Summary
God of War Ragnarok’sValhallaDLC is surprisingly robust. WhileValhallaisn’t perfect, its gameplay and narrative offerings are meaty and worthwhile—something that’s rare in free, surprise DLCs. It’s not just as DLC thatValhallastands out, though, as its roguelike design is creative and thoughtful, boasting a few features that its contemporaries should emulate.
It’s clear that Supergiant’s smash-hitHadeshelped influenceValhalla. LikeHades,Valhallaplaces a premium on storytelling, with in-universe justifications for the roguelike structure, allowing players to get fully immersed in the experience rather than hand-waving away the cycle of respawning that is inherent to the genre. Other details ofValhalla, like thedynamic between Kratos and Tyr, the permanent progression systems, and the semi-transparent upgrade paths feel directly inspired by Supergiant’s 2020 hit. Of course, this shouldn’t be surprising, asHadesis widely considered one of the best roguelikes of all time and was bound to send shockwaves through the genre. That said,Valhallamakes a few innovations and tweaks of its own, andHades 2should borrow some ideas from Sony Santa Monica to be even better than its predecessor.
What Hades 2 Should Take from Valhalla
Permanent Upgrades
While permanent upgrades are featured inHades, they are arguably somewhat lackluster when compared toValhalla’s. Players can usespecial currency inValhallato purchase permanent upgrades between runs, just like inHades, but the upgrades themselves are much more significant, offering boosts like straightforward stat buffs and HP increases. Some of the upgrades inHadesare substantial in the same way, but most of them are more like gameplay modifiers, providing disadvantages in proportion to their advantages.Hades 2should retain this trade-off approach, as it helps keep combat interesting, but the addition of major, static upgrades like those found inValhallacould work to make progression more satisfying.
Multiple Weapons with Different Paths
Hades' unique weapons are a highlightof the game, as their diverse movesets and abilities encourage different approaches to combat across runs.God of War Ragnaroktakes a decidedly different approach to weapons in theValhallaDLC, allowing Kratos to freely swap between his three main weapons at will throughout runs. However, the weapon upgrade that players choose at the start of a run will influence subsequent upgrades. This incentivizes crafting a build around a particular combat style without losing the freedom to swap to the other, less powerful weapons when circumstances call for it.
The nextHadescould include a similar system. While it’s not clear whatweapons will be featured inHades 2, it’s safe to assume that there will be a selection similar to that of the first game. Given this selection, players could perhaps choose two or three weapons at the start of a run, then decide if they want to prioritize maxing out upgrades for one weapon or spreading them out across all three, essentially trading raw power for flexibility. This could strike a good balance between satisfying, linear in-run progression and player freedom.
Burdens
Burdens inGod of War Ragnarok:Valhallapresent players with a choice: acquire a significant, temporary debuff in exchange for a useful upgrade during a run. This optional feature allows players to take on a greater challenge, rewarding them in the process. Essentially, they are likeHades' Pacts of Punishment, but with meaningful, more immediate benefits that add depth and complexity in the short term. This could be a welcome, non-disruptive feature inHades 2, appealing to both newcomers and players who want to test their mettle.
Hades 2’s Early Access periodwill likely be the proving ground for a number of new features, and some may even resemble those found inGod of War Ragnarok’s DLC. It should be noted that, while features like Burdens, weapon paths, and permanent stat upgrades could benefitHades 2, it will be important for them to be implemented thoughtfully, lest the sequel dilute the franchise’s identity.
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.
