God of War: The Rise of Atreus, the Fallen Heir! (SPOILERS!)

A. Süleyman
3 min readAug 6, 2023

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This God of War fan theory puts forth the idea of Atreus going dark on the world.

God of War (2018) Illustrious Art.

In the epic journey of God of War (2018), players witnessed the intense bond between Kratos and his son, Atreus, as they braved gods, monsters, and personal demons. As the saga unfolded, Atreus evolved from an innocent boy to a skilled warrior, eventually discovering his divine heritage as Loki, the trickster god. However, what if the death of his father, Kratos, marked the turning point that led Atreus down a path of darkness? This fan theory explores the possibility of Atreus succumbing to the allure of the dark side after the demise of his beloved father.

After Kratos’ death, Atreus finds himself devastated, consumed by an overwhelming grief he can scarcely comprehend. His identity as the trickster god Loki makes him feel isolated, with the weight of his actions during Ragnarok heavy on his shoulders. With Kratos gone, Atreus is left to confront the burdens of his godly nature alone. At this moment of vulnerability, a malevolent force senses an opportunity to manipulate the young god.

Enter an enigmatic figure, one who was observing the father-son duo from the shadows throughout their journey. This mysterious entity, perhaps an ancient deity or an ancient enemy of Kratos, recognizes the potential in Atreus. With whispers of power and vengeance, it lures Atreus toward darker inclinations. The entity plays on Atreus’ feelings of abandonment and anger, promising him the strength to reshape the realms as he sees fit.

Atreus, yearning for a purpose and a chance to undo the wrongs of the past, begins to experiment with forbidden magic and explores the hidden depths of his godly abilities. Initially, his intentions are noble; he seeks justice for his father and wants to protect the realms. However, as he delves deeper into the dark arts, Atreus unwittingly exposes himself to the corrupting influence of the malevolent entity.

As his powers grow, Atreus becomes more ruthless and power-hungry. He starts to believe that the only way to prevent further tragedies is through absolute control. This shift in mindset leads him to clash with former allies and friends, such as Mimir and Sindri, who are concerned about the darkness that now envelops the once-benevolent Loki.

Meanwhile, the surviving gods and mythical creatures perceive Atreus as a threat. They remember the havoc wreaked by his father and are determined not to let history repeat itself. A grand battle ensues, pitting former allies against one another. In a climactic showdown, Atreus faces his closest companions and witnesses the consequences of his choices.

Ultimately, the battle between light and darkness rages within Atreus. He must confront the true nature of power and his father’s legacy. The question becomes whether Atreus can resist the allure of the dark side or if he will succumb to the very forces he sought to control.

In this gripping fan theory, Atreus’ journey becomes a tragic tale of temptation, loss, and redemption. It challenges the notion of destiny and explores the impact of grief and power on a young god. While the God of War series has always been about the complexities of characters, this theory elevates Atreus’ internal struggle to a whole new level, leaving players questioning the true extent of his strength and the ultimate fate of the realms.

I hope you liked the idea.

Cheers!

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