God of War: Ragnarok got some new gameplay footage courtesy of GameInformer. The snippet video offers a glimpse into the new region of Svartalfheim, as Kratos explores the Dwarven realm and uses his weapons to solve puzzles. Unlike previous marketing campaigns, Sony seems to be saving the key reveal for a closer launch date, feeding gameplay information in titbits or talking only about the deluxe editions to avoid revealing any spoilers. God of War Ragnarok releases on November 9, exclusively on PS4 and PS5.
This new bit of gameplay focuses on the traversal and exploration aspect, which, like the previous entry, will be mostly based on foot or canoe. As mentioned earlier, God of War: Ragnarok will let you explore nine realms as you team up with Atreus and travel the open looking for ways to prevent the apocalypse. In 2018’s God of War, Odin restricts access to areas beyond Midgard. According to game director Eric Williams, these areas include Asgard, Vanaheim, and the aforementioned borough of the dwarves, Svartalfæm—all of which are now explorable.
Svartalfheim is a region that “exemplifies” dwarven ingenuity, with ancient technological marvels such as mine shafts, artificial aqueducts, and sprawling cities, all lost in complex environmental puzzles. To navigate the new realm, players must rely on Kratos’ toolset and partner with his son Atreus to find a solution. The Leviathan Ax allows for quick-freezing scalding hot geysers, while the Iconic Blades of Chaos lets you rip through pots, like the Batclaw from the Batman: Arkham games. Of course, you can also command the “boy” to climb into an out-of-reach area to turn the valves.
The reveal trailer shows Kratos and company using sled wolves to navigate the icy terrain, but Game Informer Teased that there are other ways to explore the Norse realm. Last week, the publication also revealed some combat footage for God of War: Ragnarok, which touched on some of the basic attacks applied to Kratos’ weapons. The general gameplay is similar to the prequel, allowing you to reach ledges using your Chaos Blade and throw the ax around to stun oncoming enemies.
Kratos’ shields also see some big improvements, giving players a choice between the Dauntless and Stonewall shields, each used in strategically different situations. The Dauntless allows for a last-second Parry or Deflect that creates the ability to toss and stun enemies. Meanwhile, Stonewall is a more brutal option, slower in speed, but deals more damage to opponents. As in the last game, Atreus is becoming an archer, summoning spectral creatures to aid in fights.
Santa Monica Studios also added a new ability mapped to the triangle button, which activates the weapon’s signature move upon mashing or holding. Kratos can now imbue his weapons with ice or fire, dealing additional damage by freezing or incinerating enemies. Further details on gameplay should be revealed closer to launch.
God of War: Ragnarok releases exclusively on PS4 and PS5 on November 9.
