Can you get Atreus back after Ragnarok?
As a longtime God of War fan, I‘ve eagerly followed Kratos and Atreus‘s powerful father-son journey through the Norse saga. And while their bittersweet parting in Ragnarok‘s finale left me in tears, many fans ask: can you get Atreus back after that emotional goodbye? Thankfully, yes – the secret ending shows our heroes will reunite.
Let‘s dive deep into this incredible narrative payoff and why it works so well.
Analyzing Atreus‘s Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout Ragnarok, we watch Atreus struggle with his identity. He discovers he‘s Loki, a pivotal god who enables Ragnarok. Atreus desperately seeks to avoid this fate that the giants prophesized – to ally with the Aesir.
Terrified, Atreus turns on his father Kratos, accusing him of hiding the truth. This culminates in a heart wrenching fight where Atreus nearly kills his own father.
But with guidance from wise mentors like Mimir and Freya, Atreus comes to accept his destiny cannot be changed. He returns to save Kratos from death, mending their bond. Atreus understands fate is what you make of it – he will be whatever kind of "Loki" he chooses.
This personal odyssey forges Atreus into a confident, altruistic young man by Ragnarok‘s climax. He discovers his mother‘s heroic efforts to aid the giants, inspiring him. As the only known half-giant left alive, Atreus must depart Midgard to finish her work.
Kratos‘ Emotional Evolution Allows Him to Let Atreus Go
The violent Greek demigod Kratos spent years believing emotions made one weak. But after meeting his second wife Faye, Kratos finds love once more with his new family. Tragically, Faye passes – but not before taking steps to guide her men on a destiny-spanning quest.
As a single father, the once cold-hearted Kratos softens raising Atreus alone. He protects his son fiercely – at times, too fiercely. Believing the boy is not ready, Kratos tries keeping Atreus from growing up or pursuing his own path.
Deep down, Kratos fears repeating past failures. But when Atreus is ready to set out on his own, Kratos does not make the same mistakes that doomed his first family. He stays emotionally available, comforting Atreus over Faye’s secrets instead of turning angry.
In their final fight defending Midgard, father and son battle as equals. This shows Kratos accepting Atreus as the god he has become. With his boy safely grown, Kratos can finally let go – even if it devastates him. Their hug goodbye is truly earned, completing Kratos’ redemption arc across these mythic Norse sagas.
God of War Ragnarok‘s Post-Credits Scene Offers Closure
Fear not, the heart-wrenching anguish of their farewell is not the end! Once the credits finish rolling, players can unlock an additional scene revealing Kratos and Atreus will meet again.
To see this emotional reunion, follow these steps:
- Complete Ragnarok‘s story campaign up through the climactic "The Realms at War" mission.
- Travel back to the Sindri‘s house area in the center of the Lake of Nine.
- Check Atreus‘s upstairs bedroom to trigger a new moment with Mimir and Kratos.
Inside, Kratos nervously asks Mimir whether he prepared the boy well enough for survival. Not just at combat against gruesome beasts, but emotionally – for relationships and complex adult problems.
Mimir reassures that Atreus has become a fine, honorable man his parents would be proud of. With their realms safe in the young god‘s hands, this touching scene implies Atreus will return after accomplishing his vital quest to restore the giants.
Kratos gazes wistfully out the window awaiting Atreus‘s return
Across these iconic PlayStation titles, I believe this bittersweet yet hopeful separation represents the greatest development yet in the series’ most powerful relationship. It promises new beginnings for God of War – with Atreus perhaps taking up his father’s axe.
Atreus Actor Sunny Suljic Will Be 20 By the Next God of War
In an interview with GameRant, Ragnarok director Eric Williams revealed plans to continue the saga after the Norse era:
"We seem to have left [Atreus] in a fairly good place. Whether or not he‘s going to be okay is maybe going to be explored in the future."
Atreus‘s voice actor Sunny Suljic is currently 17 years old. With games taking 5+ years to develop, he could be over 20 in a potential God of War 6 – meaning an older Atreus absent for story reasons makes logical sense.
And narrative director Matt Sophos told Inverse:
"[Atreus] needs time away so when we see him again — if we see him again — he might be a fully realized man."
Developers outright state they have ideas for a continuation showcasing a more mature, experienced Atreus reuniting with his father. Likely featuring co-op gameplay letting fans control both characters in battle.
While Kratos’s Greek saga spanned 6 entries over a decade, his Norse era ends after just 2 games. With Atreus‘s future wide open, it seems Sony Santa Monica isn‘t done with their beloved franchise.
Atreus‘s Absence Sets Up Exciting New Story Directions
Atreus traveling the realms to rescue the giants could uncover fresh mythological settings, enemies, and allies. His Giant heritage offers limitless potential – perhaps even explaining the origin of his shapeshifting abilities as Loki.
And fans theorize the [[Egyptian]] and Japanese pantheons may be Kratos’s next targets after Christian, Greek, and Norse religions faced his wrath. The long lifespan of gods means decades could pass before Atreus finishes his quest. Imagine an older, world-weary Kratos battling new gods alongside his powerful adult son!
The heartfelt post-credits scene starts this fascinating new chapter – even if the tears still haven‘t dried for beloved characters we must temporarily say goodbye to. Their inspiring story certainly impacted me as both a gamer and father myself.
I don‘t know about you, but I can‘t wait to see where Kratos and Atreus journey to next! Did you enjoy God of War Ragnarok‘s epic yet intimate narrative about breaking free from the past? Let me know if comments below!
