God of War Ragnarok, the highly-anticipated sequel to the 2018 Game of the Year, has captivated players worldwide with its stunning visuals, immersive storytelling, and refined gameplay mechanics. One of the game‘s most intriguing features is the cracked floor mechanic, which challenges players to break through shattered surfaces to uncover hidden secrets and progress through the Nine Realms. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into the significance of breaking the cracked floor, provide step-by-step instructions, and explore the wider context of this mechanic within the game and Norse mythology.
The Significance of Breaking the Cracked Floor
Breaking the cracked floor is not just a simple puzzle to solve in God of War Ragnarok; it is a mechanic deeply rooted in the game‘s narrative and themes. According to game director Eric Williams, the cracked floor represents the barriers and obstacles that Kratos and Atreus must overcome on their journey, both physically and emotionally. "The cracked floor is a metaphor for the challenges they face," Williams stated in an interview with IGN. "It‘s about breaking through the surface and confronting what lies beneath."
This concept of breaking through barriers is a recurring theme in Norse mythology, as well. In the tale of the god Baldr‘s death, the giantess Hel agrees to release Baldr from the underworld if all living things weep for him. However, the giantess Þökk refuses to shed tears, creating an unbreakable barrier that prevents Baldr‘s return. This story parallels Kratos‘s own struggle to break free from his past and forge a new path for himself and his son.
How to Break the Cracked Floor: Step-by-Step
Breaking the cracked floor in God of War Ragnarok is a straightforward process that requires precise timing and coordination between Kratos and Atreus. Here‘s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
Locate a cracked floor: Cracked floors are scattered throughout the Nine Realms and are easily identifiable by their distinct blue color and fractured appearance. Some cracked floors may be hidden behind obstacles or require specific actions to access.
Position Atreus: To break the cracked floor, Atreus must be positioned on a higher ledge or platform overlooking the floor. Press the square button to command Atreus to move to the designated spot, which will be highlighted by a glowing rune.
Aim and throw the Leviathan Axe: Once Atreus is in position, press and hold the L2 button to aim the Leviathan Axe at the cracked floor. The axe will glow blue when it is properly aligned. Release the L2 button to throw the axe at the floor.
Recall the Leviathan Axe: After the axe strikes the cracked floor, press the triangle button to recall it to Kratos‘s hand. This will cause the floor to shatter, revealing what lies beneath.
It‘s important to note that the timing window for recalling the Leviathan Axe is relatively short, so players must be quick to react. Some cracked floors may also require multiple hits to break fully, so be prepared to repeat the process if necessary.
Accessibility and Difficulty
God of War Ragnarok features a range of accessibility options that can assist players in breaking the cracked floors. One such option is the "Puzzle Timing" setting, which allows players to adjust the timing window for recalling the Leviathan Axe. According to the game‘s accessibility consultant, Brandon Cole, "The Puzzle Timing setting was specifically designed to make the cracked floor mechanic more manageable for players with motor skill impairments or cognitive disabilities."
Players can also adjust the game‘s overall difficulty, which can impact the challenge of breaking the cracked floors. On lower difficulty settings, players may have more time to aim and recall the Leviathan Axe, while higher difficulty settings may require more precise timing and coordination.
Rewards and Secrets
Breaking the cracked floors in God of War Ragnarok yields a variety of rewards that can help players progress through the game and unlock new abilities for Kratos and Atreus. Some of the most common rewards include:
- Hacksilver: The in-game currency used to purchase upgrades and crafting materials.
- Rage Stones: Collectibles that increase Kratos‘s maximum Rage, allowing him to perform more powerful attacks.
- Iðunn Apples: Fragments of the mythical Iðunn Apples that increase Kratos‘s maximum health when collected in sufficient quantities.
- Artifacts: Rare items that provide lore and backstory for the game‘s characters and world.
In addition to these tangible rewards, breaking the cracked floors can also reveal hidden areas and secrets that expand the game‘s world-building and narrative. For example, in the realm of Vanaheim, breaking a cracked floor in a particular temple leads to a hidden chamber containing a mural depicting the Vanir gods‘ war against the Aesir. This mural provides crucial context for the game‘s story and sheds light on the complex relationships between the Norse gods.
Community Reaction and Impact
The cracked floor mechanic has been well-received by the God of War Ragnarok community, with many players praising its satisfying feel and clever integration into the game‘s exploration and puzzle-solving. On the game‘s subreddit, user u/Jotunheim_Explorer wrote, "Breaking the cracked floors never gets old. It‘s such a simple thing, but it always feels rewarding to uncover what‘s hidden beneath."
Some players have even taken to social media to share their own experiences and discoveries related to the cracked floors. Twitter user @GodofWarFan posted a video showcasing a particularly well-hidden cracked floor, writing, "Spent hours searching for this one, but the reward was totally worth it!"
The cracked floor mechanic has also had an impact on the speedrunning community, with players competing to break all the cracked floors in the game as quickly as possible. According to speedrun.com, the current world record for breaking all cracked floors in God of War Ragnarok is held by speedrunner SpiritOfTheSun, with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 24 seconds.
Future Developments and Conclusion
As the God of War series continues to evolve and expand, it‘s likely that the cracked floor mechanic will be refined and adapted in future installments. In an interview with Game Informer, game director Eric Williams hinted at the possibility of new types of barriers and obstacles for Kratos and Atreus to overcome in the next game, stating, "We‘re always looking for ways to challenge players and keep things fresh, so you can expect to see some new twists on familiar mechanics in the future."
Regardless of what the future holds, the cracked floor mechanic in God of War Ragnarok stands as a testament to the game‘s commitment to immersive world-building, satisfying exploration, and meaningful player interaction. By breaking through these shattered surfaces, players not only uncover hidden secrets and rewards but also actively participate in Kratos and Atreus‘s journey of growth and self-discovery.
So, as you venture through the Nine Realms, keep your eyes peeled for those telltale blue cracks, and ready your Leviathan Axe. The secrets and treasures that await you beneath the surface are well worth the effort, and the sense of accomplishment you‘ll feel as you shatter each barrier is truly unparalleled. Happy exploring, and may your path through the realm of Norse mythology be filled with wonder, challenge, and the satisfying crunch of shattered stone beneath your feet.
