Is God of War Linear or Open World? How Ragnarök Blends Narrative Focus with Exploration

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Santa Monica Studio‘s God of War Ragnarök continues the franchise‘s legacy as a heavily story-driven, linear action-adventure game. However, the 2018 reboot did introduce more open world elements and freedom to explore between story beats compared to past entries. So where does Ragnarök fit on the spectrum between linear narrative and open world sandbox?

God of War – A Linear Action Franchise

First released in 2005 on the PS2, the God of War series established itself as one of PlayStation‘s iconic linear action franchises focused on big set pieces and cinematic stories rather than open exploration. The original trilogy set in Greek mythology featured chained camera angles and progression through discrete levels.

This changed slightly with 2018‘s God of War reboot transporting Kratos into Norse realms. While still focused on story, the shift to over-the-shoulder camera and zone-based areas added a sense of openness and freedom, though loading screens still segmented zones.

Critical Path Progresses in Linear Fashion

Despite these open world hints, Ragnarök‘s core story progression remains staunchly linear as Kratos and Atreus journey across the realms. The camera may give more control, but the narrative beats unfold on a set path.

Unlike the sprawling open worlds of games like Elder Scrolls, The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring where players can wander freely, God of War shepherds you along in a specific direction through each story act. True exploration only happens in-between these acts.

So in terms of structure, Ragnarök aligns closer to traditionally linear franchises like Uncharted and The Last of Us rather than BotW or Skyrim. The story comes first and foremost.

Open Zones Offer Side Content

However, the zone-based areas do allow for some open exploration and side content outside the main quest. Once you progress far enough, realms open allowing free-roaming to discover side quests, collectibles, loot and hidden secrets.

These optional activities can offer hours of extra gameplay for those who want to fully complete the game. Plus there are builds and skill trees that encourage replayability via New Game+.

Yet this openness exists only in service of the linear story, not replacing it. Loading screens remind you the worlds are compartmentalized.

Playtime – Quality Over Quantity

In terms of raw gameplay length, God of War Ragnarök clocks in shorter than many open world behemoths:

  • Main Story: 20 hours
  • Completionist: 40+ hours

While not as long as say, Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla or Horizon Forbidden West which can stretch past 100 hours including all side content, Ragnarök delivers a tighter experience.

The focused linear approach trades pure scale for deeper worldbuilding, characterization and narrative payoffs. There is player agency via side content if desired, but the structured critical path benefits the overall quality.

Customize Builds Despite Linear World

Interestingly, Ragnarök does offer quite deep player build customization and progression for a linear game. While Kratos explores pre-defined spaces, the upgrade systems allow you to tailor combat to your preferred playstyle.

There are plenty of options to spec your character build:

  • Deep skill trees to unlock abilities
  • Weapon upgrading with multiple combos
  • Armor crafting that confer stat bonuses
  • Enchantment slots for further specialization

Combined, these systems provide varied playstyles as you battle through the linear story. You control how Kratos grows in power on his journey.

While God of War Ragnarök allows some open exploration between story beats, the core experience remains a linear, cinematic action epic focused on Kratos and Atreus‘ journey across Norse realms.

For fans of narrative-driven games, this compromise between open world freedom and structured storytelling hits a perfect balance. The linear path may seem restrictive after 100+ hours in games like Skyrim or The Witcher 3, but that design focus allows God of War to deliver an emotional, filmic story that propels you onwards.

With excellent review scores and massive early sales success proving fan appetite for more God of War remains strong, perhaps future installments will lean harder into the open world hints Ragnarök only lightly sprinkles in. But for now, the linear heritage takes precedence in a genre exemplifying "quality over quantity".

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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