The future direction of the God of War series remains uncertain. The next installment may continue the journey of Kratos and Atreus, explore solo adventures, or delve into new mythologies introduced in previous games. While the Norse saga has been the focus, there are still narrative threads to explore and resolve.
The previous games, God of War and Ragnarok, delved into themes of family, redemption, power, and personal growth for Kratos. In contrast to the Greek saga known for its violence and destruction, the Norse chapters see Kratos confronting his past and striving to become a better leader, father, and friend.
Kratos' Journey Back to Greece for Redemption
Healing Past Wounds and Making Amends
The conclusion of the Valhalla DLC left Kratos' story open-ended. While his role may evolve beyond being a warrior, there is potential for further growth. Despite his personal journey towards healing, Kratos may need to address the impact of his past actions on the world, a task hinted at in Valhalla's finale.
The conclusion of God of War Ragnarok sets the stage for Atreus to step into a hero's role, with Kratos possibly assuming a mentoring position as the Norse God of War. This shift could allow Kratos to revisit Greece, applying his newfound wisdom to rebuild and reconcile with the remnants of the Greek pantheon. It could mark the final chapter of his story, focusing on external redemption.
Balancing Greek Mythology in Future Installments
While incorporating Greek mythology into the narrative presents opportunities, a complete return to Greek settings after the Norse saga may not be ideal. The shift to Norse mythology in recent games offered a fresh perspective after the conclusion of the Greek storyline in God of War 3. Moreover, Kratos' peaceful intentions in Greece may limit potential conflicts for gameplay, unless the game takes an unexpected turn towards city-building or social simulation.
Instead of a full Greek-focused game, Kratos' involvement in Greece could serve as a subplot in Atreus' journey as the new face of God of War. This narrative thread could offer closure for Kratos, serving as an epilogue and a fitting farewell to the iconic character.