God of War DLC has a challenge even the devs can’t complete
It looks like we're going to have to pick up our Leviathan Axes again, as a cold snap of Fimbulwinter is coming in over the mountain. While we'd largely given up hope on returning to the Nine Realms after God of War Ragnarok, Sony Santa Monica made a surprise announcement of a DLC at The Game Awards.
Just when we think we're out, they keep pulling us back in. God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is a new roguelike DLC that takes place after the events of Ragnarok. For those who've played Hades or Dead Cells, you'll know roguelikes can be a gruelling test of your skills, but apparently, Valhalla could be too hard.
God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla is too hard for the devs
Celebrating the release of Valhalla on December 12, Game Director Mihir Sheth gave us an insight into the DLC's development, explaining there's an "endgame challenge" that's so difficult, the devs haven't been able to complete it on the game's Show Me Mastery difficulty.
If that doesn't sound like a challenge, nothing does. As most players get to grips with how Valhalla works, there are sure to be those jumping straight into the Show Me Mastery difficulty and aiming for this seemingly impossible endgame. Only time will tell whether any of you are actually better than those who built it.
Sheth is at least open to being humbled by some quick-fingered Kratos proteges, and if someone beats this mystery challenge, we imagine it won't be long until everyone is trying to speedrun the thing. By the looks of it, this "impossible" challenge is a clever bit of marketing.
How does God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla work?
Click to enlargeSeeing Kratos face off against increasingly difficult enemies, you start Valhalla without any armour or equipment. You earn these as you slash your way through each room, but in good news, you will have access to all weapons and the entire skill tree.
Completing a room will earn you specific Rune Abilities or attacks, and while Valhalla gets harder with each turn, you should have a beefier Kratos as you progress. There are five different levels of difficulty, with wannabe Odin's able to take on the Show Me Mastery level.
Don't worry, you aren't locked into the difficulty you first choose, meaning you can swap between them between runs. You'll want to bear that in mind when you take on Valhalla's Chosen minibosses or when entering the Ascending Sands to face the traditional main bosses.
Dying will see Kratos reawaken at the entrance to Valhalla, but permanent currency like Mastery Seals will still be in your arsenal. There's also a story to Valhalla, and while you can access it at any time when playing Ragnarok, you're encouraged to jump in after besting the main story.
