God of War Ragnarök vs Just Cause 4

• Perspective: Third-Person (Over-the-shoulder cinematic camera)
• Multiplayer: None (Single-Player Only, with 'Valhalla' roguelike DLC)
• Setting: The Nine Realms of Norse Mythology (Midgard, Alfheim, Svartalfheim, Asgard, Vanaheim, Niflheim, Muspelheim, Helheim, Jötunheim)
• Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (Windows)
• Unique Feature: Seamless Cinematic Camera, Deeply Emotional Narrative, Visceral Combat with Axe/Blades/Spear, Exploration of all Nine Norse Realms, Atreus as a fully developed companion.

• Perspective: Third-Person
• Multiplayer: Single-player Only (No official multiplayer modes)
• Setting: Solís (Fictional South American Nation)
• Platforms: PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Unique Feature: Highly customizable Grappling Hook with Air Lifters, Retractors, & Boosters; dynamic Extreme Weather System (tornadoes, blizzards, etc.); vast sandbox environment encouraging creative destruction; signature Wingsuit and Parachute traversal.

• Atreus (Loki): Kratos's primary companion. Wields a bow and can use different types of Sigil Arrows (Sonic for stun, Hex for elemental synergy). Can perform Runic Summons (e.g., spectral wolves, squirrels) to damage or distract enemies. Assists in combat by attacking enemies, choking them, or drawing aggro. Crucial for puzzle-solving (shooting sigils, translating runes) and traversal. Has his own skill tree and upgradable gear. Playable in specific story segments.
  Half-God, Half-Jötunn
• Mimir: Provides constant contextual dialogue, lore exposition, hints for puzzles, and translations. While not a combatant, his knowledge and guidance are invaluable. Can warn Kratos of incoming off-screen attacks. Also tells stories during boat rides.
  Decapitated God Head (Aesir/Jötunn Knowledge)
• Freya (Temporary): Joins Kratos as a temporary combat companion during certain parts of the story. Wields a sword and Vanir seidr magic (e.g., ensnaring vines, spectral attacks). Can use Sigil Arrows similar to Atreus. Her abilities and combat style differ from Atreus, offering unique team dynamics.
  Vanir Goddess / Former Valkyrie Queen
• Brok & Sindri (Support): Not combat companions, but they provide essential support by running shops across the Nine Realms where Kratos can craft, upgrade, and purchase gear. They also offer witty dialogue and contribute to the story.
  Dwarf (Huldra Brothers)
• Angrboda (Temporary - Atreus Sections): Accompanies Atreus during his playable sections in Jötunheim. She has unique abilities related to her Giant heritage and knowledge of prophecies, assisting Atreus in combat and exploration within her specific story arc.
  Jötunn (Giantess)

• Army of Chaos Soldiers: As Rico liberates regions and pushes the front line, AI-controlled rebel soldiers from the Army of Chaos will spawn and engage Black Hand forces. They act independently but contribute to the overall battle and can provide covering fire or draw enemy attention. Rico cannot directly command them.
  Human (AI-Controlled Rebels)
• Mission-Specific Allies (Mira, Sargento, Sheldon, etc.): During specific story missions or side quests, key characters like Mira Morales, Sargento, Tom Sheldon, Javi Huerta, or Garland King may accompany Rico or provide direct support (e.g., hacking, intel, objectives). They are not persistent companions but play roles in dedicated mission sequences.
  Human (Key NPCs)
• Supply Drop Pilots (Implied): Though not visible companions in the traditional sense, pilots from the Army of Chaos deliver requested vehicles, weapons, and gear to Rico's location via supply drops. Their efficiency and the range of available items can be improved by completing tasks for specific characters (Javi, Garland, Sargento).
  Human (AI-Controlled Rebels)

• Odin's Ravens: 48 spectral green ravens sent by Odin to spy across the Nine Realms. Kratos must destroy them with his axe or spear. Finding and destroying them all unlocks access to special reward chests in Niflheim containing unique armor and runic attacks.
• Nornir Chests: Locked chests found throughout all realms, requiring Kratos to solve a runic puzzle to open them. Puzzles involve hitting three nearby rune gongs quickly, spinning runic mechanisms to match symbols, or destroying runic totems with fire/sigil arrows. They contain Idunn Apples (to increase maximum Health) or Horns of Blood Mead (to increase maximum Rage).
• Legendary Chests: Ornate chests containing valuable rewards such as Light or Heavy Runic Attacks, Weapon Attachments, Armor Pieces, Relics, or unique resources.
• Artifacts (Kvasir's Poems, Things Left Behind, Stolen Treasures, Family Crests, Tributes to Freyr): Sets of collectible items specific to different realms or storylines. Each set provides lore, XP, and sometimes contributes to completing Favors (side quests). Kvasir's Poems, for example, are subtle references to other PlayStation exclusive titles.
• Lore Markers & Rune Reads: Stone tablets, scrolls, or glowing runes that Mimir or Atreus can read, providing insight into Norse mythology, the history of the realms, characters, and events. Contribute to the in-game Codex.
• Berserker Gravestones: 10 gravestones scattered across the realms. Interacting with them summons powerful Berserker spirits, initiating challenging optional boss fights. Defeating them yields unique armor pieces (Berserker Set) and valuable crafting materials.
• Draugr Holes: Mystical tears in reality where Kratos can fight 'The Hateful,' a powerful Draugr mini-boss, and its minions. Closing all Draugr Holes yields rewards and contributes to completion.
• Nine Realms in Bloom (Flowers): A Favor requiring Kratos to find one unique flower from each of the Nine Realms for Freya.
• Muspelheim Trials & Niflheim Trials (Valhalla DLC): Repeatable combat challenges in Muspelheim (Surtr's Trials) that reward unique armor and resources. Niflheim contains The Raven Tree (rewards for Odin's Ravens) and later, the Valhalla DLC which is a roguelike mode with its own progression and collectibles.

• Ancient Statues: 12 hidden Ancient Statues scattered across Solís. Finding and activating them (often by solving a grapple-based lever puzzle) for Javi Huerta rewards Retractor Mod Points and contributes to the 'Show Me the Way' trophy/achievement.
• Surveillance Airships: 24 Black Hand surveillance airships floating above various key locations. Destroying them reduces Black Hand presence and contributes to regional liberation and Chaos generation.
• Stunt Locations (Speed, Wingsuit, Vehicle): Numerous designated locations across Solís where Rico must perform specific stunts for the film director Garland King. These are categorized into Speed Stunts, Wingsuit Stunts, and Vehicle Stunts (car, bike, boat, helicopter). Completing these earns Chaos and unlocks pilot upgrades.
• Supply Drop Blueprints (Implied): While not direct collectibles, discovering and completing certain missions or activities unlocks new weapons, vehicles, and gear (their 'blueprints') that can then be requested via Supply Drops. This forms a collection aspect of available equipment.

• Fatherhood & Sonship
• Prophecy & Fate
• Breaking Cycles of Violence
• Grief & Loss
• The Weight of the Past
• Norse Mythology
• End of Worlds (Ragnarök)
• Family
• Sacrifice
• Acceptance
• Seeking Knowledge

• Liberation
• Chaos & Destruction
• Extreme Weather
• Rogue Agent
• Political Instability
• Family Secrets
• South American Setting
• Physics-Based Sandbox
• Anti-Establishment
• Over-the-Top Action

• Leviathan Axe: One-Handed Axe (Throwable, Ice Elemental)
  Kratos's primary weapon from the previous game. Can be thrown and recalled. Infused with ice magic, allowing for frost attacks and freezing enemies. Has light and heavy attacks, combos, and runic attacks. Upgradable with pommels and skill tree abilities.
• Blades of Chaos: Dual Chained Blades (Fire Elemental, Area of Effect)
  Kratos's iconic weapons from his past. Infused with fire magic, excellent for wide-sweeping attacks, crowd control, and grappling. Have light and heavy attacks, combos, and runic attacks. Upgradable with handles and skill tree abilities.
• Draupnir Spear: One-Handed Spear (Throwable, Wind Elemental, Duplication)
  A new weapon acquired during the story. Can be thrown and embedded into enemies or surfaces, then detonated for area damage. Kratos can create multiple spears. Infused with wind magic. Has light and heavy attacks, combos, and runic attacks. Upgradable with sauroters and skill tree abilities.
• Shields (Various Types: Dauntless, Stonewall, Guardian, Shatter Star, Onslaught): Defensive Arm Gear (Parry, Block, Special Abilities)
  Kratos can equip various shields, each with unique properties. Some are better for parrying (Dauntless), others for absorbing heavy hits (Stonewall), or offering offensive capabilities (Shatter Star, Onslaught). Upgradable with ronds.
• Spartan Rage (Fury, Valor, Wrath): Temporary Super Mode
  Kratos's innate ability. Different modes can be chosen: Fury (unarmed devastating attacks), Valor (consume rage for health burst), Wrath (perform a powerful weapon-specific attack). Meter builds through combat.
• Atreus's Talon Bow / Later Bows: Companion Ranged Weapon (Elemental Arrows)
  Atreus uses his bow to fire arrows that can damage enemies, stun them, or apply elemental effects (Sonic, Sigil - Hex arrows). Sigil arrows can amplify elemental effects from Kratos's weapons. Upgradable with new quivers and skills.
• Runic Attacks (Light & Heavy for each weapon): Special Magical Abilities
  Powerful magical attacks that can be equipped to the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Draupnir Spear (one light and one heavy runic attack per weapon). These have cooldowns and vary widely in effect (area damage, single target burst, stunning, elemental effects).
• Relics (Hilts): Equippable Artifacts (Powerful Active Abilities)
  Ancient artifacts that Kratos can equip to unleash powerful, temporary abilities on a long cooldown (e.g., realm shift, elemental shockwave, summoning spectral warriors).

• Grappling Hook (Customizable): Traversal, Utility, Combat Tool
  Rico's signature gadget, heavily upgraded. Can be customized with multiple loadouts featuring Air Lifter (attaches balloons), Retractor (pulls tethered objects), and Booster (miniature rockets) mods, each with their own upgradeable properties like strength, speed, and behavior.
• SW9 Assault Rifle: Primary Firearm (Automatic/Burst)
  A versatile assault rifle with good damage and rate of fire. Often features an underslung grenade launcher as its secondary fire mode, useful against infantry and light vehicles.
• AT3-X RPG: Heavy Weapon (Explosive)
  A powerful rocket-propelled grenade launcher, capable of burst-fire. Effective against vehicles and structures. Secondary fire allows for target locking.
• RG-PBA 9 Railgun: Heavy Weapon / Sniper
  A handheld railgun that fires high-velocity projectiles, dealing significant damage. Can be charged for increased power. Its secondary fire often deploys a combat drone.
• PWC V4.2 "Wind Gun": Experimental Weapon
  An experimental weapon that fires powerful blasts of wind, capable of sending enemies, vehicles, and objects flying. Its secondary fire typically unleashes a more focused and powerful gust.
• DA 9.3 "Lightning Gun": Experimental Weapon
  An experimental weapon that can call down lightning strikes or fire concentrated electrical blasts. Its secondary fire often launches storm grenades, creating localized thunderstorms.
• PBX Auto-Slug 4: Shotgun (Automatic)
  A fully automatic shotgun effective at close range. Its secondary fire often unleashes a spread of ricocheting projectiles, devastating in enclosed spaces.
• LRD-3 Sniper Rifle: Sniper Rifle
  A long-range, high-precision rifle for engaging distant targets. Often includes a secondary short-range explosive shell launcher.
• Wingsuit (Weaponized Variants): Traversal / Light Weapon Platform
  While primarily for traversal, some wingsuits (e.g., 'Skystriker' or Black Hand Prototype from DLC/Deluxe Editions) are equipped with boosters and missile weaponry.
• The Dragon (DLC Weapon): Heavy Weapon (Explosive/Incendiary)
  A unique rocket launcher shaped like a dragon's head that fires fireworks, stunning enemies before exploding. Part of a DLC pack.

• Chest Armor: Provides primary stat boosts (Strength, Defense, Runic, Vitality, Cooldown, Luck) and often a unique perk (e.g., chance to grant a buff on parry, increased damage from a specific attack type, elemental resistance). Upgradable.
• Wrist Armor: Provides secondary stat boosts and sometimes a complementary perk to the chest armor or a standalone benefit. Upgradable.
• Waist Armor: Provides tertiary stat boosts and often a perk that synergizes with the wrist and chest pieces of a set, or offers a general utility. Upgradable.
• Armor Sets (e.g., Nidavellir's Finest, Lunda's Lost, Berserker Set, Radiance Set): Matching pieces of chest, wrist, and waist armor often form a set. While there isn't always an explicit 'set bonus' for wearing all three like in some RPGs, the perks on individual pieces within a named set are designed to synergize and enhance a particular playstyle (e.g., stun-focused, runic power-focused, defense-focused).
• Amulet of Yggdrasil & Enchantments: The amulet has unlockable sockets where Kratos can equip Enchantments. Enchantments provide various passive stat bonuses or unique perks (e.g., increased damage against status-afflicted enemies, realm shift on last-second dodge). Some enchantments form sets that grant powerful additional bonuses when three from the same set are equipped.
• Shield Ronds: Attachments for Kratos's shield that modify its stats (e.g., increased defense, faster parry recovery) and can grant unique perks when blocking or parrying (e.g., chance to trigger an elemental explosion, grant a buff).
• Cosmetic Armor Appearances (Transmog): After upgrading a piece of armor to its maximum level, players can transmogrify its appearance to look like any other armor piece of the same type they have collected, while retaining the stats of the originally equipped item.

• Rico's Tactical Outfit: Rico's default attire offers no specific numerical armor rating but represents his general resilience. Cosmetic variations are available through DLC, providing visual changes to his jacket, pants, and gear.
• Weaponized Wingsuits (e.g., Skystriker, Black Hand Prototype): These are not traditional armor but traversal tools with offensive capabilities. The 'Skystriker' (often part of Reloaded/Gold editions) and the Black Hand Prototype Wingsuit (Digital Deluxe) feature built-in missile launchers and boost technology, offering a form of mobile firepower rather than passive damage resistance.
• Golden Gear Pack Items (Gold/Complete Edition): Includes a golden shotgun, a golden wingsuit, and a golden parachute. These are primarily cosmetic, offering a distinct visual style for these items without significantly altering gameplay statistics beyond their base item functions.
• Other DLC Cosmetic Outfits/Skins: Various DLC packs like the 'Neon Racer Pack,' 'Deathstalker Scorpion Pack,' and 'Renegade Pack' include themed skins for Rico's wingsuit and parachute, and sometimes themed vehicle skins. These are visual customizations.

• Kratos's Armor Sets (Chest, Wrist, Waist): Kratos can equip various sets of armor, each with three pieces (chest, wrist, waist). Armor provides stat boosts (Strength, Defense, Runic, Vitality, Cooldown, Luck) and unique perks. Examples include Nidavellir's Finest Plackart (stun focused), Lunda's Lost Cuirass (poison focused), Berserker Pauldron (high risk/reward). Armor can be upgraded. A transmog system allows changing appearance to any owned armor style once fully upgraded.
• Atreus's Tunics & Armor: Atreus wears different tunics and armor sets throughout the game, often reflecting his current allegiance or development. These provide him with stat bonuses and perks that enhance his archery, runic summons, or survivability. Some are crafted, others are quest rewards.
• Freya's Attire (Companion): When Freya joins as a companion, her attire reflects her Vanir heritage and warrior queen status. While not directly customizable by the player in the same way as Kratos's gear, her appearance is significant.
• Cosmetic Shield Skins (Shield Ronds): While the primary function of Shield Ronds is statistical and perk-based, some also offer distinct visual appearances for Kratos's equipped shield.
• Weapon Pommels/Handles/Sauroters: Attachments for the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Draupnir Spear not only provide stat boosts and perks but also change the cosmetic appearance of the weapon's hilt or handle.

• Rico's Default Tactical Outfit: Rico's signature look, typically a leather jacket, tactical pants, and boots. The base game offers limited direct customization of this outfit.
• Wingsuit Skins (via DLC/Editions): Multiple cosmetic skins for the wingsuit are available through various DLC packs (e.g., Neon Racer Wingsuit, Deathstalker Scorpion Wingsuit, Renegade Wingsuit, Golden Gear Wingsuit) and special editions, altering its appearance.
• Parachute Skins (via DLC/Editions): Similar to wingsuits, parachute skins provide visual customization and are included in DLC packs and special editions (e.g., Neon Racer Parachute, Deathstalker Scorpion Parachute, Renegade Parachute, Golden Gear Parachute).
• Black Hand Weaponized Wingsuit (Digital Deluxe Edition): A specific wingsuit with a distinct Black Hand design, equipped with offensive capabilities. Included in the Digital Deluxe Edition and often part of higher-tier editions.
• 'Skystriker' Weaponized Wingsuit (Reloaded/Gold Editions): Another specialized wingsuit with a unique appearance and weaponry, often included in the Reloaded and Gold Editions of the game.
• Just Cause 2 & 3 Rico Skins (Free DLC): Free cosmetic DLCs were released post-launch, allowing players to equip Rico's character models from Just Cause 2 and Just Cause 3 for a nostalgic look.

Solís is a massive open world (approximately 1024 square kilometers) featuring four distinct biomes: Rainforest (lush, dense jungles), Grasslands (rolling plains and farmlands), Alpine (snowy mountains and icy peaks), and Desert (arid landscapes and canyons). Each biome hosts unique weather patterns and points of interest. The world is divided into numerous regions that can be liberated by advancing the Army of Chaos's front line.

• Skiff / Boat: Watercraft
  Used by Kratos and Atreus to navigate the rivers, lakes, and flooded areas within various realms like Midgard, Svartalfheim, and Vanaheim. Allows for exploration and often features dialogue between characters during travel.
• Wolvesled (Pulled by Speki and Svanna): Land Traversal (Snow/Ice)
  A sled pulled by Kratos's two wolves, Speki and Svanna. Used for traversing the frozen landscapes of Midgard during Fimbulwinter and other snowy regions. Allows for faster land travel in these specific environments.
• Mystic Gateways (Fast Travel): Inter-Realm & Intra-Realm Transport
  Magical doorways that allow Kratos and Atreus to travel quickly between discovered Mystic Gateway locations within a realm, and also to travel between different realms via Tyr's Temple (the central hub).
• Ziplines & Grapple Points: Fixed Traversal Elements
  Environmental elements used for quick traversal. Kratos can use his Blades of Chaos to grapple onto specific points to swing across gaps or ascend/descend quickly. Ziplines offer rapid downhill movement.
• Lifts & Elevators: Mechanical Traversal
  Various mechanical lifts and elevators are found within structures and environments, used for vertical traversal.

• Civilian & Military Cars/Trucks: Land Vehicle (Transport / Light Combat)
  A wide variety of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and larger trucks. Many can be found driven by civilians or Black Hand forces. Some military trucks are armored and may have mounted weapons.
• Motorcycles & ATVs: Land Vehicle (Fast Traversal)
  Includes various motorcycles, dirt bikes, and ATVs for fast and agile ground travel, especially off-road.
• Tanks & Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs): Land Vehicle (Heavy Combat)
  Heavily armored and armed vehicles like tanks (e.g., Warchief Assault Tank) and APCs, primarily used by The Black Hand. Rico can hijack and operate these.
• Helicopters (Attack & Transport): Air Vehicle (Combat / Traversal)
  Includes attack helicopters armed with missiles and machine guns (e.g., Spectre Attack Heli), as well as transport helicopters. Essential for aerial combat and rapid deployment.
• Fighter Jets & Planes: Air Vehicle (Fast Combat / Traversal)
  Fixed-wing aircraft ranging from fighter jets (e.g., Fellhawk Jet Fighter) with advanced weaponry to cargo planes and smaller prop planes. Used for high-speed travel and air-to-ground attacks.
• Boats & Naval Craft: Water Vehicle (Transport / Combat)
  Various watercraft for navigating Solís's rivers, lakes, and coastline, including small speedboats, patrol boats (often armed), and larger vessels like the Thunderbarge (a Black Hand warship).
• Industrial & Specialized Vehicles: Utility / Unique
  Includes vehicles like cranes, forklifts, airport tugs, and unique mission-specific vehicles like Stormchasers (designed to withstand extreme weather). Many can be used creatively with the grappling hook.
• DLC Vehicles (e.g., Hoverboard, Dare Devils Cars): Special / DLC Specific
  Downloadable content introduced unique vehicles, such as the agile Hoverboard (Danger Rising DLC) and various heavily modified and weaponized cars for the Dare Devils of Destruction challenges.

• Wolves (Fenrir, Speki & Svanna - Atreus's Transformed Wolves): Canis lupus / Giant Mythical Wolves
  Hostile wild wolves, Atreus can transform into a wolf, Fenrir is a colossal story-central wolf.
• Garmr: Mythical Hell-Hound
  Colossal, chain-breaking hound from Helheim, a major boss and story element.
• Dragons / Drakes / Dreki: Reptilian Mythical Creatures
  Hostile mini-bosses or powerful enemies encountered in various realms, often with elemental breath attacks.
• Trolls: Giant Humanoid (Jötnarkin)
  Large, powerful, rock-throwing enemies, often encountered as mini-bosses.
• Ogres: Giant Humanoid
  Large, brutish enemies that can grab and throw Kratos or be ridden temporarily after stunning.
• Einherjar: Undead Warriors (Asgardian)
  Spectral warriors summoned by Odin or encountered in Asgard/Valhalla, often using Bifröst powers.
• Hel-walkers / Draugr: Undead Humanoid
  Common reanimated corpses found in Helheim and other realms, basic fodder enemies.
• Nightmares / Exploding Nightmares: Small Demonic Creatures
  Small, flying enemies that harass and shoot projectiles, or explode on contact.
• Grims / Wretches: Small Amphibious/Reptilian Creatures
  Agile, often poisonous enemies found in swamps and caves.
• Stags, Boars, Lizards, Birds (Various non-mythical wildlife): Various Mundane Fauna
  Ambient wildlife contributing to realm ecosystems. Some (like stags) might be part of side quests or provide minor resources, but not primary hunting targets.
• Valkyries (Mentioned, but new threats like The Hateful - Draugr Hole Bosses): Mythical Warriors / Undead Champions
  While Valkyries were key in the previous game, Ragnarök features new challenging optional bosses like The Hateful, found in Draugr Holes.
• Berserkers (Berserker Gravestones): Undead Spirit Warriors
  Extremely challenging optional bosses summoned from Berserker Gravestones, each with unique abilities and fighting styles.

• Kratos: Protagonist / Former Greek God of War
  The main playable character. Now older and trying to raise his son Atreus in the Norse realms while suppressing his rage and confronting his violent past. He seeks to protect Atreus and prevent Ragnarök if possible, or at least guide his son through it.
• Atreus (Loki): Deuteragonist / Kratos's Son / Archer Companion
  Kratos's teenage son. He is more confident and skilled than in the previous game, grappling with his identity as Loki and the prophecies surrounding him. He serves as Kratos's primary companion, providing ranged support, translating runes, and contributing to puzzle-solving. Playable in certain story segments.
• Mimir: Ally / Companion (Decapitated Head)
  The decapitated, reanimated head of the Norse God of Wisdom. He is carried on Kratos's belt, providing invaluable lore, witty commentary, strategic advice, and translations. Acts as a narrator and a source of world-building.
• Odin: Main Antagonist / All-Father / King of Asgard
  The cunning, manipulative, and knowledge-obsessed ruler of the Aesir gods. He seeks to prevent Ragnarök and maintain his power at any cost, viewing Kratos and Atreus as threats or tools. His methods are insidious and often involve deception.
• Thor: Antagonist / Aesir God of Thunder
  Odin's powerful and brutish son, wielder of Mjölnir. He seeks revenge against Kratos for the deaths of his sons Magni and Modi, and his half-brother Baldur. A formidable physical opponent.
• Freya: Ally (Eventually) / Former Queen of the Valkyries / Vanir Goddess
  Initially an antagonist seeking revenge for her son Baldur's death. Her character arc involves grief, reconciliation, and eventually rejoining Kratos and Atreus as a powerful ally and temporary combat companion. Her knowledge of Vanir magic is crucial.
• Brok & Sindri: Allies / Huldra Brothers / Legendary Blacksmiths
  The dwarven brothers who forged the Leviathan Axe and Mjölnir. They serve as Kratos and Atreus's blacksmiths, upgrading their gear and providing humorous banter and emotional support. Their relationship and individual stories are explored further.
• Angrboda: Ally / Young Jötunn (Giantess)
  A young giantess living in Jötunheim who befriends Atreus. She is an artist and plays a significant role in revealing prophecies and Atreus's destiny as Loki.
• Tyr: Ally / Norse God of War (Presumed Dead)
  The former Norse God of War, believed to be dead. Kratos and Atreus search for him, hoping he can lead them against Odin. His true nature and motivations are a key plot point.
• Freyr: Ally / Vanir God / Freya's Brother
  Leader of a Vanir resistance group in Vanaheim fighting against Odin's occupation. A charismatic and somewhat reckless god who aids Kratos and Atreus.
• Heimdall: Antagonist / Aesir God / Guardian of Asgard
  The arrogant and all-seeing guardian of Asgard's Bifröst bridge. He can anticipate his opponents' moves, making him an incredibly challenging foe.
• Thrud: Supporting Character / Thor's Daughter / Aspiring Valkyrie
  Thor's daughter who befriends Atreus. She is training to become a Valkyrie and provides a different perspective on the Aesir.
• Sif: Supporting Character / Thor's Wife / Aesir Goddess
  Thor's wife and mother of Thrud. She is concerned about Thor's drinking and Odin's influence.

• Rico Rodriguez: Protagonist / Rogue Agent / 'The Scorpion'
  The main playable character, a highly skilled operative known for his expertise in demolition, vehicular mayhem, and use of the grappling hook, wingsuit, and parachute. He arrives in Solís to uncover his father's connection to The Black Hand and Project Illapa.
• Gabriela Morales: Main Antagonist / Leader of The Black Hand
  The ruthless and intelligent leader of The Black Hand, the most powerful private military in the world. She controls Solís and Project Illapa, and has a personal history with Rico's father. Serves as Rico's primary adversary.
• Mira Morales: Ally / Rebel Scientist / Leader in Army of Chaos
  A native Solino and brilliant scientist who opposes The Black Hand. She is Gabriela's cousin and becomes a key ally to Rico, helping him understand and fight against Project Illapa. She plays a significant role in guiding the rebellion.
• Tom Sheldon: Ally (Reluctant) / Former Agency Handler
  Rico's former handler from The Agency, who appears in Solís with his own agenda, often providing missions and information, though his allegiances can be murky. A recurring character in the Just Cause series.
• Sargento (Luis 'Che' Guerra): Ally / Rebel Commander in Army of Chaos
  A charismatic and determined commander in the Army of Chaos. He helps Rico organize rebel forces, provides tactical support, and offers missions related to training rebels and disrupting Black Hand operations.
• Oscar Espinosa: Antagonist / Dictator of Solís (Figurehead)
  The oppressive dictator of Solís, largely a puppet figure propped up by The Black Hand and Gabriela Morales. While a target, the true power lies with Gabriela and Project Illapa.
• Javi Huerta: Ally / Archaeologist
  An archaeologist obsessed with the ancient history of Solís and the mystery of the Tomba de la Esposa. He provides Rico with side missions related to finding ancient statues and uncovering lore.
• Garland King: Ally / Film Director
  A film director shooting a movie in Solís. She tasks Rico with performing various dangerous stunts (vehicle, wingsuit, speed) for her film, rewarding him for his efforts.

• The Path (Main Story Quests)
  A series of interconnected narrative quests that drive the main storyline, following Kratos and Atreus as they seek to understand Atreus's destiny as Loki, find Tyr, navigate the escalating conflict with Asgard, and ultimately confront Ragnarök. These missions span all Nine Realms and involve major character developments, boss battles, and cinematic set pieces.
• Favors (Side Quests)
  Optional quests given by various characters (including companions, spirits, and inhabitants of the realms) that offer unique storylines, explore lore, unlock new areas, and reward valuable resources, armor, weapon attachments, or enchantments. Some Favors are extensive multi-part sagas.
• Labors (Combat & Exploration Challenges)
  A list of ongoing challenges related to combat (e.g., kill X enemies with a specific Runic Attack, perform X parries) and exploration (e.g., destroy X Odin's Ravens, open X Nornir Chests). Completing Labors rewards XP.
• Berserker Gravestone Battles
  Locate and interact with Berserker Gravestones to summon and defeat powerful Berserker spirits. These are challenging optional boss fights, each rewarding unique Berserker armor pieces and valuable crafting materials.
• Draugr Holes (The Hateful)
  Find and clear out Draugr Holes by defeating 'The Hateful,' a recurring powerful Draugr mini-boss, and its minions. Rewards crafting materials and contributes to realm completion.
• Muspelheim Trials (The Crucible)
  A series of increasingly difficult combat challenges in Muspelheim, located within a central arena (The Crucible). Completing specific combinations of trials unlocks chests containing unique armor (Surtr's Scorched Set), resources, and contributes to a major Favor.
• Niflheim Trials (The Raven Tree & Sparring Arena)
  Destroying Odin's Ravens unlocks chests around The Raven Tree in Niflheim. A sparring arena also allows Kratos to practice combat against various enemy types. The Valhalla DLC adds a new roguelike mode accessible from Niflheim.
• Treasure Maps
  Find treasure maps that provide a cryptic drawing or riddle hinting at the location of buried treasure (often containing valuable resources, enchantments, or crafting materials).
• Valhalla DLC (Roguelike Epilogue)
  A separate, repeatable gameplay mode where Kratos enters Valhalla to face randomized trials and confront echoes of his past. Features temporary builds, permanent upgrades, new story elements, and cosmetic rewards. Serves as an epilogue to Kratos's personal journey.

• Main Story Campaign (Project Illapa & The Black Hand)
  A series of narrative missions following Rico Rodriguez as he investigates his father's past involvement with The Black Hand and their weather-manipulation weapon, Project Illapa. This involves operations against The Black Hand, disabling components of Project Illapa, and confronting Gabriela Morales.
• Region Strikes & Advancing the Front Line
  Specific missions within each region of Solís that, once completed, allow the Army of Chaos to secure that territory. This pushes back The Black Hand's control and is essential for unlocking further story missions and expanding rebel influence.
• Army of Chaos Operations (Mira, Sargento)
  Side missions provided by key rebel allies. Mira's missions often involve investigating Black Hand technology or Project Illapa. Sargento's missions focus on training rebel squads, disrupting Black Hand logistics, and bolstering the Army of Chaos's strength.
• Stunt Challenges (Garland King)
  Completing various stunt challenges for the film director Garland King. These involve performing specific actions using vehicles (cars, bikes, boats, helicopters), the wingsuit, or achieving high speeds, rewarding Chaos and unlocking pilot upgrades for supply drops.
• Ancient Mysteries (Javi Huerta)
  Finding and activating 12 hidden Ancient Statues scattered across Solís by solving environmental puzzles, often involving the grappling hook's Retractor mod. This questline delves into the ancient history of Solís and rewards Retractor Mod Points.
• Dare Devils of Destruction DLC Campaign
  Participating in various vehicle-based destruction derbies, races, and survival challenges against three rival gangs in new arenas, utilizing unique weaponized vehicles provided in the DLC.
• Los Demonios DLC Campaign
  Combating a supernatural demonic infestation that has been unleashed upon Solís. Involves fighting new parasitic enemy types, cleansing infected areas, and utilizing new gear like a demonic crossbow.
• Danger Rising DLC Campaign
  Rico confronts his former employers, The Agency, who have arrived in Solís with advanced technology and a hidden agenda. This DLC introduces the Hoverboard, new Agency enemies, powerful new weapons, and missions aboard a massive submarine.

Available in Standard Edition, Launch Edition (pre-order bonuses like Kratos Risen Snow Armor & Atreus Risen Snow Tunic), Digital Deluxe Edition (Darkdale Armor/Attire/Axe Grip/Blades Handles, digital artbook, soundtrack, PSN avatars), Collector's Edition (SteelBook, 16” Mjölnir replica, Dwarven dice set, Vanir Twins carvings, all Digital Deluxe content), and Jötnar Edition (Collector's Edition content + vinyl record, pin set, Draupnir ring, Brok's dice set, Yggdrasil cloth map).

Just Cause 4 was released in several editions: Standard Edition (base game), Digital Deluxe Edition (base game, Black Hand Stealth Microjet, Black Hand Weaponized Wingsuit), Gold Edition (Digital Deluxe content + Expansion Pass + Golden Gear Pack), and Complete Edition (Gold Edition content + all Black Market items). The 'Reloaded' version, often seen on digital stores, includes the base game and several cosmetic/gear packs.

A free DLC, 'Valhalla,' was released in December 2023. It is a roguelike mode that serves as an epilogue to Ragnarök, where Kratos faces trials in Valhalla to confront his past and master himself. No major paid story expansions have been announced beyond this.

The Expansion Pass included three major DLCs: 'Dare Devils of Destruction' (vehicle-centric challenges, races, and new weaponized vehicles), 'Los Demonios' (a supernatural horror-themed expansion with demonic enemies and a new crossbow weapon), and 'Danger Rising' (missions against The Agency, introducing a hoverboard, new Agency weapons, and missions on a submarine). Numerous smaller cosmetic and gear packs (e.g., Neon Racer, Deathstalker Scorpion, Golden Gear, The Dragon weapon) were also released.

• Q: Is God of War Ragnarök a direct sequel to God of War (2018)?
  A: Yes, God of War Ragnarök is a direct sequel, continuing the story of Kratos and Atreus a few years after the events of the 2018 game. It concludes their Norse saga.
• Q: Do I need to play God of War (2018) before Ragnarök?
  A: It is highly recommended. Ragnarök heavily builds upon the characters, plot threads, and emotional arcs established in the 2018 game. While there's a recap option, the experience is significantly enriched by playing the predecessor.
• Q: Can you explore all Nine Realms in God of War Ragnarök?
  A: Yes, Kratos and Atreus can travel to and explore all Nine Realms of Norse mythology: Midgard, Alfheim, Svartalfheim, Vanaheim, Muspelheim, Niflheim, Helheim, Jötunheim, and (to a limited extent) Asgard. Each realm is a distinct area with its own quests, collectibles, and environments.
• Q: Is Atreus playable in God of War Ragnarök?
  A: Yes, Atreus is playable during several extended segments of the game, offering a different combat style focused on archery, runic summons, and unique Giant abilities. These sections provide his perspective on the unfolding events.
• Q: What is the 'Valhalla' DLC?
  A: Valhalla is a free roguelike DLC epilogue for God of War Ragnarök. It sees Kratos, accompanied only by Mimir, journeying into Valhalla to face trials that test his combat skills and force him to confront his past. It features a new gameplay loop with temporary upgrades and permanent unlocks.
• Q: Are there multiple endings in God of War Ragnarök?
  A: The main story of God of War Ragnarök has one primary, definitive ending. However, completing certain side quests and exploring post-game content can provide additional context, character resolutions, and a secret 'true' final cutscene after the credits that offers further closure.

• Q: When was Just Cause 4 released?
  A: Just Cause 4 was released on December 4, 2018, for PC (Windows), PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
• Q: Who is the main character in Just Cause 4?
  A: The protagonist is Rico Rodriguez, the series' recurring hero, known for his expertise with the grappling hook, wingsuit, parachute, and causing widespread destruction.
• Q: What is the setting of Just Cause 4?
  A: The game is set in the fictional South American nation of Solís, which features diverse biomes like rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and alpine mountains, and is plagued by extreme weather conditions controlled by Project Illapa.
• Q: What are the new features in Just Cause 4's grappling hook?
  A: The grappling hook is highly customizable with new mods: Air Lifters (attach inflatable balloons to objects), Retractors (pull tethered objects together forcefully), and Boosters (attach small rocket engines). Players can use and customize multiple tethers simultaneously.
• Q: What are the Extreme Weather events in Just Cause 4?
  A: Just Cause 4 introduces dynamic extreme weather like massive tornadoes, blizzards in alpine regions, sandstorms in deserts, and tropical lightning storms. These phenomena physically interact with the game world and can be both a threat and a tool.
• Q: Does Just Cause 4 have multiplayer?
  A: No, Just Cause 4 is a single-player only experience. There are no official co-op or competitive multiplayer modes.
• Q: What major DLCs are available for Just Cause 4?
  A: The Expansion Pass included three major DLCs: 'Dare Devils of Destruction' (vehicle combat focused), 'Los Demonios' (supernatural demonic invasion), and 'Danger Rising' (missions against The Agency, introducing a hoverboard).
• Q: How does liberation work in Just Cause 4?
  A: Liberation involves completing 'Region Strike' missions to secure territories for the Army of Chaos. This advances a 'front line' across the map, rather than liberating individual settlements as in Just Cause 3. Causing general chaos also contributes to earning squad reserves to deploy more rebels.

Utilizing an evolved version of Santa Monica Studio's proprietary engine, the game boasts stunning visuals with highly detailed character models, intricate environments, advanced lighting and particle effects, and impressive animation quality. Each of the Nine Realms has a unique and breathtaking art style. Offers multiple graphics modes on PS5 (Favor Quality for native 4K/30FPS, Favor Performance for dynamic 4K/60FPS, and modes for 120Hz displays).

Powered by the Apex Engine, Just Cause 4 showcases large-scale environments with diverse biomes and impressive draw distances. The visuals focus on physics-based destruction and spectacular extreme weather effects like tornadoes and lightning storms. While graphical fidelity on release was met with mixed reception by some for certain aspects (e.g., water, character models), the overall spectacle and scale are significant.

Original score composed by Bear McCreary, featuring powerful orchestral themes, Norse-inspired folk instrumentation, and epic choral arrangements that adapt dynamically to gameplay and narrative beats. The sound design is exceptional, with visceral combat sounds, distinct weapon effects, monstrous creature vocalizations, and immersive environmental audio across the diverse Nine Realms.

The game features an orchestral and electronic hybrid score that adapts to the on-screen action, composed by Zach Abramson. Sound design emphasizes explosions, vehicle engines, weapon effects, and the powerful sounds of the extreme weather phenomena. Features a dynamic music system that escalates with the level of chaos.

Features a clean, cinematic third-person HUD. Health and rage meters for Kratos, companion health/arrow count for Atreus. Enemy health bars and stun meters are prominent. A compass aids navigation. Menus for skills, gear, map, and codex are well-organized. Waypoints and objective markers guide the player. Minimalistic by default to enhance immersion, with options for more HUD elements.

The UI is generally minimalist, focusing on Rico's actions. Key elements include a map for navigation and mission tracking, objective markers, a grappling hook mod selection interface (quick-switch via D-pad), weapon wheel, ammo/health indicators, and contextual prompts. The 'AR Scan' feature highlights interactive objects and mission objectives.

Features over 70 accessibility options, including extensive subtitle and caption customization, controller remapping, high contrast modes, traversal assistance, combat assistance (aim assist, lock-on, auto-pickup), options to simplify QTEs, audio cues for puzzles and combat, navigation assist, and more, making it one of the most accessible AAA games.

Just Cause 4 includes options for subtitles (on/off, size not typically detailed), remappable controls for keyboard/mouse (though UI keys often cannot be changed), controller remapping support, separate volume controls (Sound Effects, Voice, Music, Car Radio), and mouse Y-axis inversion. Specific features like colorblind modes or extensive UI customization are generally not prominent.

• Official PC system requirements from Sony/Santa Monica Studio (PC Port released later). Performance can vary depending on specific hardware, settings, encounter intensity, and background applications. An SSD is MANDATORY. The game is visually stunning and can be very demanding at higher settings.
• Laptop Performance Note: Laptop models of listed desktop GPUs will require comparable performance, high TGP, and excellent cooling. **God of War Ragnarök is a demanding title on PC, and high-end laptop hardware is necessary for higher resolutions and settings, especially to maintain smooth framerates.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
• Laptop Consideration: Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling in this graphically intensive game.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits and good single-core performance will benefit.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5 preferred for newer systems) is highly beneficial.
• Laptop Consideration: M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.
• Optimization Detail: Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS (Super Resolution, potentially Frame Generation if added post-launch for PC), AMD FSR 2.0+, and Intel XeSS.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Quality, Shadow Quality, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, Anisotropic Filtering, and Ambient Occlusion heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher resolutions/settings.
• Game Name: God of War Ragnarök

• Official PC system requirements for 'Just Cause 4' (released in 2018). An SSD is recommended for better loading times. These requirements reflect the hardware capabilities of that era.
• Laptop Performance Note: Just Cause 4, with its large open world and physics-based destruction, can be demanding. For a good laptop experience, a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU from the mid-range of its release era or newer is advised. Laptop GPUs and CPUs perform differently than desktop equivalents due to power (TGP) and thermal constraints. **Performance can vary based on the specific laptop model's TGP, cooling, and overall system configuration.**
• Laptop Consideration: G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is a key factor for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants will generally perform better.
• Laptop Consideration: Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling is important to prevent thermal throttling during sustained gameplay, especially with the game's emphasis on large-scale destruction and physics.
• Laptop Consideration: C P U Performance Sustain: A capable mobile CPU that can handle open-world streaming and physics calculations without significant bottlenecks is necessary.
• Laptop Consideration: R A M Configuration Speed: 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB in dual-channel configuration is recommended for a smoother experience, especially with many physics objects and explosions.
• Laptop Consideration: Display Panel G P U Pairing: Most laptops aiming for these specs will target 1080p. The GPU should be sufficient for this resolution at desired settings.
• Laptop Consideration: Driver Updates O S Optimization: Using up-to-date GPU drivers and maintaining an optimized OS is beneficial for stability and performance.
• Optimization Detail: A P I Choice: The game primarily uses DirectX 11.
• Optimization Detail: Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, LOD Detail, Water Quality, Anti-Aliasing (FXAA, TAA), and Effects Quality significantly impact performance, especially during chaotic sequences with extreme weather.
• Game Name: Just Cause 4

• Upscaling Tech: Supports NVIDIA DLSS (Super Resolution, potentially Frame Generation if added post-launch for PC), AMD FSR 2.0+, and Intel XeSS.
• Key Settings Impact: Texture Quality, Model Quality, Shadow Quality, Reflections, Volumetric Fog, Anisotropic Filtering, and Ambient Occlusion heavily impact performance. Using upscaling is highly recommended for higher resolutions/settings.

• A P I Choice: The game primarily uses DirectX 11.
• Key Settings Impact: Resolution, Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, LOD Detail, Water Quality, Anti-Aliasing (FXAA, TAA), and Effects Quality significantly impact performance, especially during chaotic sequences with extreme weather.

• G P U T G P: Maximum TGP is crucial for performance.
• Cooling Thermals: Robust cooling is essential to prevent thermal throttling in this graphically intensive game.
• C P U Power Limits: Laptops with sustained high CPU power limits and good single-core performance will benefit.
• R A M Speed Dual Channel: Fast dual-channel RAM (DDR5 preferred for newer systems) is highly beneficial.
• M U X Switch Optimus: Using a MUX switch or NVIDIA Advanced Optimus is highly recommended for optimal framerates.

• G P U T G P Impact: Total Graphics Power (TGP) is a key factor for laptop GPU performance. Higher TGP variants will generally perform better.
• Advanced Cooling Thermals: Effective cooling is important to prevent thermal throttling during sustained gameplay, especially with the game's emphasis on large-scale destruction and physics.
• C P U Performance Sustain: A capable mobile CPU that can handle open-world streaming and physics calculations without significant bottlenecks is necessary.
• R A M Configuration Speed: 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB in dual-channel configuration is recommended for a smoother experience, especially with many physics objects and explosions.
• Display Panel G P U Pairing: Most laptops aiming for these specs will target 1080p. The GPU should be sufficient for this resolution at desired settings.
• Driver Updates O S Optimization: Using up-to-date GPU drivers and maintaining an optimized OS is beneficial for stability and performance.