The first new God of War game focuses on Kratos and his son Atreus as they journey together to scatter his mother’s ashes atop the highest peak in the Nine Realms. This leads to Atreus learning that he is a Jötunn, or Giant, along with his mother Faye. In God of War Ragnarök, Atreus’ story follows this revelation as he learns more about himself and his identity alongside his people.
God Of War: Ragnarök Sets Up Atreus’ Journey
Atreus Leaves In Search Of The Remaining Jötnar
While Valhalla saw Kratos reckoning with his violent past and featured several callbacks to the classic titles that reconciled the newer and older series, he and Atreus had gone their separate ways by this point, opening up another potential plotline Santa Monica Studio could follow in an upcoming game. Atreus believed that all the Jötnar were dead, which further added to his struggles, as he sought answers Kratos could not provide.
Later in the game, Atreus learned from Angrboda, one of the last remaining giants of Jötunheim, that this was not the case and that his ancestors were not extinct as he first believed, with there being the potential to resurrect his kind. At the end of the game, Atreus tells Kratos that he plans on setting out to find the other Giants alone, which Kratos accepts, acknowledging his son’s birthright.
This gives Atreus a definitive future quest to follow and potentially allows room for his relationship with Angrboda – who became close to him throughout God of War Ragnarök. Atreus’ relationship with Angrboda could grow over the course of a potential sequel, along with other characters he met in the previous game. For example, Thrud, daughter of Thor, could play a big role in a continuing adventure with Atreus.
Given that God of War Ragnarök featured sections in which the player controls Atreus, fans have already speculated that the series’ next entry may be a spin-off game with Atreus as the sole protagonist. This is similar to what the Marvel’s Spider-Man series did where Miles Morales got his own standalone entry to grow and develop as a hero before working together with the original hero, Peter Parker, in the sequel.
An Atreus Spin-Off Would Incorporate Some Different Gameplay Mechanics
Atreus And Kratos Played Differently In God of War: Ragnarök
With Atreus growing from being an NPC who accompanied Kratos in God of War to being a fully playable character in God of War Ragnarök, players already have some idea of how he will act as a character. While Kratos carried more weight in his gameplay due to his age, size, and years of experience, Atreus was far more nimble, using a bow given to him by his mother as his main weapon instead.
Given the companion features in both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök , it is likely that any sequel would continue that combat feature with characters like Angrboda or Thrud.
There were several moments throughout God of War Ragnarök that drove home that while he may have been trained, Atreus lacked the experience of his father. This showed that, despite the adventures he’s had, Atreus is still somewhat unrefined as an adventurer and warrior by trying to copy his father. This could allow Atreus to develop into his own combat style, with an entire game centered around him gaining confidence in unique abilities.
While God of War Ragnarök certainly had a focus on Atreus at its core, a standalone journey could allow him to transform into something totally new. As Atreus discovers the meaning behind his destiny as Loki, he could discover more about the Jötnar and the legacy they left him.
Many have already experienced some of Atreus’ magical abilities firsthand, seeing him channeling giant magic through his attacks. Atreus also has his equivalent of Kratos’ Spartan Rage mode, seeing him transform into his wolf form. As Atreus learns more about his heritage and what the Jötnar can do, there’s the potential to see these abilities change and develop further as Atreus becomes even more skilled in them.
This evolution ensures that if he does reunite with Kratos in a future title after his spin-off, both characters would have experienced growth to potentially make them more equal in combat. After the extensive emotional development Kratos received in the Valhalla DLC, it is unlikely that future games will follow any more of his story.
As of this time of writing, Santa Monica Studio has yet to officially announce its next title, so this is purely speculation. However, an Atreus spin-off would be a great way to change things up while building upon what has been established before. Santa Monica has gone on record to say that its next IP will not be a future God of War game, so it may be some time before we see Atreus or Kratos again.
