God Of War Ragnarök's Best Characters, Ranked (2024)

In 2018, the God of War franchise got a reboot/continuation that shook the franchise to its core. Before God of War's release, many fans were wary about how well the game could do after the conclusion of the original games. To everyone's surprise, God of War (2018) became one of the series' best and most successful games. It even won The Game Awards' Game of the Year.

With all the success the 2018 game reaped, gamers eagerly awaited the sequel, God of War: Ragnarök. Ragnarök was one of the most highly anticipated games of 2022 and, like God of War (2018), was nominated for Game of the Year. Ragnarök is an amazing game for many reasons. The storytelling, graphics, and gameplay all received high praise, but one thing that truly makes the game special is the complex characters and arcs they go through.

Updated on August 30, 2024, by Antonio Samson: God of War has introduced plenty of memorable characters since God of War (2018). The introduction of Norse mythology led to Kratos meeting a whole new pantheon of gods that added more depth to the story. This article was updated to include more characters and to meet CBR's editorial and formatting standards.

15 Atreus Develops a Bond with Jörmungandr

The World Serpent's Connection to Loki

• Jörmungandr is voiced by various sound effects and roars.
• In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr is the giant serpent that wraps around Midgard.
• Ragnarök further explores the deep connection between Loki and Jörmungandr.

In God of War (2018), Jörmungandr recognizes Atreus despite the boy having no prior encounters with the creature. This mysterious recognition is one of the first hints at Atreus' true identity as Loki, a revelation that becomes more significant in Ragnarök. As Atreus comes to terms with his heritage and future role in the pantheon of Norse gods, his bond with Jörmungandr deepens. The game subtly hints at a destiny that transcends time, where Atreus is fated to be the father of Jörmungandr, making their interactions laden with emotional complexity and dramatic irony.

This relationship is pivotal to the narrative of Ragnarök. The bond between Atreus and Jörmungandr is not just a personal connection, but also a symbolic one, representing the intertwining of past, present, and future. It also reflects the game's broader themes of fate and destiny, where actions taken in one era can have profound implications for another. The depth of this connection adds a layer of poignancy to the story, making it one of the standout elements of the game, placing it at the bottom of our list.

14 Brok's Sacrifice Unveils His True Nature

The Unseen Heroism of the Dwarven Blacksmith

• Robert Craighead voices Brok.
• Brok's sacrifice is a pivotal moment in Ragnarök.

Brok, one of the dwarven brothers who aid Kratos and Atreus throughout their journey, undergoes a remarkable transformation in God of War: Ragnarök. Brok initially serves as comic relief, his gruff demeanor and crude humor providing levity amid the game's darker themes. However, as the story progresses, Brok's character is given unexpected depth, revealing him to be far more than just a skilled blacksmith and a source of laughs. In Ragnarök, the relationship between Brok and his brother Sindri is tested to its limits when a long-held secret is revealed. Brok learns that his resurrection, which occurred before the events of the 2018 game, was incomplete, leaving part of his soul missing.

This revelation creates a deep rift between the brothers, challenging their bond and sense of self. Despite this turmoil, Brok remains steadfast in supporting Kratos and Atreus, displaying loyalty and bravery that few could match. Brok's ultimate sacrifice is one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the game. His death serves as a turning point in the narrative and highlights his true nature as a hero. Brok's sacrifice is a stark reminder that heroism comes in many forms, and it adds a layer of tragic depth to the story, affecting not just his brother Sindri but the entire cast of characters. This moment underscores the emotional weight that Ragnarök carries, making it a powerful and unforgettable part of the game's story.

13 Heimdall: The Unseen Guardian of Asgard

The All-Seeing God Who Underestimates Kratos

• Scott Porter voices Heimdall.
• Heimdall is known as the guardian of the Bifrost in Norse mythology.

Heimdall, the guardian of the Bifrost and the ever-vigilant protector of Asgard, is a character steeped in the mythology of Norse legends and has a crucial role in Ragnarök. Known for his all-seeing eyes, which allow him to perceive everything happening across the Nine Realms, Heimdall is a formidable adversary who poses a unique challenge to Kratos. His confidence in his abilities is matched only by his arrogance, making him a character who is as easy to despise as he is to respect. His encounter with Kratos is one of the game's most intense and memorable moments.

Believing himself invincible, Heimdall is taken aback when he realizes that Kratos, a seasoned warrior with countless battles under his belt, is not so easily outmaneuvered. This clash is a battle of strength and wits, with Kratos using his cunning and experience to overcome Heimdall's seemingly insurmountable advantage. Heimdall's downfall is a crucial turning point in the war against Odin. His death marks the beginning of the end for Asgard, as the once impregnable fortress begins to crumble in the face of Ragnarök. This moment symbolizes the game's larger themes, where even the most powerful and seemingly invincible beings are not immune to the forces of fate and change. Heimdall's defeat is a reminder that hubris can be the downfall of even the mightiest gods.

12 Fenrir's Transformation and Rebirth

The Unleashing of Loki's Legendary Wolf

• Fenrir is based on the giant wolf of Norse mythology, destined to play a key role in Ragnarök.
• Atreus shares a special bond with Fenrir, both in life and beyond.

Fenrir, the giant wolf of Norse mythology, is one of the most iconic figures in the saga of Ragnarök. In God of War: Ragnarök, Fenrir is introduced early in the game as a beloved companion of Atreus. His death is a somber moment that sets the tone for the rest of the story, symbolizing the loss and grief that permeates much of the narrative. However, Fenrir's story does not end with his death. Instead, it takes an unexpected turn that mirrors the game's themes of rebirth and transformation.

Atreus, still grappling with discovering his true identity as Loki, inadvertently uses his magical abilities to transfer Fenrir's soul into the body of Garm, a massive and powerful wolf. This act of resurrection is both a blessing and a curse, as it brings Fenrir back to life but in a far more dangerous and unpredictable form. However, through sheer will and determination, Atreus tames Garm, allowing Fenrir to be reborn in a new and even more powerful form.

His transformation is deeply symbolic, reflecting Atreus' journey of self-discovery and growth. Just as Fenrir is reborn as a more powerful being, Atreus, too, must come to terms with his destiny and the responsibilities that go with it. This storyline also ties directly into the lore of Norse mythology, where Fenrir is destined to play a crucial role in the events of Ragnarök.

11 Surtr: The Catalyst of Ragnarök

The Giant Who Sets the World on Fire

• Chris Browning voices Surtr.
• Surtr is a fire giant from Muspelheim destined to bring about Ragnarök.

Surtr's involvement is crucial to the unfolding events of Ragnarök. Kratos and Atreus seek out Surtr as they prepare to confront Odin, recognizing that his power and transformation are essential to their struggle. Surtr's metamorphosis into the monstrous form of Ragnarök is a significant event, marking the climax of the game's epic conflict.

Beyond his role as a mere agent of destruction, Surtr is depicted with considerable emotional and psychological depth. His character is not just a force of nature but a being weighed down by the burden of his foretold destiny. The game explores his internal conflict and sense of duty, highlighting his story's tragic and romantic elements.

His decision to merge with his beloved Sinmara to fulfill his prophesied role adds a poignant layer to his character, showcasing his love and sacrifice. This nuanced portrayal ensures that Surtr stands out as one of the game's most complex and memorable figures, blending themes of fate, love, and destruction.

10 Ragnarök Introduces Freya's Brother, Freyr

Freyr's Sacrifice for Family

• Brett Dalton voices Freyr.
• Freyr is mentioned in God of War (2018) but doesn't make a physical appearance until Ragnarök.

Freyr is, as most could guess from his name, Freya's brother. He is a Vanir God from Vanaheim, the realm of the Vanir. Freyr holds godhood titles like God of Rain, Fertility, Love, Hunting, and Flora. Freya and Freyr are twins, but Freyr is notably the youngest of the pair. Freyr never got over Freya's agreement to marry Odin to attempt to bring peace between Vanaheim and Asgard. Since her marriage, the twins have been estranged.

In Ragnarök, Freyr is the leader of what's left of the Vanir Resistance but is not a very good leader. Freyr fits the lover-not-fighter trope to a T, but he has little choice but to step up to the plate in the wake of Vanaheim's destruction. Not only did Odin take his sister from them, but he also laid waste to Vanaheim during the Aesir-Vanir War. Ragnarök addresses Freyr's part in the war. It also allows Freya and Freyr a chance to reconnect. Unfortunately, Freyr sacrifices himself to save his sister, Kratos, Atreus, and Mimir, so fans don't get much time with him, placing Freyr at the number 10 spot on the list.

9 Thor's Family Helped Show How Complicated Things Are For The Aesir

Thrud and Sif: The Human Side of the Gods

• Mina Sundwall voices Thor's daughter, Thrud.
• Emily Rose voices Thor's wife, Sif.

God of War (2018) made Thor's sons, Magni and Modi, bosses for Kratos and Atreus to battle. Aside from acting as antagonistic forces that helped further Atreus' character arc, Thor's sons were little more than cannon fodder. In Ragnarök, players get to meet Thor and the rest of his family. Ragnarök is the first game that allows players to visit Asgard. While playing Atreus, players get to explore Asgard, hear Odin's side of the story, and meet some significant Aesir.

Thrud and Sif are two of the most important people Atreus meets. Despite Atreus' involvement in her brothers' deaths, Thrud is friendly with him. She shows him around and helps give him an inside perspective on how most Aesir view Odin thanks to his lies and manipulation. Thrud's mother, Sif, isn't so welcoming, though. She's wary of Atreus' presence on Asgard, but not for the prejudice or hateful reasons the game originally leads people to believe. Sif doesn't trust Odin, and she worries that the more Odin uses Atreus, the more her own family will be in danger.

8 Thor Is Nothing More Than Odin's Puppet

Thor's Struggle Against His Father's Control

• Ryan Hurst voices Thor.
• Thor is teased at the end of God of War (2018).

Thor Odinson is Odin's eldest son, and he is half-Aesir, half-giant. His half-giant heritage is on full display in Rangarök because he's even bigger than Kratos. Just like his Norse mythology counterpart, Thor wields the hammer Mjölnir, and he is described as the God of Thunder, Lightning, Storms, and Strength. Thor is a complicated character. Technically, Thor is an antagonist because he's aligned with Odin and often stands in opposition to both Kratos and Atreus. His dislike of them, however, doesn't seem as strong as it should be considering they killed both of his sons.

During Atreus' time on Asgard, Thor spends quite a bit of time with him. Atreus also witnesses Thor's uncontrollable drinking and his strained relationship with Thrud, who accuses him of making more broken promises. Atreus tries to sway Thor away from Odin's influence. Sif also attempts to do the same, but Thor doesn't have it in him to stand up to his father. The game makes it clear that Odin has done unspeakable things to Thor to keep him obedient. Odin has drilled into Thor's mind that he is a weapon of destruction and that he can't be anything else.

After Kratos defeats Thor, Thor repeats this rhetoric to Kratos, whom he sees as a mirror of himself. Kratos refuses this ideology. He was a monster once, but he has changed; he will continue to do better, not just for himself, but also for his son. Thor realizes at that moment that Sif was right about his father, and he finally decides to stand against Odin. Unfortunately, this is his fatal mistake, because Odin doesn't hesitate to kill him.

7 Angrboda Helps Atreus Discover Who He Is

A New Friendship Unlocks Loki's Potential

• Laya De Leon Hayes voices Angrboda.
• In Norse mythology, Angrboda's story changes based on the version of myths.
• One of her most agreed-upon roles claims she's one of Loki's lovers.

Angrboda is one of those Norse mythology figures who have a confusing origin. Different interpretations of the myths showcase her playing different roles. Since so much of her is shrouded in mystery, Ragnarök could do whatever they wanted with her. Norse stories also relate her to Loki somehow, often as Loki's lover, so it just made sense to introduce her as someone who would help Atreus. In the game, Angrboda is a Jötunn hidden in the Ironwood. She calls Atreus, who she knows as Loki from the prophecies that tell her she will play an important role in his story.

Eventually, Atreus finds his way to the Ironwood, where he meets Angrboda. She is the first person Atreus meets who is a similar age to him, and they immediately hit it off. They're awkward, but their relationship is quite sweet. While with Angrboda, Atreus gets to spend time as Loki, the name his mother originally wanted to give him. Jötunn are capable of seeing the future, so Angrboda shares more about his destiny with him. Atreus also helps her realize that destiny isn't finite and that she can be whatever she wants to be for herself.

6 Mimir Is A Charming Storyteller & Mentor

The Smartest Man Alive Guides Kratos and Atreus

• Alastair Duncan voices Mimir.
• Mimir is a severed head that Freya reanimated in God of War (2018).

Mimir is an interesting character who serves as a narrator, comic relief, and an important source of comfort for both Kratos and Atreus. Kratos and Atreus found Mimir in God of War (2018). Mimir is known as the Smartest Man Alive. Due to his vast knowledge and charm, Odin recruited him as an advisor and an Aesir ambassador. Mimir attempted to help Odin maintain peace through Yggdrasil, but Odin's growing paranoia wouldn't allow that peace to thrive. Odin eventually came to believe that Mimir helped Jötunheim, so he punished him by binding him to a tree, where he would live the rest of his life as a prisoner.

In God of War (2018), Kratos and Atreus find him still bound to the tree. He begs them for help, which ultimately results in Kratos chopping his head off. Later, Freya restores life to Mimir's head with magic. He spends most of his time strapped to Kratos' belt. Mimir has become family to Kratos and Atreus, and he often offers comfort, consultation, and advice. Mimir also supplies them with endless information about Odin and how his mind works. While traveling by boat, Mimir will tell Norse myth-inspired stories to give Kratos, Atreus, and the player context about what's happening.

5 Freya's Relationship With Kratos Is Fiery Hot & Ice Cold

From Vengeance to Alliance: Freya's Emotional Journey

• Danielle Bisutti voices Freya.
• Freya spends a large chunk of the game as an antagonistic force.

Freya is the Vanir Goddess of Love, Beauty, Motherhood, Witchcraft, and many other titles. She is the Vanir Goddess who married Odin in an attempt to create peace between Asgard and Vanaheim. Many Vanir, including her brother, did not support her decision to marry Odin. With Odin, Freya had one son, Baldur. Freya learned of the prophecy that said Baldur's death would spark Ragnarök. Desperate to protect her son, Freya cursed him with invulnerability, so nothing could hurt him. This resulted in Baldur being unable to feel anything, which slowly drove him mad.

In God of War (2018), Odin exiled Freya from Asgard and bound her to Midgard, so she could not return home. She acted as Kratos' ally, but when Kratos and Atreus were forced to kill Baldur, she turned her hatred on them. She vowed she would get her revenge and in Ragnarök, she attempted to enact that promise. Freya attacked Kratos multiple times, but ultimately, when Kratos agreed to help her, she realized her true enemy was Odin all along. Freya becomes their ally once again and many fans suspect that a romance has started to bloom between her and Kratos, placing her at the number 5 spot in our ranking.

4 Sindri Has Been Keeping A Dark Secret About His Brother, Brok

The Tragic Truth Behind Brok's Resurrection

• Adam J. Harrington voices Sindri.
• Robert Craighead voices Brok.

Sindri and Brok are Dwarven brothers who double as blacksmiths. In God of War (2018), they are supporting characters that provide Kratos and Atreus with weapons, armor, upgrades, and other important tools. They reprise this role in Ragnarök. Sindri and Brok created Thor's hammer, Mjölnir. Realizing what a mistake they made when Thor used it to nearly wipe out the giants, they created the Leviathan Axe, the weapon that Kratos inherited from his wife, Faye.

Sindri and Brok offer more information about Odin and what he's done to some of the realms. Brok has no filter, so his one-liners are always hilarious. Sindri is a germaphobe who can't stand filth. Both provide a lot of comedic relief, but Ragnarök reveals a dark and sinister truth about Sindri — Brok is blue because he died. Unable to face the world alone, Sindri figures out a way to bring him back. He never told Brok the truth. Brok is also missing a piece of his soul because of what Sindri did. When Brok dies again in Ragnarök, Sindri goes off the deep end and turns his back on his friends.

3 Odin Is A Master Manipulator

The Deceptive All-Father's Ruthless Reign

• Richard Schiff voices Odin.
• Odin is the main antagonist of God of War: Ragnarök.

Odin is the King of Asgard, also known as the All-Father. Odin is often referred to as the God of the Sky, King of the Gods, and the Raven King. God of War (2018) wasn't quiet about its intention to make Odin the main antagonist of its series; it opened up a lot of conversation about Odin's true nature throughout Norse mythology and other media, like Marvel's rendition of the character. Odin is often portrayed as a pure deity, while Loki is often depicted as a source of evil. In reality, the mythology isn't that cut and dry and Ragnarök puts that on full display.

Everything about Odin is deliberately deceitful. Odin presents himself as a kind, wise, and curious man who wants to protect Yggdrasil. Even his appearance makes him look feeble, small, and easy to beat. He intentionally makes the people around him believe that he is harmless, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Odin forced Thor to kill his mother. He banished his wife, Freya, to Midgard. He destroyed the Jötunns of Jötunheim. He even kills his own son, Thor, when Thor refuses to fight for him.

Odin is ruthless. He does not care what it costs to maintain his power and beat the Ragnarök prophecy that will ultimately kill him. What may be the worst thing about Odin, though, is how he pits people against one another. Odin prefers to manipulate people to do his bidding. He relies on deceit and trickery rather than violence to get what he wants. Interestingly enough, that's often what Odin and his followers accuse Loki of doing.

2 Kratos Goes Full Dad Mode

A Father's Love: Kratos' Struggle to Protect Atreus

• Christopher Judge voices Kratos in God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök (2022).
• Kratos is the title character that the entire God of War series focuses on.

Kratos was born in Sparta, and he is the son of Zeus. Many fans wondered how Kratos, the Greek God of War who destroyed the entire Greek pantheon, would fit into a Norse setting. God of War (2018) accomplished this by having Kratos fill the role of Loki's father. In Norse mythology, Loki is the son of the Jötunn Laufey and Fárbauti. Not much is known about Fárbauti, though, so it was easy to let Kratos fill that role instead. In God of War (2018), Kratos is a grieving widower. After Faye (Laufey) dies, Kratos is left to take care of their sickly son, Atreus (Loki).

Kratos loves Atreus. Atreus is his whole reason for living, but he struggles to connect with him on an emotional level. Atreus and Kratos go through a huge arc of learning to communicate with and understand each other in the 2018 game. In Ragnarök, the father-son duo faces a new challenge. Atreus wants to learn more about Loki's destiny. He doesn't want to run and hide from Odin, Asgard, or Ragnarök. Kratos, on the other hand, only wants to keep his son safe. Kratos was raised and used for war, and he never wanted that for his son.

In Ragnarök, Kratos learns to trust Atreus's intuition and skills. He needs to loosen his hold on Atreus, which is hard because the only thing Kratos fears is losing his son. He also needs to learn to love Atreus for whoever he wants to be, whether that means Atreus decides to be Loki or not.

1 Atreus Goes Through The Most Character Development

Loki's Path: Balancing Heritage and Destiny

• Sunny Suljic voices Atreus.
• Atreus is God of War's interpretation of Loki.
• The only reason Atreus is named "Atreus" is that Kratos insisted on naming him after an old friend.

Although the God of War series has always been about Kratos, the narrative of God of War (2018) and God of War: Ragnarök (2022) shift a lot of the focus to Kratos' son, Atreus. In Ragnarök, players spend nearly half of the game playing Atreus instead of Kratos, and some fans have noted that Atreus sometimes feels more powerful to play than his father. Atreus is an amazing interpretation of Loki, the Norse God of Storytelling, Chaos, Mischief, Magic, and so much more. The God of War storyline makes Loki the hero of the story instead of the villain, and it makes so much sense.

What makes Atreus a truly compelling character, though, is how the player gets to learn, grow, and struggle with him. When he's first introduced, he's struggling with the death of his mother, the parent he was closest to. He also lives in isolation with nobody his age. He's a sickly child who struggles with his identity and his relationship with his father. He eventually learns that he's a Jötunn and a god, but not just any god. He's Loki, a Jötunn capable of great magic who is supposed to defeat Odin and save his people.

Atreus struggles with finding a balance between Atreus and Loki. He loves his father, but he often finds himself hiding from Kratos because he doesn't believe he'll understand his perspective. Atreus is extremely empathetic, which Odin preys on in an attempt to sway Loki to his side and control him. No one goes through a complicated and fulfilling journey quite like Atreus, making him the best character in our ranking.

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  God of War (2018)

  After wiping out the gods of Mount Olympus, Kratos moves on to the frigid lands of Scandinavia, where he and his son must embark on an odyssey across a dangerous world of gods and monsters.

  Action

  Adventure

  Franchise

  God of War

  Platform(s)

  PC , PlayStation 4

  Released

  April 20, 2018

  ESRB

  M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language

• 

  God of War: Ragnarok

  God of War: Ragnarok is the sequel to 2018's God of War and sees Kratos and Atreus return as Fimbulwinter begins to claim the Norse lands they call home. As Ragnarok, the great war approaches, Kratos and Atreus scour the nine realms in search of help to face off against Odin's might.

  Action

  Adventure

  Franchise

  God of War

  Platform(s)

  PS4 , PS5

  Released

  November 9, 2022

  ESRB

  M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language