Decoding the Crimson Canvas of God of War: A Deep Dive into Red
Have you noticed red in God of War? It’s not random. Kratos’ tattoos and enemy attacks use red. It weaves through the games, reflecting lore and mechanics. Let’s explore this crimson theme.
Red Marks and Meanings
Let’s focus on Kratos. That red tattoo on his body? It has meaning. After a major event (spoilers avoided), Kratos vowed something. He inked a red tattoo matching Deimos’ birthmarks. It’s a painful reminder of family drama etched in skin.
Now, the color red itself. Throughout the game, you collect red orbs. These orbs are vital for upgrades, enhancing Kratos’ powers. Red in God of War links to strength and progression, unlike other colors tied to gods. Red represents pure power ready to be unleashed.
Tackling Thorny Reds: Vines and Crystals
The red vines, called Hel’s Bramble, are obstacles, not just decoration. Can you burn them? Yes, with a fiery twist. The Blades of Chaos excel at burning these vines. In God of War: Ragnarok, Atreus can join in. He uses Sigil Arrows to create fire that torches crimson vines.
But there’s more! To annihilate those vines in Ragnarok, use a specific arrow combo. Use purple sigil arrows (they look pink) as your key. Layer those sigils and ignite them with your Blades. Boom! Bramble BBQ.
Now to red crystals. They are reminiscent of another franchise. Those red formations can explode. Aloy uses a spear upgrade called the Igniter to detonate them. This opens new paths and reveals secrets. Explosions solve everything, right?
Red Rewards and Red Warnings
Ah, the Red Orb Chest shines with the promise of upgrades. You can spot them by their red aura. Open one, and you gain Red Orbs to improve Kratos’ powers. Think of them as piggy banks of strength.
Now for danger signals. In battle, look for red or double-blue attacks. These moves aren’t normal blows. You can’t block them. They pierce defenses like paper. Best move? Dodge. Or try to interrupt them if daring.
What about that red indicator around an enemy? It means get out fast. Red circle equals unblockable pain. These attacks have dramatic wind-up animations, giving you time to react. This is your warning.
Hidden Reds: Hive Pods and Doors
Ever seen glowing red hive vine pods? They often require puzzle-solving. Climb nearby Elven ruins or interact creatively with the environment. The path to loot isn’t always straightforward.
Now, there’s the mysterious Red Door. It’s locked and probably hiding treasures. To open it, you need sigil magic. Use purple sigils on torches around the door, plus one in the middle. Layer those sigils to expand their effect. Ignite the central one with your Blades. Red Door gone.
Sap and Coffins: The Sticky Situation
Lastly, we have Red Sap Coffin Chests. Ominous, right? They’re encased in red sap. Solve this by knocking something down to break the sap seal. Clear the barrier, access the coffin, and its treasures await. Persistence really pays off here.
Kratos and Atreus: The Red-Threaded Duo
Let’s talk about characters. Kratos, our Ghost of Sparta, earned that title gruesomely. After a temple incident gone wrong, an oracle cursed him. His family’s ashes became part of his skin, giving him a ghostly white complexion forever marking his terrible deed.
Estimating Kratos’ age is tricky. He’s ancient, around 150-200 years in Norse saga, and old news in Greek times. He has seen many things, and red likely appears throughout his long life.
His weapon choices vary by era. In Norse saga, the Leviathan Axe may be his strongest weapon. But the classic Blades of Chaos and Blade of Olympus from his Greek adventures are iconic.” Red blades of vengeance are legendary.
Fun fact: the burly Kratos from 2018’s God of War is shorter than before. They reduced him from 8’0’’ to 6’6’’. Still not someone to challenge in arm wrestling.
His parentage is complicated. Kratos is a demigod, born to Zeus. He spent much life oblivious to this lineage before ascending to God of War after defeating Ares. Family reunions in Greek mythology must be intense.
Where does Kratos live now? Midgard. After leaving Greece behind, he settled in Norse mythology, exchanging temples for forests.
Circling back to his ash-infused skin, it was Lysandra’s and Calliope’s ashes that marked him. The Oracle stitched these ashes into his skin as a reminder of his tragic past. Thus, the Ghost of Sparta was born.
Now for Atreus. He’s got aliases too. Known as Loki, he’s the Norse God of Mischief and Champion of the Jötnar (giants). Quite impressive for a teenager.
Switching arrows with Atreus is simple. A tap of the Up directional button lets you cycle through types. This helps with elemental attacks and solving puzzles.
In Ragnarok, Atreus uses the Talon Bow. It’s versatile and rune-compatible, considered his best option. Plus, “Talon Bow” just sounds cool.
Those Shock Arrows? You earn them after battling Hraezylr during “Inside the Mountain.” Dragon slaying leads to arrow upgrades – just another day in Midgard.
Red Beyond God of War: Martian Menace
Now looking outside God of War, let’s discuss the Red Weed from “War
of the Worlds.” This Martian plant is no friend. It’s called red creeper or red swamp. This species from Mars has strange needs.
What are its needs? Human blood. Red weed is not random. It’s part of Martian terraforming. Even alien plants want some human hemoglobin.
General Knowledge: Symbols and Shields
God of War is full of symbols. One tapestry shows Tyr, the Norse God of War. He holds the unity stone surrounded by four symbols: Omega (Greek), the Eye of Ra (Egyptian), Triskelion (Celtic), and Hidari Gomon (Japanese Shinto). These symbols show polytheistic religions and their gods of war. A hint at mythology’s connections?
Now, about breaking defenses. Yellow cracks, or Wind Fissures, show on rocks and ice in Ragnarok. They are not just pretty. You can destroy them with the Draupnir Spear. Throw your spear into the fissure, hit the triangle button, and watch new pathways open up. Spear demolition is efficient.
And for enemies with shields? Double tap L1 for a quick Shield Check. This move breaks their guard, making them vulnerable for a hit. Shields are for chumps, it seems.
So there you go. Red in God of War is not just color, but a language itself. From warnings to rewards, from Kratos’ past to Atreus’ future, red connects the saga. Appreciate crimson hues and watch out for red circles.
