God of War Ragnarok needs more of Atreus’ teenage dirtbag energy

[Ed note: This story contains spoilers for the first half of God of War Ragnarök.]

After rescuing the giant Týr, God of War Ragnarök This is my favorite plot twist. I am able to go next in the game as Atreus.

The tired crew has returned to Sindri’s home. Kratos, fearing for his son’s safety, wants nothing more than to abandon the fight and find a safe place to hunker down outside of Odin’s watchful gaze. Filled with righteous angst, Atreus sneaks out, against his father’s wishes, to follow through on an objectively bad idea. He’s going to find Freya, and he’s going to ask her for help with this whole war thing. The player finally gets to be Atreus — a delightful surprise, and a switch that I wish was permanent.

The younger teen certainly isn’t as strong as Kratos. His bow isn’t as powerful as the Leviathan Axe; it can’t freeze channels of water or light torches. Atreus compensates for this in agility with an easier and faster dodge. Atreus will be a delight for those who prefer dexterity-related playthroughs, such as sprinting and rolling or headshotting. He’s light on his feet, replicating so much of what I love about playing Horizon’s nimble Aloy.

With Sindri at his side, could Atreus defeat the Dreki, a crocodile like Dreki? It is unlikely. Would Atreus accept this? Two Dreki, as Kratos can? No. Would you play Atreus as the entirety of the game if offered the chance? Absolutely. You can sneak around like a teenage boy. Consider these ideas he knows all about war It is definitely a good idea that won’t make anyone angry or get anyone killed. I mean, his dad isAfter all, the Greek god war is actually called “Greek God of War”. And they’ve got the Norse god of war on their team now too.

Image: SIE Santa Monica Studio/Sony Interactive Entertainment via Polygon

It’s also very funny to play Atreus, particularly when he attempts to accomplish things that his father is able. Atreus attempts to open a chest using a punch through the top, much like Kratos. This obviously fails because Atreus has the arms and legs of a Victorian child. Atreus continues to slap chest tops using his shockingly solid bow. Sindri makes for a hysterical support character, throwing consistent shade, making excuses about why he isn’t ready, and ultimately leaving Atreus behind as he confronts Freya. My ass.

Best of all, I get to help Atreus — (You can cough) Loki — enjoy a bit of teenage rebellion. Train after my best friend Fenrir died? Fuck you, dad. It’s time to sweep my hair across my face, put on eyeliner, pull up that hoodie, and head to Warped Tour.

Loki has always been the troublemaker of the Norse gods — the one whose tomfoolery led to the creation of Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir. Though the God of War franchise consistently departs from classic Norse mythology in favor of its own interpretations, Atreus’ small acts of rebellion feel like a nice nod to Loki’s own origins. Loki’s ill-advised trick is what makes him irritate all gods. Allow Atreus to have all of his fun. I’d happily play along with all of it.