Summary

• Kratos’s character development in the Norse mythology reboot adds emotional depth to his bloodthirsty nature.
• Key battles in the God of War series combine brutal beatdowns with moments of intense emotional conflict.
• Kratos grapples with his violent tendencies and strives to protect his son, showcasing his internal struggle and growth.

God of War is one of the greatest video game franchises of all time that’s still relevant to this day. Kratos’ bloodthirsty adventures in the original trilogy as he lays waste to the Olympians make for a cathartic experience, but it’s not until the Norse mythology reboot that his character develops to become more mature while still retaining his vicious edge.

While the boss fights in these games are a brutal display of Kratos’ power and how he boasts the ability to make the strongest gods bend to his will, there are times when certain battles boast immense emotional depth that fans love. The best fights in God of War combine the best of both worlds to let players unleash satisfying beatdowns as Kratos on their foes.

This list contains spoilers!

8

VS Heimdall

Kratos Feels Conflicted After He’s Unable To Change The Fate Of The World

The new God of War games focus on Kratos’ regret for his vicious actions and his inability to escape this brutal cycle. After finding out that killing Heimdall would trigger Ragnarok, the Spartan tries to do everything in his power to stop himself from ending Heimdall’s life permanently. This makes for an emotional battle between the two as Kratos fights his primal urges to give Heimdall the beatdown he deserves for endangering his son’s life.

Unfortunately, Heimdall’s relentless leaves Kratos with no choice, much like his final fight against Baldur. He is forced to kill this boss, cementing the idea in Kratos’ head that he’s a violent god whose mere presence signals death and destruction.

7

VS The Stranger

Kratos Refuses To Endanger His Son After A Mysterious God Arrives At His Doorstep

Regardless of how frayed the relationship between Kratos and his son is, there’s no denying that the Spartan warrior will move heaven and earth to ensure his son’s safety. His protective attitude can be seen from the moment a strange and powerful figure appears at his house.

Baldur is excited at the prospect of fighting a strong god and goads Kratos into a battle. After an uppercut launches the Spartan to the skies, his emotions skyrocket as he lets his rage take over in a bid to stop this immortal freak and ensure that Atreus isn’t put in harm’s way.

6

VS Zeus

Kratos Faces Off Against His Father In One Final Duel

The revelation that Kratos is Zeus’ son adds to the emotions of their final battle. Both players and Kratos alike will want to make this god pay for killing his son in a bid to avoid a deadly fate.

Ironically enough, Zeus’ bloodthirsty actions cemented his demise. After a hellacious battle, Kratos kills this Greek god once and for all and gets his revenge.

5

VS Ares

Kratos Finally Gets His Revenge For His Family’s Death

The reason why Kratos is full of rage in the original God of War is because of Ares’ brutal actions. In a bid to turn this Spartan into the perfect warrior, Ares forces Kratos into a state of frenzy where he lays waste to a village full of Athena worshippers that housed his wife and daughter.

This death prompted Kratos to swear vengeance on Ares as his skin was coated with the ashes of his family, turning him into the infamous Ghost of Sparta. After an adventure spanning many bloody battles, Kratos finally faces off against Ares and gives the god of war the beatdown he deserves.

4

VS Odin

The Final Boss Of Ragnarok Who’s Put In His Place By Kratos

Throughout God of War Ragnarok, Odin has served as a thorn in the side of the heroes despite his sweet-talking Atreus into following his orders. However, it doesn’t take long for this god to reveal his true colors as everyone bands together against him in a battle for the ages.

Watching Kratos unleash the beatdown that Odin deserves during this boss fight is quite satisfying, especially given the aftermath. The god fails to unlock the secrets of the mask, with his soul being captured not long after. Sindri jumps on this opportunity and smashes the stone housing his spirit to pieces, marking an unceremonious end for this all-knowing god.

3

VS Vanadis AKA Freya

A Mother Comes Back To Get Revenge For The Death Of Her Son

The pain of losing a son is something that Freya and Kratos know firsthand. However, the former blames the Spartan for killing Baldur and decides to take him on in battle using the powers of a Valkyrie.

It’s an emotional fight where Freya does everything in her power to defeat Kratos, but eventually sees the light after being promised that her curse would be removed. As Kratos and this unsteady ally explore the realm of Vanaheim, they bond over their shared grief and eventually make amends.

2

VS Thor

After Being Defeated By Kratos, Thor Sees The Light

Thor is one of the most imposing figures in God of War Ragnarok who beats down and humiliates Kratos in their first encounter. However, after getting stronger and steeling his resolve, the Ghost of Sparta comes out victorious in a second encounter at the end of the game.

The emotions are at an all-time high during this boss fight, with the aftermath being particularly harrowing. After Thor sees reason and refuses to heed Odin’s advice, he is speared and killed by Gungnir in front of his family as Kratos finally jumps at the opportunity to give Odin a taste of his own medicine.

1

VS Baldur & Freya

A Climactic Fight With A Heartbreaking Conclusion For Freya

The final fight in 2018’s God of War is an emotional affair where players manage to undo Baldur’s curse, making him fallible once again. This terrifies Freya, who revives an undead Thamur to aid Baldur during this boss.

It’s an epic battle that puts everything Kratos has learned to the test, forcing him to use a varied offense and switch between the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos to incapacitate Baldur. Knowing that Freya’s son wouldn’t stop until her mother was dead, Kratos opts to end this cycle of violence for good and breaks Baldur’s neck, causing Freya to howl in sorrow before vowing vengeance for Kratos’ actions.