Fans of the long-running franchise God of War are more than excited to play the most recent entry in the series: God of War Ragnarök. Picking up from where they left off, God of War Ragnarök sees Kratos and his son Atreus uncover more mysteries surrounding Odin in the nine realms.

The franchise has been around for more than 17 years, meaning that Kratos has encountered plenty of other characters that have shaped his heroically tragic story. On Reddit, those who have loved the game have shared some of their favorite characters.

Hephaestus

Hephaestus in God of War

The god of fire and volcanoes was a key character in God of War III. Despite Kratos having an affair with his wife Aphrodite, as well as being the reason why he’s imprisoned in the underworld, Hephaestus was still good-natured towards the Spartan Warrior.

In a Reddit comment, Korba007 says that they’re favorite character is probably Hephaestus and they were “really sad to see him go”. The interactions Kratos had with Hephaestus were incredibly memorable, even thought the talented craftsman eventually betrayed Kratos to get his revenge.

Deimos

Deimos screaming to the heavens in God of War

Deimos is Kratos’ younger brother. In the game, Deimos was thought to be the prophesied warrior who will bring down Olympus thanks to his birthmark. For that reason, he was imprisoned in the Domain of Death until he was freed by his brother Kratos.

Redditor Stevens0598 highlights how Deimos is their favorite side character and that they “hope he gets brought up in some way” in God of War Ragnarök. Deimos’ and Kratos’ relationship is complex, and he was indeed briefly mentioned in God of War Ragnarök when Kratos was convincing Freya to make amends with her brother Freyr.

Hades

Hades charges at Kratos in God of War 3.

In the God of War franchise, Hades has assisted Kratos many times before finally coming to heads with him in God of War III. Hades is understandably angry with Kratos, as the Spartan Warrior killed his wife Persephone in God of War: Chains of Olympus.

Reddit user Decoy_Octopus_ says that Hades is “the coolest boss fights in the series” and one of the best characters in the franchise. They also found it amusing that Kratos used Hades’ own weapon to steal his soul. Many fans of the franchise are hoping he’d show up in God of War Ragnarök. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Maybe down the line fans will get to see the Greek god of the underworld again.

Freya

Freya in God of War Ragnarok

Also known as the Witch, Freya is one of the central characters in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök. The former Queen of the Valkyries fell from grace after her marriage with Zeus. Her story is incredibly tragic, considering the son she cursed wanted nothing but to kill her.

In a post by Reddit user theblackpalace, they thoroughly enjoyed Freya’s inclusion in the God of War franchise, as they think that she’s “the first female character in the series” who is “represented well,” complete with an “interesting and mysterious character arc,” as well as “believable goal and actions.” The writers of the game chose to humanize Freya, and it paid off by inciting an emotional response from many gamers.

Kratos

Kratos in the Fortified Husk set, seen in God of War Ragnarok.
Credit: Shirrako/YouTube

From this blood thirsty personality from the early God of War games to being a complex father who wants to do right by Atreus in God of War Ragnarök, Kratos has gone through quite a transformation. It makes sense for Kratos to be one of the best characters in the series, seeing as he’s the main protagonist.

Reddit user ElChiiko says that the Kratos in God of War (2018) is so “much better.” While they “love the original Kratos”, God of War Ragnarok’s Kratos is “so much wiser,” especially since he now has a relationship with Atreus that he needs to nurture and cultivate. With his extensive backstory, Kratos is undoubtedly one of the best protagonists in video game history.

Mimir

The god Mimir is trapped in a tree trunk in 2018's God of War video game.

Known as the smartest man alive, Mimir served as Kratos and Atreus’ ally in both God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok. Despite having his head as his only physical remnant, Mimir remains a witty and cheerful personality, so much so that many fans have enjoyed his banter with the game’s protagonists.

A comment by Reddit user Walking_Deadpool notes that Mimir “brought the necessary amount of levity needed in the game.” They also add that they “can’t imagine how boring it would have been” if Mimir wasn’t in the game. In addition, his smart and practical personality has some fans certain that Mimir’s Zodiac sign is Capricorn.

Sindri

Image of Sindri looking upon the body of Brok one last time before the viking funeral in God of War Ragnarok.

While he’s often paired with his brother Brok, Sindir by himself is a colorful character that has captured the heart of many fans of the franchise. Unlike his brother Brok, Sindir is polite and personable. He’s a very valuable character in the franchise, as he helps forge the weapons and equipment that Kratos and Atreus use in the game.

Redditor great-nba-comment exclaims that Sindri is their “all time most favourite characters” in any franchise. Apart from his jovial and knowledgeable disposition, Sindri is also “impeccably well acted and animated”. Sadly, Sindri and Kratos’ relationship has been marred due to Brok’s death at the hand of Odin.

Athena

Athena was killed by Kratos in God of War.

In the God of War franchise, Athena had a very complex and intricate role, from being a neutral personality, to a deuteragonist, to ultimately the villain in God of War III. The Greek goddess of wisdom and knowledge also made a brief appearance in God of War (2018), where she appeared to mock Kratos.

In a post by Reddit user Fenrirwolf132, they proudly declare that Athena is “the most interesting character” in the God of War series. She’s a very compelling and manipulative villain who was overturned by the warrior who she worked so hard to exploit.

Atreus

The Atreus character in God of War Ragnarok, looking distressed with his arms spread.

In God of War Ragnarök, Atreus has a more active role and players get to actually control him unlike in the previous game. While many gamers found Atreus to be annoying in God of War (2018) due to his nonsensical arguments and immature personality, the most recent game have given depth to his personality. In fact, Atreus has even uttered some of the most memorable lines in the whole franchise.

Redditor Bellona123 says that Atreus is their favorite character in the God of War series as “he’s one of the best NPCs” that players get to play with. They applaud the developer’s decision to make Atreus a “useful” character, without being too overpowered. Atreus addition to the franchise has thoroughly elevated the game experience and combat system of God of War.

Jörmungandr

A screenshot of Jormungandr the World Serpent with his mouth open in God of War

In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr is a giant snake whose duty is to wait for Ragnarok and transform the world for the survivors of the destructive prophecy. He’s most known for helping Kratos and Atreus during their fight with Baldur in God of War (2018). He also appears in God of War Ragnarök, although his role has been extremely diminished.

Despite not having a more active role in the recent game, Jörmungandr has still gained some fans online. Redditor poplikers says that it was really ”epic” when the world serpent “bit the zombie giant head”. Because of how terrifyingly immense and powerful Jörmungandr is, gamers are mostly just happy that they don’t haev to fight him.

NEXT: 10 Best Games Like God Of War Ragnarök