The 2018 soft reboot of God of War has taken the gaming world by storm, offering a refreshing take on the iconic franchise. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of collectibles, which add an extra layer of depth and replay value to the game. However, one question has been plaguing players: can you go back and get collectibles in God of War? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Midgard, exploring the answer to this question and providing valuable insights to help you track down every last collectible.
Understanding the Collectible System in God of War
Before we dive into the meat of the matter, it’s essential to understand how the collectible system works in God of War. The game features various types of collectibles, including:
- Odin’s Ravens: 51 hidden ravens scattered throughout the realms, which provide insight into the game’s lore and mythology.
- Jotunheim Artefacts: 11 ancient relics that hold the secrets of the giants.
- Legendary Chests: 35 chests containing exclusive gear and resources.
- Shrines: 11 mystical shrines that offer unique rewards and bonuses.
These collectibles are cleverly hidden, requiring players to venture off the beaten path and explore every nook and cranny of the realms. While some collectibles are easily accessible, others require specific skills, abilities, or even certain story progression milestones.
Can You Go Back and Get Collectibles in God of War?
The answer to this question is a resounding yes, but with some caveats. God of War features a semi-open world, allowing players to revisit previously explored areas. However, the game’s design ensures that certain collectibles become inaccessible once you’ve progressed past specific points in the story.
Here’s the catch: You can only revisit areas and collectibles up until the point where you’ve completed the main story quest. Once you’ve finished the main story, the game’s world becomes restricted, and many collectibles become inaccessible.
This means that you’ll need to be diligent in your collectible hunting during your initial playthrough. As you progress through the story, make sure to explore every area thoroughly, and keep an eye out for those hard-to-reach collectibles.
But What About New Game Plus (NG+) and Post-Game Content?
One of the most significant additions to God of War is the New Game Plus (NG+) mode, which allows players to restart the game with their existing character and gear. You might think that NG+ would provide the perfect opportunity to go back and collect any missing collectibles, but unfortunately, that’s not the case.
In NG+, the game world remains restricted, and most collectibles remain inaccessible. The only exception is the addition of new, high-level collectibles and challenges, which are exclusive to NG+ mode.
Post-Game Content: The Treasure Hunter’s Delight
While NG+ may not offer the collectible-hunting experience you’re looking for, the post-game content does provide some solace. After completing the main story, you’ll gain access to a series of optional realms, each containing exclusive collectibles and challenges.
These realms, including the Valkyrie realms and the Muspelheim trials, offer a fresh opportunity to explore new areas, collect exclusive gear, and test your skills against powerful foes. While they may not contain every missing collectible, they do provide a new playground for collectors to enjoy.
Tips and Tricks for Collectible Hunters
Now that we’ve established the collectible landscape in God of War, here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you track down those elusive collectibles:
- Explore, explore, explore: Take your time, and don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path. Many collectibles are hidden in hard-to-reach areas or require specific skills to access.
- Upgrade your gear: Invest in gear and abilities that enhance your exploration capabilities, such as increased stamina or enhanced senses.
- Consult online resources: Websites, forums, and YouTube guides can provide invaluable insights and walkthroughs for finding specific collectibles.
- Keep an eye on your mini-map: Pay attention to your mini-map, as it often hints at the presence of nearby collectibles.
Using Your Resources Wisely
One of the most critical resources in God of War is your Runic Energy, which is used to unlock and upgrade skills, gear, and abilities. As a collectible hunter, it’s essential to allocate your Runic Energy wisely, focusing on abilities that enhance your exploration capabilities.
For example, the Leviathan’s Fury skill increases your melee damage and stun, making it easier to take down tough enemies and access previously inaccessible areas.
Unlocking the Way to Hidden Collectibles
In some cases, certain collectibles require specific skills or abilities to access. In these situations, it’s essential to prioritize your skill unlocks, focusing on abilities that grant you access to these hidden areas.
For instance, the Dodge Roll skill allows you to traverse narrow ledges and avoid deadly traps, making it easier to reach hidden areas containing collectibles.
Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge
Collecting every last trinket and treasure in God of War is a daunting task, but the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction is well worth the effort. By understanding the collectible system, being mindful of the game’s world restrictions, and using your resources wisely, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master collectible hunter.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace the challenge, take your time, and soak in the rich world and lore that God of War has to offer.
So, gear up, Kratos, and get ready to unleash your inner collectible hunter!
Can I go back to previous areas to collect items I missed?
Yes, you can go back to previous areas to collect items you missed in God of War. The game allows you to revisit areas you’ve already explored, and you can use your skills and abilities to access previously inaccessible areas. This is especially useful if you missed any hidden collectibles or secrets during your initial playthrough.
However, it’s worth noting that some areas may be blocked off or require specific skills or abilities to access. Additionally, some collectibles may only be available during specific points in the story, so make sure to explore thoroughly as you progress through the game.
How do I track the collectibles I’ve missed?
You can track the collectibles you’ve missed using the in-game map and the “Lore” section. The map will show you the locations of collectibles you’ve found, and the Lore section will give you hints and clues about the locations of the ones you’re still missing. Additionally, you can also use online resources and guides to help you track down any collectibles you’re missing.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any clues or hints that Kratos and Atreus give you during your playthrough. They often provide subtle hints about the location of hidden collectibles or secrets.
Are there any collectibles that are missable?
Yes, some collectibles in God of War are missable, meaning that if you don’t collect them during your initial playthrough, you won’t be able to go back and get them later. These collectibles are often tied to specific story events or quests, and once you progress past a certain point, you won’t be able to access them again.
However, the game does provide some opportunities to revisit areas and collectibles, especially after completing the main story. Additionally, some collectibles may be accessible through New Game Plus mode, which allows you to replay the game with your upgraded skills and abilities.
Do I need to collect everything to get 100% completion?
No, you don’t need to collect everything to get 100% completion in God of War. While collecting all the collectibles is a significant part of the game, it’s not required to achieve 100% completion. The game has a variety of other challenges and tasks that you need to complete to achieve 100% completion, such as completing all the main quests, side quests, and combat challenges.
That being said, collecting all the collectibles is a significant part of the game, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience. The collectibles provide additional backstory and lore, and they can also give you additional resources and upgrades for Kratos and Atreus.
Can I sell or trade my collectibles?
No, you can’t sell or trade your collectibles in God of War. The collectibles are purely for personal accomplishment and bragging rights. They don’t provide any in-game benefits or rewards, and they can’t be used to acquire other items or resources.
However, the sense of accomplishment and pride you get from collecting all the collectibles is its own reward. Plus, the collectibles often provide additional insight into the game’s world and characters, which can enhance your overall gaming experience.
Are the collectibles worth going back for?
Yes, the collectibles in God of War are definitely worth going back for. Not only do they provide additional backstory and lore, but they can also give you additional resources and upgrades for Kratos and Atreus. Additionally, collecting all the collectibles is a significant part of the game’s overall experience, and it can be a fun and rewarding challenge.
Plus, going back to previous areas and exploring them again can be a great way to appreciate the game’s world and design. You may notice things that you missed the first time around, and you may even discover new secrets or areas that you hadn’t seen before.
Will I get penalized for missing collectibles?
No, you won’t get penalized for missing collectibles in God of War. The game doesn’t punish you for missing collectibles, and you can continue to play the game and progress through the story even if you haven’t collected everything.
However, missing collectibles can affect your overall experience and satisfaction with the game. Collecting all the collectibles can give you a sense of accomplishment and pride, and it can also provide additional insight into the game’s world and characters.