It's been a few months since Sony closed 2022 out with God of War Ragnarok, the sequel and conclusion to the story arc started in God of War 2018. Ragnarok was a worthy follow-up and was so stuffed with things to do that some are probably still working through the base game, let alone the postgame. With new developments and side content around every corner, this may be the most densely packed first-party Sony title to date, and it just got even more content. God of War Ragnarok now has a New Game Plus, allowing players to bring their weapons, equipment, and upgrades back to the beginning of the game, and there are a number of other bonuses as well.
The intent of this major update was to give players new ways to enjoy the game, and in that respect it likely succeeded. New armor sets offer ways to make the game harder or easier, and various new Enchantments will do the same thing. The Niflheim Sparring Arena was also fleshed out in NG+, giving players all the options for combat scenarios they could ask for. Invested fans should find even more enjoyment in their ensuing hours with God of War Ragnarok, but some particular changes to optional bosses and higher difficulties have turned some heads. God of War's New Game Plus is built to be a brand-new experience, and that has some action-RPG fans thinking about how much its tweaks would add to the repeat playthroughs of FromSoftware's library.
How God of War Ragnarok Makes New Game Plus Feel New
God of War Ragnarok's New Game Plus mode is no simple stat increase. While the level cap for both Kratos and his enemies is now higher, there are other changes as well. In particular, bonus content has been made even more difficult, but also more rewarding. Optional bosses like the Berserker Souls and the Valkyrie Queen Gna will sport some new tricks on New Game Plus, as well as the optional mini-bosses The Hateful and Ormstunga. This comes with the Berserker Souls dropping new stat-boosting Enchantments, and all bosses dropping late-game loot. Remixing the optional bosses is a surprise, but a welcome one.
Across FromSoftware's modern works, a dedicated New Game Plus function is always present. However, it typically doesn't do much. The main effect is raising all enemies stats so that any mistakes made remain punishing. Across the Souls line of titles, the only New Game Plus that really changed up the experience was that of Dark Souls 2, which is often cited as one of the game's strongest points. Even if it only adds more enemies to the first NG+ instance and piles on star increases for the rest, it still serves to surprise and challenge returning players like God of War Ragnarok does.
Why FromSoftware Should Expand Its New Game Plus Changes
Therein lies the best qualities of a good New Game Plus, and why FromSoftware should consider making more changes to its content like Ragnarok. Just tackling the same fights again with endgame equipment and higher stats has a limited appeal compared to new challenges entirely. New rewards can sweeten the deal, but overcoming what is functionally a new boss can feel like a reward unto itself. Mixing up the tactics used by highlight bosses could make for an enjoyable and distinct playthrough. Fortunately, FromSoftware has some experience with this already.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice's free update included the Gauntlets of Strength, which included new versions of specific major battles with altered timing and a couple new attacks. Dark Souls 3 also offered an optional rematch with its first boss Gundyr in a secret area, altering with his attack timing significantly. Seeing as how Elden Ring already has plenty of optional content and common boss types separated by slight variations, it's not hard to imagine these principles being applied to its New Game Plus. If nothing else, harder re-fights for late-game Remembrance bosses like Mohg, Malenia, and Fortissax would be a welcome addition in the Shadows of the Erdtree DLC or some other update.
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