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God of War (2018)

9.5
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Publisher: PlayStation Studios
Released: 2018
Metacritic: 94
20-35h
Avg. Playtime
No DLC
Expansions
Solo Only
Multiplayer
$19.99
Best Price
PS5PS4PC
⭐ Read Review 📖 Beginner Guide 💸 Best Price

About God of War (2018)

God of War (2018) is one of the greatest reinventions in gaming history. Director Cory Barlog transformed a hack-and-slash franchise into a deep, emotionally resonant action RPG that follows Kratos — the Ghost of Sparta — as he begins a new life in the Norse realm of Midgard with his young son Atreus. What follows is a journey to scatter the ashes of Atreus's mother from the highest peak in all the realms, told across a single unbroken camera shot that never once cuts away.

The combat overhaul is complete and brilliant. The Leviathan Axe replaces Kratos's blades — it can be thrown with precision, recalled with a tap, and used to freeze enemies solid. Runic attacks customize your combat style; Atreus's arrow companion adds tactical depth. The Spartan Rage ability returns in evolved form. All of it is built around a grounded, weighty feel that makes every impact feel consequential.

The game's narrative achievement is its most remarkable quality. Kratos, defined for a decade as pure rage, emerges as a complex, restrained father struggling with his past and his fears for his son's future. The mythology — drawn from Norse tradition — is reinterpreted with intelligence and care. God of War 2018 is the rare blockbuster that delivers on every promise its marketing made.

Why Players Love It

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Leviathan Axe

Throw it, freeze enemies solid, recall it at any time. The Axe's physical and magical properties are the foundation of the combat system.

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Atreus Companion

Atreus fires arrows on command, grapples enemies, and translates ancient languages. Managing his involvement is a real tactical layer.

Runic Attacks

Two slots per weapon hold active Runic Attacks — a library of powerful abilities that let players tailor their combat approach completely.

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One Unbroken Shot

The entire game is presented without a single camera cut — one continuous shot that makes the world feel uninterrupted and intimate.

Overview Video

9.5Masterpiece

Our Verdict

God of War 2018 is a defining game of its generation — a perfect reinvention that creates one of gaming's greatest father-son stories while delivering the franchise's best combat.

Gameplay
9.5
Combat
9.5
Story
9.8
Graphics
9.5
Performance
9.0
Value
9.5
Read Full Review (1,500+ words)
Complete Beginner's Guide
⏱ 15 min · 📊 Medium · ✅ Progress tracking
Start Guide
Best Builds & Character Tips
⏱ 10 min · 📊 Easy · 🔧 Build Guide
View Guide
First Boss Guide & Strategies
⏱ 8 min · 📊 Hard · ⚔️ Boss Guide
View Guide
Tips & Tricks for New Players
⏱ 6 min · 📊 Easy · 💡 Tips
View Guide
PC Update 1.0.12 — DX12 Improvements
May 2022
  • Improved DirectX 12 stability and performance
  • Fixed several memory leak issues on extended play sessions
  • Ultrawide display aspect ratio fixes
  • HDR calibration screen added
PS4 Patch 1.35
Apr 2018
  • Performance improvements in Helheim area
  • Fixed rare Sindri shop crash
  • Adjusted armor set appearance of Ivaldi's Cursed Mist set
  • Minor dialogue timing fixes

Community Tips

“The Hel-Walkers in Helheim are immune to frost. Switch to Spartan Rage and fists — or use Atreus's lightning arrows which always work.”
— GreekNorseVet · 1567 upvotes
“Every Nornir chest (the ones with rune locks) contains either an Idunn Apple (health upgrade) or Horn of Blood Mead (rage upgrade). Never skip them.”
— AllFatherGuide · 1234 upvotes
“Throw the Axe at weak points and call it back mid-combo — the recall slap deals bonus damage that many players miss entirely.”
— MidgardMaster · 876 upvotes
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