Debating the Need for Another God of War Ragnarok DLC Instead of a Half-Sequel

Exploring the potential benefits of prioritizing DLC content over a rumored half-sequel for the highly successful God of War Ragnarok.
Debating the Need for Another God of War Ragnarok DLC Instead of a Half-Sequel

Highlights

  • The Valhalla DLC for God of War Ragnarok unfolded a more intricate storyline than anticipated, offering a rich expansion for players to experience.
  • The speculation around a half-sequel for God of War may be redundant, considering the storytelling potential demonstrated in Valhalla's DLC, suggesting that further expansions could effectively drive the narrative.
  • Additional DLCs for God of War would not only furnish fans with captivating new chapters but also mitigate the wait for the next main game installment.

The unexpected unveiling of God of War Ragnarok's free Valhalla DLC at the Game Awards was a standout moment, and its release shortly after the event garnered acclaim from critics and fans alike. Valhalla expanded upon the Ragnarok storyline, laying the groundwork for the franchise's future. While rumors of a half-sequel for Ragnarok have circulated for months, Valhalla's success raises questions about the necessity of such a release.

Although the prospect of a half-sequel is tantalizing, Santa Monica Studio's focus on DLC content until the next mainline God of War game is prepared could potentially be the best path for the franchise. While a God of War half-sequel has not been officially confirmed, the unexpected unveiling of Valhalla has left fans eager to discover Santa Monica Studio's future plans.

Valhalla's Engaging Narrative as an Expansion

When it was announced that the Valhalla DLC would take the form of a roguelike expansion, many fans likely anticipated a wealth of new combat and action to immerse themselves in. The combat encounters were undeniably thrilling to engage with, but the overall plot of the DLC offered a far more intricate storyline than expected, adding substantial depth to the Valhalla experience. Valhalla laid the groundwork for the future of God of War, prompting consideration of whether a half-sequel is truly warranted.

Advocating for Additional God of War DLCs

There is currently no official news regarding the next mainline God of War installment, but Valhalla provides glimpses of where Kratos' journey may lead. Speculations about a half-sequel have suggested that Atreus could take center stage, and while witnessing Atreus in a leading role would be intriguing, Valhalla has demonstrated that this storyline could be effectively explored through another DLC. Following Atreus on his quest to find the Giants would undoubtedly be a compelling narrative, potentially serving as a smaller chapter preceding significant events in the next God of War.

With the release date of the next God of War uncertain, the addition of more DLCs throughout the game's development cycle would provide players with engaging installments to anticipate until the main game is ready. Providing glimpses of the forthcoming major chapter in Kratos and Atreus' story through smaller narrative arcs would serve as an enticing preview of the franchise's future offerings.

Valhalla, as a roguelike DLC, beautifully portrays Kratos' evolution. It appears that Kratos has finally found peace within himself and is prepared to move forward, leaving behind his past mistakes. With teasers of future God of War narratives, fans should prepare for additional content, and establishing a narrative bridge from Ragnarok to the next God of War chapter through DLCs could facilitate a more gratifying transition.