Story Progression Rule
God of War Ragnarok is not designed for every region to be fully cleared on first visit. The story naturally returns you to older places with new tools, companion abilities, and path access. The smoothest route is to follow the story until revisits make sense, then clean realms in batches.
Recommended Rhythm
| Stage | Do This | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Early game | Grab nearby Nornir Chests, key resources, and obvious favors | Spending 30 minutes on a puzzle that is probably tool-gated |
| Midgame | Alternate story chapters with high-value blue quests | Ignoring favors until gear feels underpowered |
| Late game | Sort challenges by gear level and safety | Forcing every hard gravestone immediately |
| Postgame | Clean trophies, Berserkers, ravens, and realm completion together | Trying to 100% everything before the finale |
How To Read Puzzle Walls
- If the area shows a clear three-part clue, it is probably solvable now.
- If the third target is totally missing, check high angles, backsides, and doors, then consider a revisit.
- If companions repeat hints, follow their direction and look for the angle.
- If a chain reaction is involved, think fire, ice, throws, rebounds, and detonation points.
- If a path is sealed, it may require later story progress or a new tool.
What To Do When Combat Walls You
- Check whether gear level is behind the enemy pressure.
- Review missed Nornir Chest upgrades.
- Shift armor toward survival if needed.
- Bring a resurrection stone and familiar runic attacks.
- If the story suddenly spikes, run a reward-rich favor first.
When To Do Favors
Favors are not just filler. Many give gear, materials, experience, realm access, and combat practice. Run them when:
- The main story feels rough.
- A new realm or region opens.
- You need materials for a shop upgrade.
- The map shows several nearby unfinished objectives.
- You are preparing for Berserkers or Muspelheim trials.
Postgame Cleanup
After the finale, the game is still built for cleanup. A practical order is: favors, Nornir Chests, ravens and lore, Berserkers and high-end challenges, then platinum checklist.
Next guide: Realm favor priority.