God of War Ragnarok might seem like an open world, but it’s not your typical free-roam experience. While you can explore vast and stunning realms like Vanaheim and Midgard, the game cleverly gates certain areas. You’ll often need specific abilities like Kratos‘ Leviathan Axe upgrades or Atreus‘ summons to reach hidden treasures or challenging encounters. This Metroidvania-style approach encourages you to revisit areas after the story progresses, unlocking new paths and discovering more secrets.
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So, when should we start exploring God of War Ragnarok? The answer is strategic. Focus on the main story initially, but don’t explore nearby areas. After completing key missions or acquiring new abilities, revisit previously inaccessible regions. You’ll be rewarded with valuable resources, challenging encounters, and a deeper understanding of the intricate world of Ragnarok.
Start Exploring Early
But Strategically
In God of War Ragnarok, the urge to explore the vast Nine Realms is strong. However, blindly venturing out can lead to frustration. Many areas will be initially blocked, requiring abilities you haven’t acquired yet. This “roadblock” system intentionally encourages you to revisit locations as you grow stronger.
The most rewarding exploration happens at two key points. Firstly, you’ll gain significant freedom to explore after a specific mission early in the game. Take advantage of this window to discover hidden treasures and secrets while your curiosity is high. Secondly, completing the main campaign unlocks the true potential for exploration. With all your abilities at your disposal, you can finally reach those previously inaccessible areas and uncover the full depth of the Nine Realms.
Explore After Key Story Missions
In God of War Ragnarok, exploration is key. As you progress through the main story, Kratos and Atreus unlock crucial new abilities that open up previously inaccessible areas. Once you finish the tenth main mission, ‘Forging Destiny,’ you’ll have most of what you need to explore the Nine Realms. But a big part of Vanaheim will still be locked. You’ll have to complete the fourteenth mission, ‘Creatures of Prophecy,’ to unlock that area.
To maximize your exploration experience, I recommend a strategic approach. After “Forging Destiny,” fully explore all other realms and the accessible areas of Vanaheim. This allows you to experience diverse environments and challenging encounters while your abilities constantly evolve. Let’s save exploring the rest of Vanaheim after we beat ‘Creatures of Prophecy.’ This way, we won’t get overwhelmed with too much to explore at the very end of the game. It’ll make the whole journey feel more relaxed and rewarding.
The Main Campaign
A Good Point to Deep Dive
Hey there, fellow Kratos fans! If you’re diving into the epic world of God of War Ragnarok, let’s talk about the best time to really dig deep and explore. Finishing the main campaign is your perfect launchpad. By then, Kratos is a powerhouse with a killer arsenal, ready to tackle any challenge and uncover every hidden nook and cranny. Trust me, you’ll want to savor those breathtaking views and unearth every last treasure.
Don’t get too excited about 100% completion after mission 14. Ragnarok has a ton of post-game content waiting for you. Imagine exploring a new area in Niflheim, battling Odin’s Ravens, and facing a hidden boss. The “Nine Realms in Bloom” quest, “Remnants of Asgard,” and epic battles against Berserker King Hrolf Kraki and Valkyrie Queen Gna. To truly experience everything, dedicated post-game exploration is key. However, some might find a non-stop grind a bit much. A good balance? Focus on significant exploration after missions 10 and 14, saving the rest for the endgame.
Atreus’ Journey
A World of Exploration
When playing as Atreus in God of War Ragnarök, prioritize exploration. His agility and unique abilities, like arrows and stealth, unlock hidden paths and areas inaccessible to Kratos. These sections exclude Atreus and disappear after the main story, so make the most of them. While these areas rarely contain game-changing items, exploring as Atreus adds depth and enriches your overall experience.
Remember, God of War Ragnarök is a vast and intricate world. By fully utilizing Atreus’ abilities, you’ll uncover hidden treasures, encounter unique encounters, and truly experience the full scope of this incredible game. So, embrace the opportunity to play as Atreus, explore every nook and cranny, and uncover the secrets that await you.
The Joy of Rediscovery
Embrace the Unknown
One of the most rewarding aspects of exploring God of War Ragnarok is the sheer joy of rediscovery. As you progress through the game and acquire new abilities, previously inaccessible areas suddenly open up. You’ll find hidden paths, unlock challenging puzzles, and uncover secrets you missed the first time around. This constant sense of exploration keeps the world feeling fresh and exciting, even as you delve deeper into the story.
This constant sense of rediscovery is a testament to God of War Ragnarok’s intricate and layered world design. The developers have masterfully woven a vast, interconnected world, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. Whether scaling towering mountains, navigating treacherous swamps, or delving into hidden caves, there’s always something new to discover and appreciate in this breathtaking and unforgettable journey.
Strategy to Start Exploring in God of War Ragnarok
| Exploration Phase | Strategy |
| Early Game | Begin exploring but be mindful of limitations. Some areas will require abilities you haven’t unlocked yet. |
| After Key Missions | Revisit previously explored areas after acquiring new abilities through story progression. You’ll often discover new paths and hidden content. |
| Post-Main Campaign | This is the ideal time for deep exploration. With most abilities unlocked, you can thoroughly explore every region. |
| Atreus’ Playable Sections | Utilize Atreus’ unique abilities to access areas Kratos cannot reach. |
Conclusion
God of War Ragnarok masterfully blends open-world exploration with a Metroidvania-style approach. By strategically exploring at different game stages, you’ll uncover hidden treasures, encounter challenging enemies, and truly appreciate the depth and beauty of the Nine Realms. So, embrace the unknown, venture off the beaten path, and experience the full breadth of what God of War Ragnarok has to offer.
FAQs
1. What does “Start Exploring” actually do?
“Start Exploring” is a command given by Kratos to Atreus. It instructs Atreus to independently explore the environment, interact with objects, and potentially discover hidden areas or secrets that Kratos might miss.
2. When should I use “Start Exploring”?
Use “Start Exploring” when you feel you’ve exhausted the immediate area of interest and are unsure if any hidden paths, chests, or collectibles are nearby. It’s particularly useful in larger open areas or when you suspect Atreus’ unique abilities might be necessary to progress.
3. What will Atreus do when I use “Start Exploring”?
Atreus will autonomously move around the environment, using his bow and arrows to interact with objects, solve simple puzzles, and uncover hidden areas. He may also use his mystical abilities to reveal hidden paths or interact with specific environmental elements.
4. Are there any risks associated with using “Start Exploring”?
While generally safe, there’s a slight risk that Atreus might encounter enemies while exploring independently. However, he’s generally capable of handling minor encounters.
5. How do I know if Atreus has found something interesting?
Atreus often calls out to Kratos when he discovers something significant, such as a hidden chest, a new area, or an interesting point of interest. You can also watch the mini-map to see if Atreus has ventured into new areas.
God of War Ragnarok
| Genre | Action Adventure |
| Top Critic Rating | 92/100 |
| Critics Recommend | 97% |
| Platform(s) | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 |
| Released | November 9, 2022 |
| Developer(s) | Santa Monica Studio |
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