Summary
Spoilers forGod of War Ragnarokand its Valhalla DLC ahead.
Santa Monica Studios’God of War Ragnarokis regarded in many ways as a modern gaming masterpiece. With brutal and viscerally satisfying combat and exploration in visually stunning worlds matched with an equally impressively told tale,God of War Ragnarokis the complete AAA single-player package. The work put in by the studio over the course of the franchise’s ten games and nearly 20 years pays off inRagnarokin momentous instances of emotional resonance and catharsis, yet still leaves some threads and character arcs dangling.
To address this,God of War Ragnarokreceived a surprise piece of DLC, revealed duringThe 2023 Game Awards. The ValhallaDLCpicks up directly after the conclusion of the main plot. Though it’s framed around a roguelike experience, Valhalla contains significant story developments, in particular focusing on Kratos' evolving outlook on himself, the Nine Realms, and his place in them. Guiding him along in this process is the Giant Tyr, the Norse pantheon’s war deity, who intimately understands Kratos' position, and provides invaluable advice and insight, depicting how the two are closely linked in terms of characterization and philosophy.
Many fans speculated that arumoredRagnarokhalf-sequelwas in the works before Valhalla’s announcement, and this might still possibly be the case.
Kratos and Tyr are Perfect Reflections of Each Other in God of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla DLC
Tyr’s Role in God of War Ragnarok
InGod of War Ragnarok’s main story, Kratos and his allies eventually discover that Odin has been masquerading as Tyr in disguise, infiltrating their inner circle and secretly plotting against the group from the start. After uncovering this deception and betrayal, Kratos and company take the fight to Odin, triggering Ragnarok and preventing Odin’s plans from coming to fruition. Players can then find the real Tyr in captivity in an epilogue quest, where he explains that he has been unable to fulfill his godly duties until being found and rescued by Kratos and his son Atreus.
Kratos and Tyr: Gods of War, and Much More
Following the aftermath of the epic battle at the end ofRagnarok, Atreus has grown and learned from the experience, and sets off to find his own way, continuing to search for his legacy and birthright from the Giants, which he also traces his lineage to. This left Kratos without the anchor that had become his driving force, adrift and in danger of losing himself and his way again.God of War Ragnarok’s Valhalla DLCpicks up just at this point, with Kratos receiving a mysterious invitation to enter Valhalla and rediscover his purpose by confronting his past.
Upon reaching the end of Valhalla’s gauntlet, Kratos is met by Tyr, and they engage in some friendly sparring (though to the player this might feel anything but friendly in repeat runs). Tyr reveals that he called Kratos to Valhalla in order to assist him with coming to terms with Kratos' younger, darker self and actions, and moving on from them. Tyr extends the offer to Kratos to take his place in the Realms, but in more of a protector and advisory position, working withGod of War Ragnarok’s goddess Freyato rebuild and reform after overcoming the black shadow of his history, and deciding to rise above it in the future.
Tyr’s vital help provides Kratos with the closure and direction he needs to move forward and clearly displays how both gods matured and came to see themselves and their roles. Kratos and Tyr’s respective journeys of self-realization and self-reflection, from the path of revenge to redemption, are intimately intertwined. Their interactions in Valhalla neatly set the stage for Kratos' adventures in thenextGod of Warsaga, giving fans a hint at what might be in store for the “god of hope.”
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
