God of War Ragnarok is set to close out Sony's first-party slate for 2022, and it should do so with a bang. This sequel to the brilliant God of War (2018) is almost here, continuing the epic adventures of Kratos and his son Atreus through the harsh world of Norse mythology. In this God of War Ragnarok guide, we will be going through all the basics, answering common questions about the game so you can stay up to speed.
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God of War Ragnarok: What Is It?
God of War Ragnarok is an action adventure game with RPG elements, primarily developed by Santa Monica Studio. It's a direct sequel to 2018's God of War, the PS4 game that revamped the franchise with its Norse mythology setting among other huge changes. Following the exploits of Kratos, a god with a violent past, and his son Atreus, players will venture out into an icy, unforgiving landscape and engage in brutal combat, defeat larger-than-life bosses, solve environmental puzzles, and more.
God of War Ragnarok: What Is the Release Date?
God of War Ragnarok will release on 9th November 2022. This is a worldwide release date, with the game launching physically and digitally everywhere on the same day.
Pre-orders are now open.
God of War Ragnarok: What Platforms Is It On?
God of War Ragnarok is coming to both PS5 and PS4.
God of War Ragnarok: What Are the Differences Between the PS5 and PS4 Versions?
God of War Ragnarok will be exactly the same core game on both PS5 and PS4. You'll get to experience everything in terms of the story, combat encounters, and exploration regardless of which console you use to play it. That being said, the PS5 version will have some advantages over the PS4 version, owing to its increased power and unique features. These benefits are likely to include:
- Reduced loading times
- Enhanced visual fidelity
- Multiple video options, allowing you to choose between a higher frame rate or increased resolution
- Haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support on the DualSense controller
- 3D audio
- Activity Cards and Game Help
God of War Ragnarok: Is There a Free Upgrade from PS4 to PS5?
No. If you buy God of War Ragnarok on PS4 and wish to upgrade to the PS5 version at a later date, it will cost you $10/£10. Alternatively, you can buy the Digital Deluxe edition or one of the non-standard physical editions to gain access to both versions.
God of War Ragnarok: Does It Support Save Data Transfer from PS4 to PS5?
This has yet to be officially confirmed, but we can presume God of War Ragnarok will indeed support cross save. Previous games from Sony allow players to carry over their save data from the PS4 version to the PS5 version. These include Ghost of Tsushima, Gran Turismo 7, and Horizon Forbidden West. It's probably safe to say God of War Ragnarok will follow suit.
God of War Ragnarok: Is It Coming to PC?
God of War Ragnarok will be exclusive to PlayStation consoles at launch. However, given Sony has taken to porting its first-party titles to PC, it stands to reason that this game will eventually be available on Steam and Epic Games Store. PC players will have to wait, though — Ragnarok will remain exclusive to PS5 and PS4 for a year at the very least, probably longer.
God of War Ragnarok: How Much Does It Cost?
As with Sony's other major releases, God of War Ragnarok is a full-priced game. The standard edition will retail for $69.99/£69.99 on PS5 and $59.99/£59.99 on PS4.
God of War Ragnarok: Are There Any Pre-Order Bonuses?
When you pre-order God of War Ragnarok on PS Store or at participating retailers, you will receive a digital code for the Kratos Risen Snow armour and the Atreus Risen Snow Tunic. These will unlock via story progression.
Pre-orders for God of War Ragnarok are available now.
God of War Ragnarok: Is There a Special Edition?
Yes, there are multiple retail editions for God of War Ragnarok. Let's go through them all below:
God of War Ragnarok Standard Edition
This is the regular, no-frills version of the game, featuring the game itself and nothing more.
God of War Ragnarok Digital Deluxe Edition
The Digital Deluxe edition of God of War Ragnarok includes access to both the PS5 and PS4 versions of the game. Additionally, you will also receive the following:
- Kratos Darkdale Armor
- Atreus Darkdale Attire (cosmetic)
- Darkdale Blades Handles for the Blades of Chaos
- Darkdale Axe Grip for the Leviathan Axe
- Official God of War Ragnarök Digital Soundtrack
- Dark Horse Digital Mini Artbook
- Avatar Set
- PlayStation 4 Theme
God of War Ragnarok Collector's Edition
The God of War Ragnarok Collector's edition includes everything in the Digital Deluxe edition, plus the following:
- A Steelbook Display Case (no game disc included — you get a voucher for a digital copy)
- 2” Vanir Twins Carvings
- Dwarven Dice Set
- 16” Mjölnir Replica
God of War Ragnarok Jotnar Edition
The God of War Ragnarok Jotnar edition includes everything in the Collector's edition, plus the following:
- 7-Inch Vinyl Record with music by Bear McCreary – This includes two tracks from composer Bear McCreary.
- The Falcon, Bear, and Wolf Pin Set
- The Legendary Draupnir Ring
- Brok’s Dice Set (replaces the Dwarven Dice Set)
- Yggdrasil Cloth Map
God of War Ragnarok: What Is the Story?
God of War Ragnarok's story follows the events of the previous game. Ragnarok, the world-ending battle prophesied by the Norse gods, is on its way, and Kratos and Atreus must prepare by visiting each of the nine realms. With Atreus looking to figure out who he is and the Asgardian gods watching, the father and son duo make new allies and even more enemies as they try to prevent Ragnarok. However, tensions are running high; Kratos has spent years recovering from his blood-soaked past, while Atreus argues fighting is inevitable.
God of War Ragnarok: Do You Need to Play Previous God of War Games to Understand the Story?
You probably don't need to worry about playing the Greek-era God of War titles, as the Norse games are pretty far removed and tell a mostly separate story. However, we would encourage you to play God of War (2018) if you haven't already before tackling God of War Ragnarok.
While it isn't completely necessary, playing the last game before the sequel will give you a lot of information and lore that will be pertinent to Ragnarok. Fortunately, God of War (2018) is quite widely available. The game is available for purchase on PS4 and PC, and it's also included in the PS Plus Collection if you have a PS5 and an active PS Plus Essential membership. Furthermore, the game is included in PS Plus Extra's game catalogue.
If you don't have time to play the previous game before God of War Ragnarok, stay tuned for a full story recap that runs through all the major narrative beats leading into the sequel. We'll update this page when that's available.
God of War Ragnarok: What Is Ragnarok?
In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is the name given to a battle so fierce that it destroys the world. The gods of Asgard go to war against the giants of Jotunheim. Prophecies say it is inevitable, and will result in the death of many key figures as well as cataclysmic natural disasters. It's a big deal, in other words, and in this game, Kratos and Atreus are attempting to stop it from happening.
God of War Ragnarok: Which Gods and Characters Will You Meet?
God of War Ragnarok is set within the world of Norse mythology, as established in the last game. In God of War 2018, we meet several gods and other notable characters, including:
- Freya — former wife of Odin, goddess of love and fertility, mother of Baldur
- Baldur — son of Odin and Freya, god of light, cannot feel pain
- Magni and Modi — sons of Thor
- Brok and Sindri — brothers, legendary dwarven blacksmiths
- Mimir — former advisor to Odin, "smartest man alive"
- Jörmungandr — the World Serpent, a giant snake living in the Lake of Nine
Making their debut in Ragnarok, the following characters will join the fray:
- Tyr — son of Odin, the Norse god of war and justice
- Thor — son of Odin, god of thunder
- Odin — the Allfather, ruler of the Norse gods
- Angrboda — giant, wife of Loki, mother of Jörmungandr, Fenrir, and Hel
- Durlin — dwarf
- Fenrir — giant wolf god, son of Angrboda
God of War Ragnarok: What New Gameplay Features Are There?
While God of War Ragnarok will play very similarly to the previous game, there will be one or two new things to enjoy. The first notable thing that springs to mind is riding a wolf-pulled sled to get around the frozen Lake of Nine. Additionally, there are some tweaks to combat and traversal. You'll be able to equip different shields with unique properties to increase Kratos' defensive options, while special elemental moves will be added to his repertoire.
God of War Ragnarok: Is the Game Shot in One Single Take?
God of War (2018) was rather unique in that the entire game was presented in a single, flowing camera shot that would weave around the action but never contain a hard cut. It has been confirmed that God of War Ragnarok will follow this direction, with one unbroken shot following the action through the whole game.
Are you looking forward to playing God of War Ragnarok on PS5 and PS4? Fire any other questions our way in the comments section below.
Comments 14
The first game felt like just a prologue to this saga. I can't believe that Ragnarök is supposed to be the last one.
Hopefully the dead characters don't get a revisit. Also considering freyja is the queen of the valkyrie I hope they don't come back. Also wonder is atreus will betray Kratos like the true loki
A FAQ on a game we have been given so very little information about..... Lol
They missed a huge opportunity to release it on 11-11, would’ve been awesome.
"All your questions answered"
(HotGoomba edition!)
Idk.
Idk maybe.
Definitely not $5, that's for sure!
Of course there are, this is a THQNordic game--wait a minute...
(In Principal Skinner's voice) Yes.
(In Principal Skinner's voice) No.
All i know is this game will be a masterpiece.word up son
So, when I play GoW, the ps4 version, on my ps5, I get the video options because it's running the ps4 pro version, etc. With that said, will it be the same way for GoW Rag?
You never NEED to play previous games before playing a new one, but I still recommend playing all the God of War games before playing ragnarok. I’ve played them all in the last year (excluding the nearly impossible to play mobile game that lives on flip phones). GoW 2018 is much more enjoyable knowing the journey of kratos through his battles in Greek mythology. Give the character depth beyond what you’re getting just playing the latest game alone.
Yet another massively overpriced collectors edition without a physical game disc 🙄
One of the most important questions on gamers minds hasn't been asked or answered. When will we be seeing more gameplay footage?
@Roswell75 thanks for pointing that out, I scrolled over that in the article. Since when is that a thing to add no disc to the special editions!? I'm also missing the standard steel book and artbook combo without all the overpriced gimmicks.
No frills standard disc it is for me then.
Answer me this why is there not a CE with a disc.
@Bismarck probably be the last one with Kratos as lead character, but considering popularity I'd say God of War is far from done
Cool.Another masterpiece coming to the PlayStations near you.kratos g.o.a.t. 🐐 👑.word up son
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