Santa Monica Studio has truly outdone itself with God of War Ragnarok. This game wraps up the narrative that started with the 2018 reboot, taking the already high standards of production, deep storytelling, and intense combat to new heights. It’s a fantastic follow-up that leaves players eager for the next installment.
Many were surprised to find that the story of God of War Ragnarok was wrapped up with the release of the Valhalla DLC, a free expansion that came out in December 2023, more than a year after the original game debuted. With no cost attached and a reveal just days before its launch, Valhalla didn’t generate much excitement; most players viewed it as a pleasant addition rather than an essential experience. However, this perception was far from accurate, as players soon discovered that Valhalla not only introduces a fresh take on the God of War combat system but also acts as an epilogue, beautifully concluding Kratos’ journey. In fact, experiencing God of War Ragnarok feels incomplete without Valhalla, and future installments in the series might consider a similar approach.
Why Future God of War Games Should Have Their Own ‘Valhalla’ DLC
God of War Ragnarok Is Vastly Improved Through Valhalla
The storylines of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok have a lasting and profound impact on Kratos. Previously consumed by rage and a thirst for revenge, Kratos sought a quieter existence in the Norse lands alongside Laufey and Atreus. However, he was still evading his inner demons. In his struggle to deal with his guilt and sorrow, he resorted to a method that many can relate to: he buried his feelings, acting as if they were nonexistent.
It is only when he confronts the reality of his past actions and is given the chance to decide how to progress in life that he can start to find peace with himself and grow. The themes of change and acceptance are introduced in the 2018 game, developed further in Ragnarok, and fully realized in the Valhalla DLC. Since players had nearly a year to reflect on Kratos’ journey before Valhalla’s release, the expansion’s focus on these narrative elements becomes even more significant. In essence, Valhalla doesn’t add anything particularly new to the story; rather, it enhances the ideas presented in the base game, making them more profound as they are explored in a context separate from Ragnarok’s main storyline.
How Future God of War Games Could Apply the Valhalla Principle
When pondering how the God of War franchise can maintain the high standards set by Valhalla, it’s too easy to suggest that upcoming games should merely incorporate a roguelike mode after launch. Although such a shift in genre could be beneficial in certain scenarios, the true value of the Valhalla DLC is rooted in its narrative depth rather than a gameplay transformation.
If the upcoming God of War installment centers around Atreus’ journey into adulthood, a post-launch DLC could provide a thoughtful exploration of childhood and maturity. Through a secondary adventure, Atreus might discover what it truly means to embrace responsibility, learn from past errors, and evolve into a more refined individual. In essence, God of War could utilize expansions similar to Valhalla’s to highlight the core themes of each game, giving players the chance to form their own interpretations by releasing this content after the main game. Offering it for free would be a lovely bonus too.