Hello! This column is part of a regular series in which we share what Tom’s Guide staff members are playing and enjoying right now, with a focus on helping you find great games you might have missed. Be sure to check out our latest entry, where we talk about the Elden Ring.
God of War Ragnarök isn’t just one of the best PS5 games out there. It is one of my favorite games of 2022. This is largely due to its engaging, character-driven narrative. It’s satisfying to see how protagonist Kratos, his son Atreus, and the supporting cast have evolved between this entry and 2018’s God of War.
Whenever I discuss this title with friends and peers, we don’t focus on the gameplay; We dissect his simple but brilliantly told story. But the quality of the storytelling isn’t just down to the main quest, with side quests getting just as much attention. In fact, I’d venture to say some of this optional content is as good – if not better – than the core narrative.
Unlike Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, God of War Ragnarök knows that quality is more important than quantity. The game may not have dozens of side quests, but they are all done almost exceptionally well.
Below, I’ll detail how God of War Ragnarök properly performs the side quests and what other games with similar optional content can learn from the PlayStation exclusive.
Less is more
One of the complaints that have been slammed into recent Assassin’s Creed titles is that they are as wide as an ocean and as deep as a pond. These games have plenty of side quests but most of them feel interchangeable at best or forgettable at worst. The idea of a large number of side quests is more tempting than reality. What’s the point of having so many optional assignments if they feel like filler?
Fortunately, God of War Ragnarök takes an opposite approach, and may only feature a dozen narrative-driven side quests. Although I haven’t finished all of the side quests yet, the ones I’ve completed have been great so far. My current favorite is the one in the Vanaheim area because it almost feels like an expansion given its sheer scale. This side quest is a microcosm of the game itself and is an excellent example of how to properly build an engaging and rewarding experience.
I must say that God of War Ragnarök is not the first game to be restrained with side quests. Deus Ex: Human Revolution had a few side missions but each one was exceptional. I single out Eidos Interactive because it was one of the first games to make me realize that titles don’t need a million side missions to be good. Keep in mind that this title came out in 2011 and you were already tired of the excess content in the games. Things didn’t get much better. That’s why God of War Ragnarök feels special in this regard.
The important stories
God of War Ragnarök is a solid action game with lots of puzzle and platform parts. But I would argue that its gameplay is secondary when compared to its over-the-top storytelling. This is not to say that it has the most amazing stories I’ve ever seen in any media. The narration is rather straightforward. But the way events unfold always keeps you engrossed.
Not only do side quests reveal more about the Norse mythological world you’re exploring, but you also gain a great deal of insight into the people who inhabit this land.
More importantly, the game’s characters and how they interact with each other is what really drives everything forward. You want to keep playing to see what the characters will do next.
This focus on personality extends to the side missions. Although many of these sequels inevitably conclude with an amazing fight, the journey to reach that climax is filled with all sorts of captivating character moments. Side quests not only reveal more about the Norse mythological world you’re exploring, but you also gain a great deal of insight into the people who inhabit this land – not to mention learning more about Kratos and Atreus and what motivates their actions.
You know side quests are great when you keep thinking about them days or even weeks after completing them. God of War Ragnarök succeeds here because these are some of the most memorable missions I’ve ever engaged in. They’re not just there to provide better loot and gear. These side stories are substantial.
Useful swag
Although collecting loot was not the main reason for completing the side missions, the various items obtained during the missions were very useful. After completing the aforementioned Vanaheim quest, I got new armor and useful items to upgrade the rest of my gear. This will eventually help me complete some of the more challenging optional battles scattered across the Nine Realms.
In my God of War Ragnarök review, I said that the game allows you to craft a version of Kratos that suits your playstyle. If you enjoy taking combat directly onto enemies, you can wear and use items that boost your strength and defense. Conversely, people who enjoy using magical attacks or inflicting status ailments on enemies can also create a build suitable for this style. The more side quests you complete, the more items you’ll have at your disposal to build the perfect Kratos.
Side quests done right
Like The Witcher 3 before it, God of War Ragnarök has truly memorable side quests that help you immerse yourself even more in its fantasy setting. These missions also allow the game to show different sides of the characters that are already well rounded.
If you plan to acquire God of War Ragnarök or currently own it, I urge you not to avoid the side quests. I promise you will find them as rewarding as I have.
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