No, Kratos Has Not Gotten Weaker in God of War Ragnarok

Despite some story aspects that depict Kratos as more vulnerable, he retains the immense strength that makes him the God of War. When provoked in combat, Kratos still dominates gods like Thor with his godly abilities. Examinations of lore and his feats of strength confirm he is just as powerful, if not more so, than in previous games.

Kratos‘ Character Progression Necessitates Vulnerability

As a passionate gamer and content creator myself, I have closely followed the God of War series and can provide context into Kratos‘ apparent vulnerability. His character progression requires him to be less overwhelmingly strong to allow for more emotional nuance.

In the latest game, Kratos is older, wiser, and more in control of his rage. This gives him a wearier and more vulnerable tone at times when interacting with his son Atreus or reflecting on his bloody past.

This table outlines the major differences between the Older Kratos in the recent games versus the Younger Kratos from earlier in the series:

This emotional depth requires Kratos to appear vulnerable, not because he has lost any abilities, but to service the game‘s themes of mortality, family, and how one‘s legacy echoes through time.

Empowering Atreus Can Make Kratos Look Weaker

In some sections like the Atreus-only portions, the DEPICTION of Atreus growing power and confidence coupled with Kratos‘ inherent vulnerability can give the IMPRESSION that Kratos has become weaker.

But this is intentional, as Director Eric Williams explained in an interview, to facilitate Atreus‘ coming-of-age storyline, not an actual nerfing of Kratos‘ abilities:

“We’re telling a different kind of story here, one where Atreus is trying to find himself. As his confidence grows, it’s easy to perceive the characters’ power levels differently than in the 2018 game.”

When examining Kratos‘ actual abilities when battling gods like Thor, the lethal skills that have earned him the title ‘God of War‘ remain undiminished.

His Godly Strength Persists When Provoked

While the Nordic realm‘s icy climate and Kratos’ initial lack of motivation to seek out combat can give the IMPRESSION he is weaker, any opponent that pushes him into Spartan Rage quickly learns otherwise.

Kratos still exhibits the ability to decimate multiple foes at once, wield huge weapons with crushing strength, heal wounds rapidly, and maximize his rage to overcome enemies like Thor, who is physically stronger than Baldur was in the previous game.

His victory over Thor required overcoming the God‘s terrifying strength, speed, and control of lightning. This confirms that when provoked, Kratos retains the vicious battle prowess that once allowed him to openly challenge gods on Mount Olympus at the height of his powers.

Battle Feats and Lore Confirm His Abilities

While Kratos‘ restraint when dealing with annoyances like the irritating bird Ratatoskr may seem like the tolerance of a weaker man, his capabilities remain undiminished.

Examining confirmed feats of strength and weapons mastery in God of War Ragnarok prove he has lost none of his potency in combat:

• Overpowered Norse guardian Thor, who can move at lightning speeds and wields Mjölnir, the heaviest weapon in the 9 realms
• Defeated creatures of epic strength like World Serpent years ago in battle
• Survived attacks that splintered Yggdrasil, the World Tree that upholds 9 realms
• Manifested Spartan Rage to the point of devastating entire environments
• Can wield Leviathan Axe, extremely heavy even for King Thor

The lore also states Kratos still possesses the same Spartan Rage ability that once allowed him to battle mountain-sized Titans using only his bare hands.

Conclusion: Maturity Brings Restraint, Not Weakness

In conclusion, while an older and wearier Kratos at times appears more vulnerable due to the game‘s narrative and his own character growth, he remains as unmatched in combat ability as in any of the previous God of War titles.

Kratos exhibits emotional depth and wisdom that require greater restraint in applying his powers, less shortsighted bloodlust. But examined closely, his strength persists undiminished. And when sufficiently provoked, his Spartan skills decisively overcome any foe – whether god, giant, or monster.

So for fans wondering if Kratos has become weaker in God of War Ragnarok compared to early titles, they can rest assured that he proudly retains the battle prowess befitting the God of War.