While the mythic action game does include other powerful companions, the world of God of War Ragnarok is best explored by the father-son duo of Kratos and Atreus. While 2018's God of War had the two heroes travel together almost the entire time, the sequel splits the duo up at various points. Other God of War Ragnarok companions may be more effective in combat, but Atreus remains the best traveling partner as players journey across the Nine Realms.

[Warning: the following article contains spoilers for God of War Ragnarok.]

Kratos and Atreus are a truly unstoppable duo, but some feel that Freya is a better companion due to her intense combat abilities. While she begins the game as a foe, Freya and Kratos eventually join forces in God of War Ragnarok and she becomes his permanent companion after the game's ending. Freya possesses the same magical archery abilities as Atreus, but she also complements this arsenal with powerful Valkyrie attacks and plant-based magic. Her Vanir abilities let her poison enemies to devastating effect, and she can also cause the Bifrost status effect to quickly deplete their health. However, Atreus still remains the best God of War Ragnarok companion.

Related: God of War Ragnarök's Ending Explained (In Detail)

GoW Ragnarok Is More Emotional With Atreus

Kratos, wearing the Raven's Tears armor, talks to Atreus in God of War Ragnarok.

While some side content is meant to be experienced alongside Freya, many of the game's events and conversations are better with Atreus. God of War's Atreus changed the series back in 2018, and it just feels right to explore the Nine Realms with the young demigod at Kratos' side. Having Atreus present also prompts emotional and personal conversations between the father-son duo, with Kratos telling Atreus about his brother Deimos during one quest and embracing their time together in another. Freya can elicit some very emotional moments during specific missions, but many events fall flat with her and are more meaningful with Atreus as a companion.

Atreus' Experience Is Consistent In God Of War Ragnarok

Atreus drawing an arrow with the Talon Bow in God of War Ragnarok.

Rather than waiting to explore with Freya during the endgame, conquering the world of God of War Ragnarok early with Atreus can also be beneficial to gameplay. Completing Favors and exploring the Nine Realms can earn items and experience for both Kratos and Atreus, which can be a huge benefit during later parts of the game. GoW Ragnarok's Atreus sections make the agile archer playable, so battling monsters and collecting items with him as a companion will make the player significantly more powerful during these levels. Freya also earns experience when she serves as Kratos' companion, but her skills are less impactful because she never makes the transition into a full-blown playable god.

While Freya is an incredibly powerful Vanir goddess, God of War Ragnarok is more fun to explore with Atreus at Kratos' side. Having the father-son duo together leads to many emotional and heartfelt moments, which are made even more poignant by the game's ending. The God of War Ragnarok Atreus gameplay twist also makes exploring with Atreus more impactful, since skills unlocked as a companion are carried over as a playable hero. The Valkyrie Queen is certainly a formidable ally for Kratos and the player, but traveling with Atreus just feels more natural.

More: GoW Ragnarök’s Ending Is The Best In The Series

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