Sony’s Santa Monica Studio has announced the release of a free DLC for the critically acclaimed PlayStation 5-exclusive, God of War: Ragnarok. The DLC, centered around Valhalla, is scheduled for release on December 12 and will be available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 platforms. This update introduces a new roguelike mode that promises to make the game’s celebrated combat system even better with fresh challenges and experiences, not unlike No Return, a new mode that’s coming to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered when it comes out in January 2024 on Sony’s flagship console.
The DLC is designed as an epilogue to the events of God of War Ragnarok, offering players a reflective journey with the titular Greek deity as he navigates the uncharted territories of Valhalla, accompanied by Mimir. This DLC is not just an extension of the game’s narrative but also presents a unique twist on its gameplay. Players will experience Kratos facing trials that test both his physical prowess and his resilience, encountering echoes of his past along the way.
The structure of the DLC is inspired by roguelite elements, where players will have to navigate through challenges, face defeat, and retry, thus adding a layer of depth and replayability to the narrative-driven game. Players will have access to Kratos’ full arsenal and skill trees friom the start, but they will need to make strategic choices about their equipment as well as their upgrades with each attempt. The decisions made will impact how each run plays out, adding a strategic element to the combat and exploration.
The Santa Monica Studio team has put a significant emphasis on this DLC, aiming to create a distinct experience within the God of War franchise. This mode isn’t only about testing players’ combat skills but it also offers a narrative that will delve deeper into Kratos’ character. The DLC includes various difficulty levels, each offering different rewards and challenges, allowing players to tailor the experience to their preferences.
This announcement comes as a surprise to many fans, especially considering the DLC’s imminent release date and the fact that it comes out of nowhere. The earlier leaks, while they mentioned that an expansion was coming, didn’t say if it was free or it would contain a roguelike mode. A report even claimed that an expansion centered on Atreus was in the works, which would eventually lead to a new entry in the franchise. It remains to be seen if this will be announced for PlayStation 5 soon, but there’s still plenty of time for this to happen. For now, players can celebrate knowing that a new chapter in the expansive first-party Sony franchise is coming – for free!
Besides, as an epilogue to the main game, the DLC offers a continuation of the narrative journey, suggesting that it may bridge the story to future installments in the series. However, the studio recommends that players complete the main storyline of God of War Ragnarok first before diving into the DLC, presumably to avoid potential spoilers and to fully appreciate the narrative context.
Ultimately, its free availability and the timing of its release is a cause for celebration for fans who, at this time last year, felt gutted that God of War: Ragnarok lost to Elden Ring (only for the FromSoftware game to later set a new record for most GOTY wins).
Players can look forward to embarking on this new journey with Kratos and exploring the depths of Valhalla starting on December 12.
