God Of War Ragnarok: What's Coming Next?

Hey guys! So, you've finished God of War Ragnarok, huh? Epic, right? The journey through the Norse realms was absolutely mind-blowing, and now you're probably sitting there wondering, "Okay, Santa Monica Studio, what's next?!" Well, let's dive into the potential futures of the God of War franchise, from DLC expansions to entirely new sagas. The possibilities are as vast as the Nine Realms themselves, so buckle up, and let's speculate!

Potential DLC and Expansions

First things first, let's talk DLC. It's almost a given these days that massive games like God of War Ragnarok get some sort of post-launch downloadable content. Think back to God of War (2018) – while it didn't receive any story DLC, that doesn't mean Ragnarok will follow suit. The world is so rich, and there are plenty of loose ends and unexplored corners that could be fleshed out in a meaty expansion.

What could a DLC entail? One popular theory revolves around exploring the realms that Kratos and Atreus didn't fully visit during the main game, like Asgard. While we see Asgard in ruins, imagine a prequel DLC where we get to experience Asgard in its prime, perhaps even playing as a different character or seeing events through another's eyes. This would be a fantastic way to add depth to the existing narrative. Alternatively, a DLC could focus on smaller, more character-driven stories. Perhaps we could delve deeper into the lives of the supporting characters, such as Freya or Brok and Sindri, exploring their backstories and motivations. Imagine playing a questline as Freya, reclaiming her Valkyrie wings and battling remnants of Odin's forces!

Another compelling option is a DLC centered around Atreus's journey to find the lost giants. The ending of Ragnarok sees Atreus embarking on this quest, and a DLC could allow players to experience this adventure firsthand. This could introduce new realms, new characters, and new gameplay mechanics focused on Atreus's unique abilities. This direction allows the story to expand organically while keeping the core gameplay intact.

A New Saga: Egyptian Adventures?

Okay, let's dream a little bigger. What if Santa Monica Studio decides to move God of War to an entirely new mythology? The ending of God of War (2018) heavily hinted at the possibility of exploring Egyptian mythology, with the mural depicting Kratos seemingly being worshipped as a god in Egypt. This has led many fans to believe that the next God of War saga could take place in ancient Egypt.

Imagine Kratos battling gods like Ra, Anubis, and Set, traversing the vast deserts and ancient pyramids. The possibilities are endless! Egyptian mythology is filled with fascinating creatures, powerful gods, and epic stories that would be perfect for the God of War treatment. The change in scenery and mythology would also provide a fresh and exciting experience for players, while still retaining the core gameplay mechanics that make the series so beloved. Combat could be adapted to incorporate Egyptian weapons and fighting styles, and the environments would be visually stunning.

But what about Atreus? If the series moves to Egypt, how would Atreus fit into the picture? One possibility is that Atreus could remain a supporting character, perhaps guiding Kratos through the new mythology or even embarking on his own separate adventure within the same world. Alternatively, the series could introduce a new protagonist altogether, allowing for a completely fresh start while still maintaining the God of War DNA. This new protagonist could be a descendant of Kratos or a character deeply intertwined with the Egyptian gods.

A Smaller, More Focused Title

Not every God of War game needs to be a massive, sprawling epic. Santa Monica Studio could opt for a smaller, more focused title that explores a specific aspect of the God of War universe. Think of it like a standalone adventure that fills in the gaps between the main games. This could be a great way to experiment with new gameplay mechanics, introduce new characters, or delve deeper into the lore of the existing world.

What could a smaller God of War game look like? Imagine a game focused solely on Atreus and his journey to find the giants. This could be a more narrative-driven experience with a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. Alternatively, a game could explore the backstory of Kratos, perhaps delving into his time as a Spartan warrior or his relationship with his first family. This could provide a deeper understanding of Kratos's character and motivations. This format could allow for quicker development cycles and more frequent releases, keeping fans engaged without the pressure of creating another massive, open-world epic.

God of War on PC: Expanding the Audience

Let's not forget about the PC market! God of War (2018) made a huge splash when it was released on PC, introducing the franchise to a whole new audience. It's highly likely that God of War Ragnarok will eventually make its way to PC as well. This would not only generate significant revenue for Sony but also allow more players to experience the game's incredible story and gameplay. A PC release often comes with enhanced graphics, unlocked frame rates, and mod support, further enhancing the experience for players. This strategy of porting PlayStation exclusives to PC has proven successful for Sony, and it's likely to continue in the future.

God of War: A Live Service Game?

Okay, this is a bit of a wild card, but it's worth considering. The gaming industry is increasingly moving towards live service models, and it's possible that Santa Monica Studio could explore this option for God of War. Imagine a God of War game where you can create your own character, team up with friends, and embark on quests in a constantly evolving world. This could involve regular content updates, new challenges, and even seasonal events. While this might be a departure from the traditional God of War formula, it could also be a way to keep the franchise fresh and engaging for years to come.

How would this work? A live service God of War game could focus on the Norse realms or even introduce new mythologies. Players could choose their own class, customize their character's appearance, and level up their skills. The game could feature a main storyline, as well as side quests and daily challenges. Regular content updates could introduce new weapons, armor, and abilities, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. While the idea of a live service God of War game might be controversial among some fans, it could also be a way to attract new players and keep the franchise relevant in the ever-changing gaming landscape.

Conclusion: The Future is Bright

So, what's next for God of War Ragnarok? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the future of the franchise is incredibly bright. Whether we get a DLC expansion, a new saga in Egypt, a smaller, more focused title, or even a live service game, there's no doubt that Santa Monica Studio will continue to deliver high-quality, engaging experiences that will keep us coming back for more. The God of War series has evolved significantly over the years, and it's exciting to imagine where it will go next. So, keep your eyes peeled, guys, because the gods are always watching, and the next chapter in the God of War saga is sure to be epic!

What are your hopes for the future of God of War? Let us know in the comments below!