Hey guys! Ready to dive deep into the Norse realms with Kratos and Atreus? This is your ultimate guide to God of War Ragnarok, straight from the folks at IGN! We're breaking down everything from the main story walkthrough to those tricky side quests, collectibles, and, of course, how to absolutely dominate in combat. Get ready to explore every corner of this epic game!

Main Story Walkthrough

Alright, let's get right into the heart of it – the main story. God of War Ragnarok picks up a few years after the events of the 2018 game, with Fimbulwinter in full swing. Kratos and Atreus are trying to survive in the Norse wilderness while preparing for the inevitable Ragnarok. This walkthrough will guide you through every chapter, ensuring you don't miss a single beat of the narrative.

From Midgard to New Realms

The journey begins in Midgard, but you won't be staying there for long! As you progress, you'll venture into new and breathtaking realms. Each realm is packed with unique enemies, puzzles, and lore. We'll provide detailed maps and strategies to navigate these environments effectively. Expect to explore places like Svartalfheim, the land of the dwarves, and Alfheim, the realm of the light elves, each offering its own distinct challenges and rewards.

Key Story Beats and Boss Battles

Expect twists, turns, and emotional gut-punches as you follow Kratos and Atreus's journey. We'll highlight the key story beats, ensuring you understand the significance of each event. And, of course, we'll provide in-depth strategies for every boss battle. These aren't your average enemies; they require careful planning and skillful execution to defeat. From mythical beasts to vengeful gods, we've got you covered with attack patterns, weaknesses, and the best gear to use.

Choices and Consequences

God of War Ragnarok features moments where your choices matter. These decisions can impact the story and character relationships. We'll point out these critical junctures and discuss the potential consequences of each choice, helping you make informed decisions that align with your preferred narrative path. Are you ready to shape the destiny of Kratos and Atreus?

Side Quests and Favors

Beyond the main story, God of War Ragnarok is brimming with side quests, also known as Favors. These optional missions offer a wealth of additional content, from exploring hidden areas to helping out Norse spirits. Completing these Favors will reward you with valuable resources, new gear, and deeper insights into the world's lore.

Exploring the Nine Realms

Each of the Nine Realms has its own set of Favors to discover. Some might involve tracking down mythical creatures, while others could task you with solving ancient puzzles. We'll guide you through each Favor, providing step-by-step instructions and highlighting any potential challenges along the way. These quests are not only rewarding but also offer a chance to experience the full scope of the game's world.

Character-Specific Quests

Many Favors are tied to specific characters, allowing you to delve deeper into their backstories and motivations. These quests often involve complex moral dilemmas and emotional moments. Completing them can strengthen your relationships with these characters and unlock new abilities or gear. Get ready to forge lasting bonds with the supporting cast of God of War Ragnarok.

Rewards and Unlocks

Completing Favors will net you some sweet rewards. Think rare resources, powerful enchantments, and unique armor sets. These rewards can significantly enhance your combat capabilities and make you a force to be reckoned with. Plus, some Favors unlock new areas and secrets within the game world, expanding your exploration opportunities.

Collectibles and Secrets

If you're a completionist, God of War Ragnarok will keep you busy for hours. The game is filled with collectibles, secrets, and hidden areas just waiting to be discovered. From Odin's Ravens to Legendary Chests, there's always something new to find. This section of the guide will help you track down every last collectible and uncover the game's deepest secrets.

Odin's Ravens

Odin's Ravens are scattered throughout the Nine Realms, acting as the Allfather's spies. Finding and destroying these ravens is a challenging but rewarding task. We'll provide a comprehensive list of every raven location, along with tips on how to reach them. Destroying all the ravens in a region unlocks special rewards and progresses you towards 100% completion.

Legendary Chests

Legendary Chests contain powerful gear, including armor pieces, weapon upgrades, and runic attacks. These chests are often hidden in out-of-the-way locations and require solving puzzles to unlock. We'll guide you through each puzzle and provide detailed instructions on how to claim your reward. These chests are essential for equipping Kratos and Atreus with the best possible gear.

Artifacts and Lore Markers

Artifacts and Lore Markers provide additional context to the world of God of War Ragnarok. Artifacts are collectible items that tell stories about the people and cultures of the Nine Realms, while Lore Markers reveal ancient myths and legends. Collecting these items adds depth to the game's narrative and rewards curious players with a richer understanding of the world.

Combat Guide and Strategies

Let's talk combat! God of War Ragnarok features a visceral and challenging combat system. Mastering this system is crucial for surviving the game's many encounters. This section of the guide will break down the basics of combat, as well as provide advanced strategies for taking down even the toughest enemies.

Weapon and Skill Upgrades

Kratos has access to a variety of weapons, each with its own unique move set. The Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Guardian Shield can all be upgraded to unlock new abilities and enhance their effectiveness. We'll guide you through the upgrade paths for each weapon, highlighting the most useful skills and combos to learn. Experimenting with different weapon combinations is key to finding your preferred combat style.

Enemy Weaknesses and Strategies

Every enemy in God of War Ragnarok has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some enemies are vulnerable to fire, while others are resistant to certain types of attacks. We'll provide detailed information on each enemy type, including their attack patterns and weaknesses. By exploiting these weaknesses, you can gain a significant advantage in combat and make even the toughest encounters manageable.

Utilizing Runes and Enchantments

Runes and Enchantments can be equipped to weapons and armor to provide additional bonuses and abilities. Runes can add new attacks to your weapons, while Enchantments can boost your stats or grant special effects. Experimenting with different rune and enchantment combinations is essential for optimizing your build and tailoring it to your preferred playstyle. Don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you!

Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Starting out in God of War Ragnarok can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to the series. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you get started on the right foot.

Resource Management

Resources are essential for crafting and upgrading gear. Be sure to collect every resource you come across, and prioritize upgrading your most-used equipment. Some resources are rarer than others, so be mindful of how you spend them. Completing side quests and exploring hidden areas is a great way to stock up on valuable resources.

Exploring and Experimenting

The world of God of War Ragnarok is vast and full of secrets. Don't be afraid to explore off the beaten path and experiment with different weapons, abilities, and strategies. You never know what you might discover! The more you explore, the more you'll uncover, and the better equipped you'll be to face the challenges ahead.

Difficulty Settings

God of War Ragnarok offers a range of difficulty settings to suit different playstyles. If you're new to the series, consider starting on a lower difficulty setting to get a feel for the combat system. You can always adjust the difficulty later if you find it too easy or too challenging. The goal is to have fun and enjoy the story, so choose a difficulty setting that allows you to do that.

Conclusion

So there you have it – your comprehensive guide to God of War Ragnarok, inspired by the awesome content from IGN. Whether you're a seasoned God of War veteran or a newcomer to the series, this guide will help you navigate the Norse realms, conquer challenging enemies, and uncover the game's deepest secrets. Now go forth, brave warrior, and forge your legend in the fires of Ragnarok! Have fun exploring, and may the gods be with you!