himself. It was one of the more heartbreaking moments of the story, as Thor had just accepted Kratos' wish of ‘being better’ for the sake of their children. It opened up a new door of change for Thor, but this was snuffed away by his father.
RELATED:Atreus' Biggest Changes From God Of War 2018
From the beginning of the story, it was clear that Odin was the one who controlled and manipulated Thor to do his dirty work, and it was a shock to see how heartless Odin was in executing his own child. Not only did this eliminate the opportunity for the character to change, but it also dented some fans' hopes of Atreus and Thor building a relationship together.
1Atreus Leaving
While there was a satisfying end for both characters' journey in the aspect of the pair making it out unscathed and alive, it was also bittersweet. Given Atreus' role as Loki and his responsibility for the ‘giants,’ it meant the pair had to separate as Atreus goes on his own journey on finding the rest of the ‘giants’ and forming his own path. It was a big surprise, to say the least, and it spelled an end to a beloved adventure between father and son many players know of since 2018’s title. Playing the unfinished side quests in the ‘Beyond Ragnarok’ revealed how strong of a bond the two had.
Some players felt regretful not spending more time with Atreus and playing through more side quests before finishing the main story. While it definitely does not mean the two characters won’t see each other again, it does potentially mean it won’t be for the foreseeable future depending on whether Santa Monica Studio decides to create a spin-off or new title entirely.
