The NorseGod of Warduology introduced various new gaming mechanics within its complicated Nordic tale. From the ability to use Atreus and other allies to help combat foes in the midst of battle to being able to customize the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Draupnir Spear, these mechanics helped make 2018’sGod of Warand 2022’sGod of War Ragnarokbecome some of the most captivating games on the PS4 and PS5. With the Norse story at its end, however, Santa Monica Studio could expand upon one element from this duology in futureGod of Wargames and take inspiration from recentAssassin’s Creedtitles: ship traversal.
The Longboats of God of War
In 2018’sGod of War, Kratos, Atreus, and the severed head of Mimir often have to use Viking longboats scattered throughout the realms to travel. The trio sail across the Lake of Nine and reach Tyr’s temple; longboats are also used in other realms such as Alfheim. In terms of action, not much happens when riding the longboats save for the occasional acquisition of Aegir’s Gold or Hacksilver in floating debris shimmering parts of the Lake.
However, there are a few quests where the longboat is critical for completion. These include rowing into the giant serpent Jormungandr to find Thor’s statue in 2018’sGod of Warand freeing the enchained whale-likelyngbakr in 2022’sGod of War Ragnarok. The longboat is primarily used as a device for Kratos and Mimir to tell Atreus stories about their pasts and the lore of both the Greek and Norse gods. Through these conversations, the relationship between the three grows and players can learn more about this Nordic world.
Assassin’s Creed Ship Traversal in God of War
Aquatic traversal has been a mechanic in theAssassin’s Creedseries since 2009’sAssassin’s Creed 2with Venice’s gondolas. Starting in 2017’sAssassin’s Creed Origins,players could utilize smaller wooden felucca sailboats or reed boats to traverse the Nile and, in a few missions, players can captain a large trireme to combat Roman warships. This form of boat traversal and ship to ship combat were used again inAssassin’s Creed Odyssey. By 2020’sAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, players could captain Viking longshipsto explore Northern Europe and raid settlements for supplies.
With futureGod of Wargames expected to introduce new mythologies and parts of the world, Santa Monica Studio could introduce a new ship traversal mechanic similar to those inAssassin’s Creed.
With futureGod of Wargamesexpected to travel to new parts of the world featuring new mythologies and pantheons, Santa Monica Studio could introduce a new ship traversal mechanic similar to those seen inAssassin’s Creedgames. If the nextGod of Wargame focuses on Atreus seeking out the remaining giants, he and Angrboda could gather a crew and use a longship to travel to other countries to find the Jotnar. The giants may be hiding with or seeking aid from other pantheons such as the Egyptian, Celtic, or Japanese gods.
God of War Crewmen from Other Pantheons
Likewise, ifthe nextGod of Wargame focuses on Kratos and Freya, they too could assemble a crew to travel to other lands. This crew could be composed of allies from the Norse God of War Duology such as Tyr, or it could be made up of random humans, dwarves, or elves. Kratos or Atreus could even recruit other gods or people from other lands to be a part of their crew as they learn more about these new regions and histories.
Possible Future Ship Gameplay in God of War
Historically, Viking longships have been known to travel far distances, with some traveling as far west as Newfoundland, Canada and as far east as Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey. InAssassin’s Creed Valhalla, Eivor’s adoptive brother Sigurd traveled to Constantinople and returned withHidden One Assassins Basim and Hytham. Kratos or Atreus could use the longships to travel to multiple regions and pantheons if multiple ones are featured.
In terms of gameplay, players could potentially control the longship just as they are maneuvered inAssassin’s Creed Valhalla. Depending on the country and pantheon they travel to, they could possibly replace their longships with other vessels such as the trireme. Along their journey, they could even encounter and fight gigantic sea monsters to serve as bosses or side quests, similar to hunting whales inAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed Rogue. These encounters could mirror earlyGod of Warboss battles such as the series' very first fight againstthe hydra in 2005’sGod of War 1.
God of War Ragnarok
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting goFrom Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
