As part of Game Informer’s exclusive coverage of God of War: Ragnarok, we’re given a glimpse of the Dwarven realm, Svartalfheim. The video shows off part of the realm that was blocked off by Odin in the previous game. It is mentioned in the video that Svartalfheim, along with Asgard and Vanaheim, will be accessible for the first time. According to God of War Ragnarök director Eric Williams, the six realms from the previous game will also feature new places that players can visit and explore. In God of War: Ragnarok, Kratos, and Atreus are traversing the nine realms to seek a way to prevent Ragnarok from happening. During the adventure, Kratos will also find answers to uncover Atreus’ other identity as Loki. The father and son duo will fight off Thor and Freya who are seeking revenge for the death of Baldur. Kratos will also encounter the Tyr the Norse God of War who was thought to be dead. The game takes place a few years after the original game ended just as winter is coming to an end. Ragnarok is prophesized to happen at the end of Fimbulwinter, the great winter that spans three summers.
Svartalfheim
The gameplay footage for Svartalfheim will give us a sneak peek of what the realm will look like when the game is released. The start of the footage shows an intricate waterway and several more structures showing off the ingenuity of the Dwarves. The level has features like mine pits, waterways, and cities that Kratos and Atreus have to navigate. With these intricate features comes complex puzzles that the player needs to solve in order to progress through an area. Ragnarok will require Kratos to use the full capabilities of his abilities to progress. For example, the Leviathan Axe can now freeze geysers using a new ability, Frost Awaken, while Blades of Chaos can now dismantle pots. Atreus can also help out with hard-to-reach objects. So far, the latest Ragnarok gameplay trailer shows off some simple puzzles but things will get more difficult and complicated in the actual game. After a lengthy delay from its initial launch date, Ragnarok will arrive on November 9. Ragnarok is available to pre-order in the Standard, Digital Deluxe, Collector’s Edition, and Jötnar Edition.