God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC is a compelling addition to the God of War universe, offering a unique blend of storyline and gameplay challenges.
The DLC is an epilogue to the main story that delves deeply into Kratos’ life.
Set after the decisive battle against Odin and Atreus’ departure, it follows Kratos on a personal and reflective journey.
The narrative invites players to explore the depths of Valhalla and face echoes from the past of the Ghost of Sparta.
This complete guide will help you navigate through its intricacies and explain the plot in detail.
Starting the DLC
The God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC is accessible immediately after you’ve updated the game, regardless of your progress in the main storyline.
This option, though available, isn’t the ideal way to experience the DLC if you haven’t played through the main game.
The DLC operates independently of the main storyline and is accessed through a distinct option in the game’s main menu, positioned between the ‘New Game+’ and ‘Settings’ options.
Before diving in, ensure you have around 8GB of free space for the download.
Once you’ve selected the Valhalla DLC from the menu, the game will launch you directly into this new content.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t factor in your progress or stats from the main game, as it starts with predetermined stats and equipment specific to it.
On average, completing it may take approximately four to four and a half hours.
Although this can vary by about thirty minutes depending on the player’s pace and gameplay style.
Gameplay and Objectives
Roguelike Elements: The DLC incorporates roguelike gameplay, where you need to familiarize yourself with different doors in the realm, each leading to discoveries and challenges.
Main Tasks: You’ll need to engage in various activities like finding Boat Captain Keys, completing Mastery Quests, reclaiming Pandora’s Statue, retrieving Kratos’ Oath Stone, participating in Forum Arena Battles, and unlocking 9 Realms within Valhalla.
Encounters: Expect a mix of Greek and Norse enemies and artifacts, including the Blade of Olympus.
Entering Valhalla
The plot begins with Kratos and Mimir arriving at the shores of Valhalla, responding to a mysterious invitation.
Initially stripped of their powers and gear, they face numerous challenges.
As they progress, Freya and the Valkyries intervene, assisting Kratos by allowing him to retain his shield and Spartan Rage ability.
This sets the stage for a journey that’s both self-reflective and action-packed.
Kratos faces trials that are both internal and external, battling various enemies and mini-bosses.
These confrontations are not just physical but also delve into his past, bringing back elements and figures from his Greek era.
Confronting a choice
In the DLC, Freya proposes to Kratos the role of Norse Pantheon’s God of War, which he initially declines.
He learns that his experiences in Valhalla will be shaped by his perceptions, particularly reflecting his past.
Once inside, he confronts various guardians and bosses, which unlocks new abilities.
In a pivotal moment, Kratos encounters a vision where Mimir’s head transforms into Helios, leading to a confrontation with memories of the Greek Pantheon.
This sequence ends abruptly as Sigrun rescues them from a perilous situation, resetting their journey.
Ending explained
The DLC’s climax involves Kratos facing Týr, the previous Norse God of War, in a series of three major confrontations.
Týr wielding weapons from various Pantheons, including those from Japanese and Egyptian cultures, teaches Kratos valuable lessons.
Each battle with him is an opportunity for Kratos to learn and unlock new abilities and powers.
The lessons Týr imparts to the Ghost of Sparta revolve around essential themes such as hope, love, fear, and hate
After the final battle, Kratos is allowed to enter a mysterious room where he confronts a younger version of himself, sitting on the throne of the God of War.
This moment is pivotal as Kratos confronts and forgives his past, leading to a profound monologue.
The conclusion is significant: Kratos accepts the position of being the God of the Norse Pantheon but with a twist.
He chooses to be a God of Hope and Peace, reflecting his personal growth and the journey he’s undergone throughout the series.
Key trophies and how to unlock them
God of Hope: This trophy is achieved by mastering Valhalla and mastering oneself.
Dark Odyssey: Participate in the sacrifice to unlock this trophy.
Blood, Sweat, and Týr: This trophy involves battling Týr.
Scry Me a River: This story-related trophy is unlocked in Chapter 4 and requires reclaiming Kratos’ Oath Stone.
Wayfarer: Visit all 9 Realms in Valhalla.
This involves strategic choices based on the weapon perk you pick at the beginning of each playthrough.
No Kratos, No Scry: Another story-related trophy, unlocked in Chapter 6 by reclaiming Pandora’s Statue.
Fight at the Forum: Participate in a fight at The Forum arena.
This trophy is unlocked by engaging in the third and final arena found in the foggy maze area.
Easy Come, Easy Go: Acquire more than 15,000 Fleeting Echoes on a single attempt.
This can be achieved by playing in the arenas and defeating the Chosen in the maze before Týr.
Understood the Assignment: Complete nine Mastery Quests for this trophy.
Style Points: Equip a Cosmetic Armor piece.
You Again?: Find all three Boat Captain Keys