God of War: Ragnarok - Valhalla

 PlayStation 5
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Oyungezer
    Jan 8, 2024
    95
    We wouldn't object if they sold such a big, comprehensive and good DLC. But the fact that they're releasing it for free is incredible. And the fact that it complements Ragnarök even more is priceless.
  2. INVEN
    Dec 24, 2023
    90
    God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla is not merely an optional DLC but rather an essential one. The completeness and enjoyment as a roguelite, combined with its narrative aspects, are truly perfect. For gamers eagerly awaiting the sequel, it's undoubtedly a delightful year-end surprise in many aspects.
  3. Wccftech
    Dec 24, 2023
    90
    With its roguelite take on the base game's formula, engaging story, decent amount of new content and excellent accessibility, God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is a great expansion that is worthy of any God of War's fans time. The focus on combat may turn some players off, but it's only a minor issue in an expansion that could have been easily sold as paid DLC.
  5. Gamersky
    Dec 20, 2023
    90
    At the end of God of War: Ragnarok Valhalla, I saw that Santa Monica Studios knew exactly how to end the story - Kratos, the aging hero, needed to step out of the shadows of his past and face the future.
  6. GamingBolt
    Dec 18, 2023
    90
    God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is not only a fun and addictive roguelite mode where the game's excellent combat is allowed to shine brighter than ever, it's also a rewarding, introspective narrative experience, and one that's especially unmissable for long-time series fans. Given that it's free, there's really no reason not to play it.
  7. But Why Tho?
    Dec 15, 2023
    90
    God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is not only a can’t-miss DLC, but it tells an even more personal story. What Sony Santa Monica has done is beyond impressive, forcing Kratos to confront his past in ways never expected... Even if you don’t like roguelikes, do yourself a favor and don’t miss this DLC for what still may be one of the greatest action series ever made.
  8. CD-Action
    Jan 3, 2024
    85
    Probably the most surprising DLC of 2023. Unexpected and engaging, Valhalla digs into Kratos’ past more boldly than Ragnarok and God of War from 2018. It’s an absolute must-play for fans of the series, especially since it’s free.
  9. Digital Trends
    Dec 15, 2023
    80
    God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla isn't just a fun free DLC; it's a fitting epilogue to the entire God of War series.
  10. Push Square
    Dec 15, 2023
    80
    God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is a brilliant addition to a brilliant game. Not only does it remix the core title's combat in a compelling, highly replayable roguelite mode, it does so with Santa Monica's usual cinematic style, weaving in meaningful story that'll keep you hooked while it lasts. Fans of the series really shouldn't pass on this — and, because it's totally free, there's no reason to do so.
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  1. Kotaku
    Dec 14, 2023
    Valhalla knows the parts of Ragnarök fans are jonesing to revisit a year later. Though I adore the 2018 reboot, Ragnarök devotes so much time to watching its world expand and collapse that I lost sight of why I was happy to see this dissection of Kratos’ divisive character. I imagine plenty of people will feel Valhalla lets him off too easily. But this expansion does feel like the follow-up to his story that was missing between the reboot and Ragnarök, and confirmation Santa Monica Studio still gets what made its new take on Kratos compelling in the first place.
  2. Polygon
    Dec 15, 2023
    Valhalla acts as both an epilogue for Ragnarök and a subtle prologue for the events that will unfold in the inevitable third game. But it doesn’t feel tacked on. Instead, it provides an atypical breather from overarching narrative responsibilities and dense areas to comb. As AAA games continue to pursue grandiose scale, this simpler, yet equally rich, structure stands on its own. I hope more studios take notice of the importance of allowing smaller stories to blossom. For now, I’ll take refuge in Valhalla — before Kratos’ next odyssey engulfs me in spectacle and padding once more. [Polygon Recommends]
  3. The Verge
    Dec 20, 2023
    Recursive stories have become a trend in video games as of late. Hades, like God of War, pulls from mythology to tell stories about gods. Returnal uses its loops to explore the psyche of the main character. But it’s not just roguelikes; Outer Wilds’ loops let you explore an entire galaxy. Games of all types have embraced recursive storytelling as a narrative tool. Valhalla is perhaps the biggest game to adopt the structure, and, like most roguelikes, playing it isn’t really about getting to the end. Instead, it’s about accepting that you can change yourself one step at a time. You just have to trust the process.