Alright, gamers, let's dive into the icy realms of God of War (2018) and tackle the big question: How long does it take to fully conquer this epic adventure? We're talking about reaching that glorious 100% completion mark, where you've seen and done everything this masterpiece has to offer. Buckle up, because we're about to journey through Midgard and beyond, exploring the time investment required to become a true God of War.

The Main Story: A Valkyrie's Pace

First off, let's talk about the main story. This is where you'll spend a significant chunk of your time, following Kratos and Atreus on their emotional and action-packed quest. If you're focused solely on the critical path, meaning you're beelining from objective to objective, you can expect to finish the story in around 20-25 hours. Of course, this can vary a bit depending on your difficulty setting and how often you get sidetracked by those tempting side quests. But, generally, this is the time frame you can anticipate for the core narrative experience.

Now, these 20-25 hours are jam-packed with stunning visuals, gripping cutscenes, and intense combat encounters. You'll witness the evolving relationship between Kratos and Atreus, face off against mythical beasts, and unravel the secrets of the Norse pantheon. It's a journey you won't want to rush, even if you are eager to get to the end. Take your time, soak in the atmosphere, and let the story unfold at its own pace. Trust me, it's worth it.

And let's be real, who can resist a bit of exploration? While the main story is fantastic, the true depth of God of War lies in its side content. That's where the real challenge – and the most rewarding experiences – await. Don't be afraid to veer off the beaten path and explore the world around you. You might just stumble upon some hidden treasures, epic boss fights, and fascinating lore.

Side Quests and Optional Content: Venturing Beyond the Main Path

Ah, the side quests, or as God of War calls them, Favors. These optional activities are the bread and butter for anyone aiming for 100% completion. Guys, they can significantly increase your playtime, but trust me, they're worth it. The Favors add depth to the game and provide a more fulfilling experience. Expect to spend a considerable amount of time completing these. This is where things get interesting, and the time investment ramps up.

So, what kind of side content are we talking about? Well, there's a whole smorgasbord to get stuck into. You'll encounter quests from various characters, tasks that will send you hunting for artifacts, solving puzzles, and battling some seriously tough enemies. These Favors aren't just filler content, either. Many of them have their own mini-narratives, which provides insights into the world and its inhabitants. They add a layer of richness to the gameplay.

Completing all the Favors, finding all the collectibles, and generally exploring every nook and cranny of the game world will push your playtime to around 40-50 hours. This is just an estimate, mind you. The exact time depends on your play style. Some people will be able to finish them quicker than others. If you're the type to leave no stone unturned and meticulously explore every area, you might even exceed that estimate. But in general, you should be able to get a comprehensive experience. This includes completing side quests, finding collectibles, and exploring every corner of the game world. If you are one to enjoy the side quest, this is where you will enjoy the game the most.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the things you’ll be doing for 100% completion in God of War (2018):

• Complete all Favors: These are the main side quests, often involving unique characters and storylines. Each favor will have its own narrative, and you will learn more about the world, its inhabitants, and even the history of the characters. Completing these Favors can be a very enriching experience.
• Find all collectibles: The game has a lot of collectibles, such as Odin’s Ravens, artifacts, and treasure maps. Hunting for these collectibles encourages exploration and rewards curiosity.
• Defeat all optional bosses: The game has a number of optional bosses, including the Valkyries. They provide some of the toughest challenges and the greatest rewards. They are really tough bosses, so prepare yourself for some intense battles.
• Craft all equipment: In order to make all of the equipment, you will need to gather resources and also defeat powerful bosses. It can be a very satisfying feeling.
• Unlock all skills: The game has a lot of skills that Kratos and Atreus can learn, and mastering these skills requires both time and effort.

The Valkyries: Endgame Challenge

Let's talk about the Valkyries, gamers. These are the elite optional bosses in God of War, and they represent one of the biggest challenges in the game. Each Valkyrie has unique attacks and patterns, and they'll test your combat skills to the limit. They are not only very challenging, but also very rewarding. Defeating them will provide some of the best gear in the game. But what is the time investment of defeating all the Valkyries?

If you want to defeat all of the Valkyries, you'll need to dedicate a significant amount of time to the game. It is not an easy feat, but for those who are up for the challenge, defeating the Valkyries is really satisfying. These are some of the toughest enemies in the game. Each one presents a unique challenge, and you'll need to learn their attack patterns, develop effective strategies, and hone your combat skills. This can take several hours depending on your skill level and how quickly you adapt to each fight.

For most players, defeating all the Valkyries can take anywhere from 5 to 10 hours or more, spread across various gameplay sessions. This depends on factors like your difficulty setting, your skill with the combat system, and the gear you've acquired. Some players might even find themselves struggling with certain Valkyries for longer periods, but the struggle is always worth it in the end. It's a test of skill, patience, and perseverance.

Remember, the Valkyries aren't just about brute force. They require you to understand the game's mechanics, master your weapons, and exploit their weaknesses. It's a real test of everything you've learned throughout the game.

New Game Plus: Replaying the Saga

Does New Game Plus (NG+) count towards the 100% completion? Well, technically, no. However, if you are planning to achieve 100% completion and have an insatiable desire for the world of God of War, then you may consider completing NG+. For those who crave more, NG+ offers a fantastic way to revisit the game. What it adds is the opportunity to experience the game again with all your gear and skills. New Game Plus doesn't add any new content, but it does allow you to replay the story with increased difficulty and start from your current level. This is a great way to revisit the game and test your combat skills. Here is a brief view of what you can expect in NG+:

• Carryover: You will start the game with all your equipment, skills, and resources from your previous playthrough.
• Increased difficulty: You will face tougher enemies, but you will also gain more XP.
• Additional rewards: You can obtain new armor and enchantments, enhancing your character.

The Verdict: How Long to 100% God of War?

So, guys, to answer your question directly: Expect to spend 50-70 hours to achieve complete 100% completion in God of War (2018). This includes the main story, all side quests, collectibles, optional bosses, and any other content the game has to offer. Remember that the exact time may vary, but that is the estimate that you can expect. This is a very rough estimate and can vary greatly depending on play style. The most important thing is that you enjoy your time with the game. This means exploring the world, engaging with the characters, and immersing yourself in the experience.

If you're a completionist who wants to experience everything the game has to offer, then you'll need to dedicate a significant amount of time to the game. If you are just interested in the main story, it won't take as long to complete. It's an investment of time, but a rewarding one. The game is a true masterpiece and a testament to the power of video game storytelling.

Tips for Speeding Up the Completion Process

Here are a few tips to help you get to 100% completion faster:

• Plan Your Route: Before you start your journey, consider what you want to do first. Think about what you would like to do first and what you would like to do later. Planning ahead can save you a lot of time by reducing backtracking and making the experience more efficient.
• Prioritize Side Quests: Try to complete side quests as soon as you unlock them. By doing this, you'll be able to work through the game and not have to spend time backtracking.
• Explore Thoroughly: You should explore every area. You may find hidden collectibles and resources that will aid you on your journey. Don't be afraid to take detours and wander off the beaten path.
• Optimize Combat: Master the combat system. Learning the timing of your attacks and the enemy's weaknesses will help you in battles and reduce your overall completion time.

Ultimately, the time it takes to reach 100% completion in God of War (2018) is a testament to the game's depth and the amount of content it offers. The game is a great experience. So, whether you're a casual player or a die-hard completionist, enjoy the journey. Embrace the challenge, and most of all, have fun. You’ll be treated with a truly unforgettable gaming experience.