God of War: Ragnarok vs. Elden Ring, Compared – Biggest Differences

God of War: Ragnarok is the second installment in the refreshed franchise and a direct sequel to God of War 2018, whose critical reception has proven it to be a masterpiece of a title, contesting the Game of Year title with another masterpiece, Elden Ring, whose critical reception and user ratings both surpasses God of War: Ragnarok, but, there’s no denying both are worthy of Game of the Year. This article will compare some of the biggest differences between God of War: Ragnarok vs. Elden Ring.

God of War: Ragnarok vs. Elden Ring, Compared

While God of War: Ragnarok and Elden Ring both are masterpieces, when you compare them side by side, you will find every other thing that one does differently than the other. Here are some of the most significant differences between Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarok.

Non-Linear Gameplay 

Elden Ring offers soul-like non-linear gameplay where you can go anywhere, fight any boss, do side quests, learn about the game lore, and other things based on your chosen path. While the Site of Grace will guide you towards a more linear approach, you are not forced to follow it, and it is just there, so players don’t get lost and stuck with progression. 

Meanwhile, God of War: Ragnarok follows a more linear but epic story and gameplay style. While we won’t be spoiling anything, your actions don’t shape the game’s story, which it does in Elden Ring. Moreover, when it comes to actual gameplay and combat variety, God of War: Ragnarok is nowhere near Elden Ring. But that doesn’t mean God of War: Ragnarok offers inferior gameplay or combat; it offers the best in its genre but falls behind only when compared to Elden Ring. 

Elden Ring Is A Genre Itself

Demon Souls, followed by the release of Dark Souls games, defined their own genre, called Soul-like games. And by adding the Souls-like formula to an open world, Elden Ring is a genre-defining title. Whereas God of War: Ragnarok follows the footsteps of its predecessor in providing a more refined action-adventure hack-and-slash experience.  

Story And Settings

Elden Ring offers a darker story and theme than God of War: Ragnarok. On the other hand, in Elden Ring, we have around six different endings, whereas with God of War: Ragnarok, there’s only one. God of War: Ragnarok’s story follows a more direct and linear path, but when it comes to Elden Ring, you can complete the entire game and still don’t know what is going on. Elden Ring’s story is more inclined toward you reading through weapon and item descriptions; different perspectives from different stories. 

Time Restricted Events

Elden Ring offers a ton of time-restricted events where if you don’t follow through a certain NPCs questline, you may find them dead or missing. In contrast, there is no such thing as God of War: Ragnarok. 

That is it. There are still a ton of differences between both games. But these are some of the biggest ones.