With its recently released story trailer, the hype for God of War Ragnarok is at an all-time high. Viewers were treated to snippets of new locales, characters, and pieces of dialogue. There wasn't a lot in the trailer that would spoil the upcoming game, but there was just enough in it to get people excited for Kratos and Atreus's return.
But even though God of War Ragnarok will most likely be treading new ground, longtime fans of the franchise may notice some similarities between the November release and 2007's God of War 2. Despite taking place in an entirely different world based on Greek mythology, God of War 2 followed a much younger Kratos on a journey to change his fate. The circumstances of Kratos and Atreus's new quest may be different, but it looks like they are trying to do the same thing.
What Fate Awaits Kratos And Atreus?
While Atreus's fate is still up in the air, those who played 2018's God of War may have an inkling as to what might happen to Kratos. Toward the end of the duo's first journey together, they come upon murals that show their quest was foretold by the Giants - a race known for their gift of foresight. The murals depict Kratos fighting Baldur multiple times, Atreus aiding his father, and the two eventually scattering Faye's ashes over Jotunheim among other events. But as Atreus leaves to finish what the two started, Kratos catches a glimpse of a final mural that shows him dying in Atreus's arms. Kratos doesn't tell Atreus about this final mural for the rest of the game and keeps it a secret to himself.
Based on the lines spoken in God of War: Ragnarok's story trailer, it seems that Atreus now knows about that final mural; either through Kratos or by some other means. Seeing as he is with Kratos throughout most of the promotional material, it is safe to assume Atreus is determined to prevent his father's death and joins him on a new journey. Kratos mentions fate and making one's own destiny in the trailer, which could be a line that spurs the duo on a quest to ensure that what was shown in the final mural doesn't come to pass.
God of War 2 and Defying Fate
The lines spoken by Kratos in the story trailer show a more mature understanding of fate, destiny, and the willingness to defy it; mostly because Kratos once did it himself. God of War 2 revolves around Kratos' quest to track down the Sisters of Fate and prevent his death at the hands of his father Zeus. In the most Kratos-like fashion, his meeting with the Sisters doesn't go well, and he has to take matters into his own hands.
Kratos understands what it means to defy fate and that it can be done if one is determined and willing to do what it takes. He sounds more cautious about changing fate, as his previous attempt did not go as smoothly as he would have liked (he is still haunted by the death of Athena). Nevertheless, the final lines of God of War: Ragnarok's story trailer give off hints of determination as he and Atreus set out to make their own destiny.
If God of War: Ragnarok is anything like its predecessor, Kratos will teach Atreus about the deeper nuances of being a god and doing the impossible (such as defying fate). Atreus, on the other hand, will provide a perspective on things Kratos might not have seen when he was journeying alone. God of War showed that the pair are better off together, as they make up for what the other lacks. With father and son guiding each other's backs, they might just be able to change Kratos's fate for the better.
God of War: Ragnarok releases November 9 on PS4 and PS5.