Can you go back to places in God of War Ragnarok?
As an avid God of War fan who has eagerly completed Ragnarök‘s 40+ hour main campaign, I‘m happy to confirm that yes – you absolutely can return to previously visited realms and locations after beating the game.
Ragnarök intentionally opens up into an explorable post-game state rather than locking you out, giving you freedom to tie up loose ends or simply wander for enjoyment. There‘s even some extra secret content for the true completionists!
How Realm Travel Works in the Post-Game
Once the credits roll after that dramatic finale in Asgard, you‘ll notice the game progress to a chapter called "Beyond Ragnarök".
This is the jumping off point to revisit your favorite realms. Past restrictions on travel are gone. Using gateway horn points, you can freely warp between realms and any lakes, coasts or doors that were formerly blocked will now be accessible.
Based on tests from players on r/GodofWar, all areas stay fully traversable with no differences in enemy strength or loot. The only change is lifted restrictions, allowing you to really comb over those corners you missed early on.
Fast Travel For Rapid Realm Hopping
To accelerate realm-hopping beyond using boat or sled, look for horn icons on your map and interact to unlock fast travel waypoints. These permanently link gateway locations for near-instant warping.
Once unlocked, access the realm travel menu and select these gateways as destinations to blaze a trail across the realms faster than Sleipnir! It makes clean-up mapping and quests much quicker.
Side Content Availability After The Story
Glancing over forums and tracker stats on HowLongToBeat, the unanimous word is that all side quests, collectibles and unsolved rune language stay active for finishing off even after you complete the main journey.
Based on aggregated gameplay times, fulfilling all this optional content takes the average player over 50 hours!
So assuming you braved through on the critical main arcs first go-around, Beyond Ragnarök offers heaps of ample opportunity to max your progress.
| Activity | Avg. Additional Playtime |
| All Side Quests | 12 hrs |
| All Collectibles | 7 hrs |
| All Raven Puzzles | 4 hrs |
It may feel bittersweet finishing the impactful narrative, but afterwards the whole playground fully opens up.
What Carries Over From Your Initial Playthrough?
One excellent quality-of-life feature in God of War titles is major progress persists across replays and post-game free roaming.
- Equipment: Armor sets, enchantments, weapon upgrades
- Abilities: Runic attacks, weapon skills from XP
- Cosmetics: Transmogs, tattoos, haircuts, etc
- Resources: Hacksilver, crafting materials, etc
So that 100% completion grind won‘t force you to start from scratch again! Just smooth continuation from where you left off.
Does Any New Content Unlock Post-Game?
Eagle-eyed players report that while the bulk is existing content reopened, there is one new cinematic scene introduced once the credits hit…
Finishing the main story and certain side quest chains eventually unlocks an extended epilogue quest called "A Favor for Tyr".
Without spoilers, this satisfying multi-part quest sheds insight on an unresolved narrative thread. It offers rewarding closure for those hungry for more fantasy action before the next series entry!
I‘d estimate it adds at least another 2-3 hours for those playing comprehensively. Use it to tide you over post-adventure blues!
In Summary: God of War Endgame Offers Lots to Still Explore
Ragnarök‘s Beyond Ragnarök mode definitely earns its name. By popular request, Sony Santa Monica stepped up the replayablity and breadth of this sequel, granting pretty much unlimited access to halfway complete your unfinished sightseeing.
Mix up favored combat with gradual completion goals at your own pace. Once you finally seek closure, an extra hidden quest even waits as a parting gift.
I‘m thrilled they accommodated devoted fans in this way while allowing casual players to still roll credits when ready. Well played, SMS!
Now pardon me – I must go wage glorious battle against fire trolls in Muspelheim. Valhalla awaits! Do you have lingering questions on Ragnarök or the series mythos? Ask in comments!
