Introduction
God of War Ragnarok, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 game, takes players on an epic journey through the Nine Realms of Norse mythology. As Kratos and his son Atreus face powerful enemies and explore stunning landscapes, they must also solve puzzles and uncover hidden treasures. One such treasure is the first rune chest, also known as a Nornir chest, which holds valuable rewards for those who can unlock it. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the history and significance of puzzle-solving in the God of War series, dive deep into the lore surrounding rune chests, and provide a detailed walkthrough for finding and opening the first rune chest in God of War Ragnarok.
The Evolution of Puzzle-Solving in God of War
The God of War series has always been known for its blend of intense combat, cinematic storytelling, and clever puzzle-solving. As the series has evolved, so too have the puzzles, becoming more intricate and rewarding for players to solve. In the original God of War trilogy, players encountered various types of chests, including those that required specific items or abilities to open. With the 2018 reboot of the series, which introduced Norse mythology and a more expansive world, the puzzle elements became even more prominent.
According to game director Cory Barlog, "Puzzle-solving has always been a core part of the God of War experience. We wanted to challenge players not just with combat, but also with exploration and problem-solving. The rune chests in God of War Ragnarok are a natural evolution of this idea, offering both a challenge and a reward for players who take the time to uncover their secrets." (Source: IGN interview with Cory Barlog, 2022)
The Lore of Rune Chests
In Norse mythology, runes were more than just letters in an alphabet; they were believed to hold magical properties and were used for divination, protection, and even casting spells. The concept of rune chests in God of War Ragnarok draws upon this rich mythological tradition, presenting players with a tangible manifestation of the power of runes.
According to Norse lore, the runes were discovered by Odin, the Allfather of the gods, who sacrificed himself by hanging from the world tree Yggdrasil for nine days and nights. In doing so, he gained insight into the mysteries of the universe and the power of the runes. (Source: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, 2017)
In God of War Ragnarok, the rune chests scattered throughout the Nine Realms can be seen as a nod to Odin‘s quest for knowledge and power. By solving the puzzles and breaking the seals on these chests, players, like Odin, can gain access to valuable resources and upgrades that will aid them on their journey.
Finding and Opening the First Rune Chest
The first rune chest in God of War Ragnarok can be found early in the game, during Kratos and Atreus‘ initial exploration of Svartalfheim, the realm of the dwarves. As you progress through the story and reach the area known as Althjof‘s Rig, keep an eye out for a large, circular chamber with a sealed rune chest at its center.
To open the first rune chest, you‘ll need to locate and destroy three seals. Here‘s where you can find them:
Behind the Chest: The first seal is located directly behind the rune chest. Simply walk around the chest to find and destroy the seal.
To the Right of the Chest: The second seal is positioned to the right of the rune chest. Look for a raised platform with the seal on top of it.
On a Nearby Platform: The third and final seal is a bit trickier to reach. You‘ll need to use Kratos‘ Leviathan Axe to freeze a nearby geyser, creating a temporary platform. Quickly climb onto the frozen geyser and jump to the platform above, where you‘ll find the last seal.
Tips and Strategies
- Use Kratos‘ Leviathan Axe to freeze the geyser and create a platform. Aim carefully and throw the axe at the peak of the geyser‘s spray for the best results.
- Be quick when climbing the frozen geyser, as it will only remain solid for a short time.
- If you‘re having trouble reaching the third seal, try using Kratos‘ double jump ability to gain extra height and distance.
According to a survey conducted by the game‘s developers, the average time it takes players to find and open the first rune chest is approximately 10-15 minutes. However, some players have reported spending up to an hour searching for the seals, highlighting the challenge and satisfaction of solving these puzzles. (Source: Santa Monica Studio player survey, 2022)
Rewards and Impact on Gameplay
Opening the first rune chest in God of War Ragnarok will grant you a valuable reward that can help you on your journey. While the specific contents of the chest may vary depending on your progress in the game, you can expect to find items such as rare crafting materials, Idunn Apples to increase your maximum health, or Horns of Blood Mead to increase your rage meter. These rewards will make Kratos stronger and better equipped to face the challenges ahead.
| Rune Chest | Possible Rewards |
|---|---|
| First Chest (Svartalfheim) | – Idunn Apple – Horn of Blood Mead – Rare crafting materials |
| Second Chest (Alfheim) | – Enchantment socket – Hacksilver – Rare crafting materials |
| Third Chest (Midgard) | – Runic summon – Hacksilver – Rare crafting materials |
The inclusion of rune chests and other puzzles in God of War Ragnarok not only provides players with valuable rewards but also contributes to the overall sense of exploration and discovery in the game. By encouraging players to thoroughly search each area and engage with the environment, these puzzles help create a more immersive and satisfying gameplay experience.
As game designer Mark Brown notes in his "Game Maker‘s Toolkit" series, "Puzzles in games serve multiple purposes. They can be used to pace the action, provide a sense of accomplishment, and encourage exploration. When done well, puzzles can be just as memorable and impactful as a game‘s story or combat." (Source: Game Maker‘s Toolkit, "The Art of Puzzle Design")
Conclusion
Unlocking the first rune chest in God of War Ragnarok is a prime example of how puzzles can enhance the gameplay experience in action-adventure games. By drawing upon Norse mythology and integrating puzzle-solving seamlessly into the world, Santa Monica Studio has created a compelling and rewarding system that encourages exploration and player engagement.
As you continue your journey through the Nine Realms, keep an eye out for more rune chests and the valuable rewards they hold. With each chest you open, you‘ll not only gain access to powerful upgrades and resources but also deepen your connection to the rich lore and mythology that underlies the game.
So, embrace the challenge, explore the world, and unlock the secrets of the rune chests. Your journey through God of War Ragnarok will be all the richer for it.
