You don't need to play the 2018 God of War to understand God of War Ragnarok, but you'll miss out on the emotional weight of Kratos and Atreus's relationship. God of War Ragnarok includes a built-in recap video in the main menu that summarizes the entire previous journey. However, experiencing the original game firsthand makes the sequel's character arcs hit much harder.
Sony Santa Monica designed Ragnarok as a direct narrative continuation while ensuring newcomers aren't completely lost. If you're pressed for time or simply want to jump straight into the latest Norse epic, here's everything you need to know about how the story connects, what you'll miss by skipping the first game, and how to catch up quickly.
How the Story Continues From 2018
The 2018 title completely rebooted the franchise, moving Kratos from ancient Greece to the frozen realm of Norse mythology. Gone are the mindless rage and Greek pantheon massacres of the classic PS2 and PS3 eras. Instead, players found an older, weathered Kratos trying to bury his past while raising his young son, Atreus.
At the end of that game, Kratos and Atreus journeyed to the highest peak in the nine realms to scatter the ashes of Faye, Atreus's mother and Kratos's late wife. Along the way, they uncovered a massive revelation: Atreus is actually Loki, a crucial figure in Norse prophecy. They also killed Baldur, the son of Freya, which triggered Fimbulwinter—a harsh, three-year winter that directly sets the stage for the apocalyptic events of Ragnarok.
Ragnarok picks up roughly three years later. Fimbulwinter is in full swing, Lake Nine is frozen over, and angry gods are knocking on their door.
What You Miss By Skipping the First Game
While the introductory recap covers plot points, it can't replicate the slow-burn character development. Skipping the first game impacts your connection to the story in several ways.
The Father-Son Dynamic
The core emotional engine of this duology is the strained, evolving relationship between a stoic, traumatized father and a boy discovering his divine identity. Watching Kratos learn how to show affection and seeing Atreus transition from a sickly, ignorant child to a confident warrior carries significantly less emotional impact if you jump straight into the sequel where they're already a cohesive combat unit.
Side Characters and Grudges
Ragnarok reintroduces characters whose relationships with Kratos were forged in the fire of the 2018 game:
- Freya: Once an ally who helped Kratos and Atreus, she becomes a primary antagonist in Ragnarok because Kratos killed her son Baldur to save her life. Without that context, her intense grief and fury feel less earned.
- Mimir: The "smartest man alive," whose severed head hangs from Kratos's belt, provides constant banter and deep Norse lore. His friendship with Kratos develops gradually over hours of boat rides in the first game.
- Brok and Sindri: The dwarven blacksmith brothers who upgrade your gear. Their familial tensions and loyalty to Kratos pay off emotionally in Ragnarok because of the history established earlier.
Catch-Up Options If You Don't Want To Play
If you decide against playing a 30-hour action game just to prep for another 40-hour game, you have efficient alternatives.
- Watch the Official Recap: Sony published an official 5-minute animated recap narrated by Felicia Day on the PlayStation YouTube Channel. It hits every major plot beat without requiring a controller.
- Read a Comprehensive Story Summary: Many gaming outlets provide detailed synopses of the 2018 plot. Focus specifically on the revelations regarding Faye, the true nature of Atreus, and the fate of the Norse gods.
- Use the In-Game Summary: If you launch Ragnarok, check the memory or codex section, or watch the recap option in the main menu to get a quick refresher before pressing start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play God of War Ragnarok without playing the Greek trilogy?
Yes, absolutely. The 2018 game and Ragnarok are entirely self-contained within the Norse mythology setting. While Kratos references his dark past occasionally, you don't need to know the events of God of War III to understand his current motivations as a protective father.
How long is the 2018 God of War?
If you focus primarily on the main story, the 2018 game takes roughly 20 to 25 hours to complete. Rushing through it just for the plot might feel like a chore if you're eager to play the newer release, which is why watching a detailed story summary is a popular alternative for busy players.
Does Ragnarok spoil the first game?
Yes. The opening hours of Ragnarok and its recap videos immediately spoil the major twists of the 2018 game, including Atreus's true heritage and the identity of the final antagonists. If you care about experiencing those narrative surprises organically, play the first game first.
Is the combat different in Ragnarok?
Ragnarok refines and expands upon the combat system introduced in 2018. It adds new shield types, weapon elements, and verticality to arena battles. Because mechanics carry over closely, playing the first game actually serves as a great training ground for the sequel's tougher encounters.
