The discussion around God of War: Ragnarok includes insights from the game’s narrative director, Matt Sophos, about an earlier version of the script. In that draft, Kratos’ battle with fate unfolded with a different turn, hinting at a far darker doorway for the hero before the story finally found its present path.
The connection between Ragnarok and the ending of God of War (2018) remains close. To recall: Kratos ends up in Jotunheim and encounters a mural that maps out his life up to the moment of his death. In Ragnarok, the hero does not meet death in a final way. He has the chance to grow, to learn, and to alter his fate rather than simply accept it—a central thread running through the game’s evolution.
Despite this, Sophos explored a version where Kratos’ demise would occur early in the story, during a confrontation with Thor. In that imagined sequence, Atreus plays a pivotal role, pulling Kratos back from the underworld and revealing a long separation from his son spanning two decades. The concept aimed to intensify the stakes by forcing a dramatic reset that could shift the tone of the entire narrative.
However, the script faced pushback from lead developer Eric Williams. He felt that a death twist of that nature had already been used too many times in the franchise and would not evoke the emotional resonance the team sought. After thoughtful discussion, the studio chose to revise the script, steering the ending toward a path where Kratos’ ultimate fate remains open to change and personal growth—a decision that better serves the player’s journey and the story’s themes.
Sophos later emphasized that the current ending should resonate with players, underscoring a message that personal improvement is within reach for everyone. The idea is simple, yet powerful: people can alter their course, even when the odds seem fixed. This emphasis on growth mirrors the game’s broader exploration of destiny, choice, and the impact of one’s actions on the future.
There is a line from Sophos that captured the studio’s intent: there is nothing written that cannot be rewritten, and as long as growth remains possible, one is not bound by fate. Once the team concluded that this was the story to tell, the conclusion crystallized: Kratos could not die because that would imply he cannot change. A narrative that suggested otherwise would feel hollow and unsatisfying for a game about transformation and resilience. — Matt Sophos
All screenshots from God of War: Ragnarok are available for viewing, offering fans a visual journey through the game’s evolving aesthetic and environments.
Additionally, ongoing discussions and fan interest around the game continue to surface in gaming communities and outlets, reflecting the broader curiosity about how creator decisions shape beloved narratives.
Note: this discussion focuses on the storytelling process and does not rely on external links; quotes and attributions reflect public commentary from developers involved in the project, as reported by gaming outlets and seen in documented interviews. (VG Times)
Source notes for the reader include a history of development choices and the ways in which a game’s ending can communicate a hopeful, change-oriented message to players. The material presented here is intended to summarize publicly discussed elements of the narrative process and reflects the perspectives shared by the people directly involved in crafting the story.
All visual media related to God of War: Ragnarok continues to inspire discussions about character arcs, fate, and the ongoing debate about how mythic narratives can be revitalized for modern audiences.
The evolution of the game’s script illustrates a broader trend in narrative design: embracing uncertainty, inviting player interpretation, and affirming that a hero can grow beyond his origins.
This dynamic conversation among developers and players alike demonstrates the enduring appeal of the God of War series, where destiny is not a fixed destination but a terrain that can be navigated with courage and choice.
The arc of Kratos in Ragnarok, from a fate-bound warrior to a figure who can empower change, remains a central point of discussion for fans and critics who follow the deepening lore of the series. (VG Times)