God of War Ragnarök Review (2024)—The Definitive PS5 Experience
Table of Contents
God of War Ragnarök is the sequel to the 2018 masterpiece, continuing Kratos and Atreus’ journey through Norse mythology. With improved combat, a gripping story, and stunning visuals, it’s one of the best PlayStation exclusives ever made.
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Release Date: November 9, 2022
Platforms: PS5, PS4
Genre: Action-Adventure, Hack-and-Slash
Why It Stands Out:
✔️ Emotional, character-driven narrative
✔️ Refined combat with new weapons & skills
✔️ Breathtaking PS5 graphics (4K, 60 )
✔️ Valhalla DLC (free roguelike expansion)
Story & Setting: God of War Ragnarök
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Set three years after the first game, Ragnarök follows Kratos and Atreus as they prepare for the prophesied apocalypse. The story explores father-son dynamics, fate, and Norse gods like Odin and Thor.
Key Characters
- Kratos (Struggling with his violent past)
- Atreus/Loki (Discovering his godly powers)
- Odin (Manipulative main antagonist)
- Freya (Seeking vengeance against Kratos)
World & Lore
The game expands the Nine Realms, including new areas like Svartalfheim (Dwarven realm) and Asgard. The writing is mature and cinematic, rivaling The Last of Us Part II.
Gameplay Mechanics
Combat System
- Leviathan Axe (Ice-based attacks)
- Blades of Chaos (Fire-based combos)
- New Weapon: Draupnir Spear (Added in late-game)
- Shield Variants (Dauntless, Stonewall)
Skill Trees & Customization
- Three weapon skill trees (Unlock brutal finishers)
- Armor Sets (Build for Strength, Defense, or Runic)
- Companion Abilities (Atreus’ arrows, Freya’s magic)
Puzzles & Exploration
- More complex than 2018’s game (Requires critical thinking)
- Side Quests (“Favors” with emotional depth)
Graphics & Performance
PS5 Enhancements
- 4K @ 60FPS (Performance Mode)
- 40 FPS @ Hz (Balanced Mode for VRR displays)
- Near-instant loading (SSD optimization)
Art Direction
- Stunning lighting & particle effects (Best on OLED)
- Character models (Kratos’ beard physics are unreal)
Sound Design & Music
- Bear McCreary’s score (Epic orchestral themes)
- Voice Acting (Christopher Judge’s Kratos is iconic)
- 3D Audio (DualSense & Pulse Headset supported)
Reception & Awards
- Metacritic: 94/100 (PS5)
- The Game Awards 2022: Won Best Narrative, Score/Music
- Player Reception: 9/10 (Praised story, criticized pacing)
Tips & Tricks
Beginner Tips
- Learn parry timing early (Critical on higher difficulties)
- Upgrade Atreus’ arrows first (Hugely useful in boss fights)
Advanced Strategies
- Best Armor: Berserker Set (Endgame DPS build)
- Secret Runic Attacks: Where to find Hel’s Touch
DLCs & Expansions
Valhalla DLC (Free Roguelike Mode)
- New story content (Kratos’ past revisited)
- Roguelike mechanics (Randomized upgrades)
How to Download & Install
Official Sources:
- PS Store: $69.99 (Digital)
- Amazon: $49.99 (Physical)
Installation Steps:
- Purchase from the PS Store or insert the disc.
- Download 118GB (PS5).
- Enable Performance Mode in settings.
Final Verdict
Rating of God of War Ragnarök: 9.5/10
✅ Must-play for PS5 owners
✅ Best combat in the series
❌ Pacing slows in mid-game
Who Should Play It?
- Fans of story-driven action games
- Players who enjoyed The Last of Us or Ghost of Tsushima
