Having wrapped up God of War Ragnarok, many players are left with questions about the events that unfold during the final mission, “The Realms at War.” This guide explains the key elements of the ending, including the significance of the shrines painted over by Faye, the death of Odin, the fate of the World Serpent, and the revelation of Sindri’s story, leaving us pondering the future of this iconic franchise.
The Beginning of Ragnarok
The story reaches its climax with a powerful moment in Tyr’s Temple, where Kratos delivers an inspiring speech before blowing the Gjallarhorn, signaling the start of Ragnarok. As the battle for the Nine Realms rages on, Kratos and his allies quickly realize that Odin’s forces, with their overwhelming power and war machines, are pushing the realms to the brink of collapse. Despite their best efforts, the team finds themselves at a disadvantage, forcing Kratos and Freya to take on the War Machines directly.
When the group arrives at Svartalfheim’s gate, they are surprised to find Sindri standing alone. Refusing to let any more dwarves die in this war, Sindri explains that Odin manipulated them into building these war machines. True to his word, he uses his sandstone device to destroy the machinery, taking matters into his own hands to bring down the war effort. This moment is crucial for Sindri’s character development, as it marks his shift from a mere ally to an active participant in dismantling Odin’s plans.
The Fate of the World Serpent
As Ragnarok progresses, a battle between Thor and a massive serpent takes center stage. The serpent, believed to be Jörmungandr, is seen being struck by Thor’s blow, sending it hurtling back in time. This twist is deeply tied to Atreus’s journey. The serpent is the same one Atreus (Loki) infused with a giant’s soul during his time in Jotunheim. It turns out that the snake, known as the World Serpent, shares a connection to Atreus’s past, making it a key piece in the prophecy of Ragnarok.
The encounter between Thor, the “giant killer,” and the serpent adds personal stakes to their battle. The prophecy indicates that Thor’s blow doesn’t kill the serpent but rather sends it back through time, creating the Jörmungandr that players meet in God of War (2018). Additionally, the serpent plays a pivotal role in revealing the clue about “Ironwood,” a significant part of Atreus’s destiny.
The final moments reveal that Odin’s disregard for the lives of the Midgardians was far more brutal than originally imagined. Atreus, feeling the full weight of the war, repeats the mantra, “Close your heart to it,” trying to shield himself from the horrors surrounding him. However, Kratos, in a touching moment of fatherly wisdom, advises Atreus to open his heart to the pain. Kratos believes that embracing this pain is what makes them who they are, and it is essential to keep their humanity intact.
As the group comes together, Kratos reaffirms their purpose. He explains that they must not sacrifice the innocent in their fight and that he and Atreus will face Odin directly, to spare the lives of others. Kratos and Atreus then confront the true threat in Asgard: Odin himself.
A Battle to the Death
Upon reaching Odin’s stronghold, Kratos is confronted by Thor, leading to a long, brutal battle. Yet, Kratos shows mercy and spares Thor, hoping for a change. However, Odin does not share the same values. Upon witnessing Thor’s disobedience, Odin kills his own son with a powerful spear. This act sparks yet another fight, culminating in Kratos’s victory over Odin. Atreus offers Odin a chance to change, but Odin refuses, leading to his soul being captured inside a Giant Marble.
Despite Odin’s defeat, the fate of his soul is left in limbo. Kratos chooses not to make that decision for Freya, giving her the choice between life and death. Freya, however, returns the marble to Atreus, and before any decision can be made, Sindri unexpectedly intervenes, destroying the marble and killing Odin once and for all. At this moment, Sindri’s grief reaches a breaking point, marking a significant shift in his character. He disappears without a trace, and the group only encounters him again during Brok’s funeral.
The Sacrifice of Freyr
After Odin’s death, Freyr, a crucial ally, plays a key role in holding back Ragnarok. He uses his Vanir magic to delay the destruction of Asgard. But even Freyr cannot stop Ragnarok’s unstoppable force. In a selfless act, Freyr sacrifices himself, enabling Kratos, Atreus, Mimir, and Freya to escape through a tear created by Angrboda and Fenrir. The destruction of Asgard marks the end of this chapter in the story, but not without a deep emotional toll.
As the battle ends, Atreus awakens in Hoddmimis Holt and hears familiar voices. He embarks on a journey to reunite with his father, encountering old allies like Sif, Thrud, Skjoldr, Lunda, Freya, and Mimir. These interactions serve as brief but poignant reflections on the events of Asgard. Upon reuniting with Kratos, Atreus reveals a hidden Shrine with a message from Faye.
The shrine reveals the truth about Faye’s role in shaping their destiny. She painted over a shrine in Jotunheim, hiding the true path for Kratos and Atreus. Faye’s actions suggest she deliberately veiled their future to protect them from the harsh truths of their fate, urging them to forge their own path.
Atreus’s New Journey
Atreus, feeling the weight of his responsibility to find the remaining giants, decides to go on a journey alone. This marks a significant moment in his growth as a character. Kratos, though reluctant, gives Atreus his blessing, recognizing that his son is ready to face this responsibility. As Atreus prepares to leave, Kratos uncovers a hidden mural painted by Faye, depicting a future where Kratos is revered rather than feared. This revelation leaves Kratos speechless, as he never imagined such a future for himself.
Kratos, now a man changed, acknowledges that his future lies in rebuilding the Nine Realms alongside his allies. His journey from the Destroyer of Worlds to the Rebuilder begins here, alongside Freya and Mimir. The path forward remains uncertain, but Kratos’s new purpose signals a shift in his character’s arc.
With the Norse saga concluding, many fans are left wondering what the future holds for the God of War series. While there is no clear indication of what’s next, the possibility of exploring new mythologies—such as Egyptian, Celtic, or even Shinto—excites fans. Alternatively, the game could delve deeper into Atreus’s journey to discover the remaining giants. Whatever direction the series takes, there’s no doubt that it will continue to show fans, whether through new mythologies or side stories.
Secret Ending: Sindri’s Downfall
The secret ending of God of War Ragnarok is unlocked after completing the side quest, “A Viking Funeral.” This ending offers insight into Sindri’s emotional state after the loss of his brother, Brok. His growing resentment towards both Kratos and Atreus plays a pivotal role in his character’s development. As Sindri’s grief becomes all-consuming, it’s clear that his story is far from over.
Throughout the game, Sindri shifts from a caring figure to a broken man, deeply affected by Brok’s death. His refusal to forgive Kratos and Atreus hints at a potential future conflict. His physical and emotional changes are stark, and his eventual decision to destroy Odin’s soul signals a dramatic shift in his character. Sindri’s grief could lead him down a darker path, making him a compelling figure for future storylines.
The Truth About Tyr
The post-game exploration uncovers a twist: Tyr, presumed dead, is still alive. Imprisoned by Odin in Asgard, Tyr’s survival is a revelation that sheds light on the Aesir god’s manipulations. After Kratos frees Tyr from his prison, the group speculates about Odin’s motives. Theories suggest that Odin kept Tyr alive for his shape-shifting abilities, which he used to impersonate others, including a dwarf encountered earlier in the game.
God of War Ragnarok brings the Norse saga to an emotional and dramatic close, with numerous twists and revelations that leave the story open for future exploration. Fans can now eagerly await the next chapter in this legendary franchise, whether it’s a go into new mythologies or the continuation of Atreus’s journey. The path of Kratos and his allies has come to a close, but the future is still full of possibilities.
