Santa Monica Studio, riding high on the success of God of War Ragnarök, announced a free DLC titled ‘Valhalla’ at The Game Awards 2023. This exciting addition, launching on December 12, adds an intriguing epilogue to the events of God of War Ragnarök, offering players a unique, repayable adventure that blends the God of War combat style with roguelite elements.
Set after the monumental battle against Odin and Atreus’ departure, the DLC focuses on Kratos’ journey to the mysterious shores of Valhalla. Accompanied only by Mimir, players will guide Kratos through internal trials and confrontations with echoes of his past, diving deeper into his character’s development.
The narrative-driven DLC is not just an extension of the story but also an exploration of Kratos’ psyche, providing insights into his thoughts and reflections post the climactic events of the main game.
Revolutionizing Combat and Gameplay
The Santa Monica Studio team has reimagined the familiar combat system of God of War Ragnarök, incorporating fresh, experimental elements inspired by the roguelite genre. In Valhalla, each attempt challenges players to master different aspects of Kratos’ arsenal, facing new combinations of enemies and surprises.
If Kratos falls in combat, he reawakens outside the doors, ready for another attempt. This gameplay mechanic encourages learning and adaptation. With each successful challenge, players accumulate resources that contribute to permanent upgrades, enhancing both Kratos’ abilities and aspects of Valhalla itself.
Customization and Difficulty Settings
Kratos will have access to all his weapons and fully-upgraded skill trees, but each attempt requires a commitment to a specific shield and path of Spartan Rage. Players can make strategic choices between temporary Glyphs, Stats upgrades, Perks, and Runic Attacks, with each decision influencing the outcome of the attempt.
Moreover, armor in Valhalla is solely for aesthetic purposes, allowing players to customize Kratos’ appearance without impacting gameplay. The DLC features five specially crafted difficulty settings, each increasing the rewards from battle, with the freedom to switch among them between attempts.
Accessible to All and A Gift to Fans
God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla is designed as a standalone experience, separate from the main game, enabling players to jump in at any time without requiring specific upgrades or equipment. However, to avoid spoilers, it’s recommended to complete God of War Ragnarök first.
As a token of appreciation for the community’s support, Santa Monica Studio offers this DLC for free to all owners of God of War Ragnarök.
