Reinventing a successful long-running video game series is a daring move. But Santa Monica Studio did it brilliantly, softly rebooting their flagship franchise with God of War (2018). With a bold new beginning, it could have been another loud entry about a man with chained blades. But the creators prove that the game has more to say than threats and battle cries. And the dialogue isn’t there just to fill space. It was so well done that God of War (2018) won separate awards for narrative, writing, and storytelling. The game balances brutal encounters with conversations that reveal so much more than the characters want to share.
So many lines show the contrast between its epic scale and personal exchanges. And here are the best quotes that give the world substance beyond its battles and mythology.
The Story of God of War (2018)
God of War (2018) introduces Kratos as a father to a young boy named Atreus. The two set out to fulfill his late wife Faye’s wish: to scatter her ashes at the highest peak in the nine realms. Along the way, they encounter gods and monsters that complicate their mission. And it’s not as easy as it seems, as Kratos tries to leave his bloodstained mistakes in the past and prevent his son from ending up on a violent path.
The defining essence of God of War, and all its hallmarks, still shines through in this soft reboot. Hard-hitting combat. Powerful enemies. Vast worlds. You can still axe your way through the mission against trolls, draugr, and gods. But beneath the action, the game explores responsibility, grief, and getting rid of destructive rage. The game then somewhat asks you, “Can you break a cycle of violence without more violence?” And what makes it special is that the answer is complicated. Everything that happens sets up the sequel. And this complexity extends to the exchanges. God of War (2018)’s dialogue is especially effective when it reveals the difference between what characters say and what they struggle to express.
Quotes from God of War (2018)
Every memorable character in in God of War (2018) engages in conversations worth remembering. And these quotes are among the highlights:
Kratos
Kratos remains the central protagonist in God of War (2018). His past and the death of his wife turned him into a stern and quiet man. He says very little. When he does speak, it sounds like it costs him. He’s practical and strict. But beneath that harsh exterior is a man deeply concerned for his son’s welfare. His best lines are short and unexpectedly funny. But that’s because he has no idea he’s being funny.
- “Do NOT call me that.”
- “I know. But I am your monster no longer.”
- “Until our journey is complete, one of us must remain focused! Do not mistake my silence for lack of grief.”
- “Keep your expectations low boy, and you’ll never be disappointed.”
- “I am ALWAYS SERIOUS.”
- “The cycle ends here. We must be better than this.”
- “Close your heart to their suffering. Do not allow yourself to feel for them. They will not feel for you.”
- “We will be the gods we choose to be, not those who have been.”
- “Don’t be sorry, be better.”
- “We win because we are determined. Disciplined. Not because we feel ourselves superior.”
- “Do not concern yourself with what might be. Focus on what is, and be vigilant.”
- “Fate is another lie told by the gods. Nothing is written that cannot be unwritten.”
Atreus
Atreus starts God of War (2018) as a boy trying to impress his father. He’s eager to learn and prove himself. Atreus’ words reflect his struggle to understand his father’s behavior. He also brings a youthful perspective to the journey.
- “Heh… yeah, I’ve never been in a giant’s belly, either. How about you, father?”
- “If we can’t bring him back to life… can I keep the head?”
- “Yeah. My father doesn’t like people either.”
- “Why? How do you know? HOW DO YOU KNOW?”
- “Nobody cared about him anyways. What’s the difference?”
- “It was nice meeting you, Brok. I’ll be thinking of a name for your beat.”
Mimir
Mimir becomes an unlikely ally to Kratos and Atreus in God of War (2018). He’s witty and very knowledgeable. As such, he’s a valuable guide and companion to them. Players consider him one of the game’s best-written characters.
- “I know every corner of these lands, every language spoken, every war waged, every deal struck. They call me… Mimir! –smartest man alive, and I have the answer to your every question.”
- “I’m dangling from the hip of the bloody Ghost of Sparta!”
- “He’ll never be whole without the truth.”
- “Aye… so you value your privacy more than your son?”
- “Some people value their privacy. Best not to judge, brother.”
- “Your father was Zeus? That explains a lot.”
- “So take your questions, take your threats, take these two worthless wankers and piss off!”
- “Lad, there comes a time in every man’s life when he changes his name and heads north to make a new start.”
The Rest of the Characters in God of War (2018)
- “Put as much distance between you and the truth as you want, it changes nothing.” – Athena
- “You’ve seen it with your own eyes; you can’t hurt me. Nothing can.” – Baldur
- “You are just an animal, passing on your cruelty and rage! You will never change!” – Freya
- “Wow, are you dumb? That your father’s doing? Or did you get it from your mum? She stupid and ugly?” – Modi
Lighter moments in God of War (2018)
- “Well, that’s a sight no man should ever see. Thanks for that.”
- “We really should expect that sort of response at this point…”
- “These tunnels are a bit small for giants.”
- “This is why no one likes you.”
- “And for the record, I’d already guessed you were Greek.”
- “How bout I name her “F**king Gratitude?” Hey, “F**king Gratitude”, come over here. I like it!”
- “If you mean the severed head that keeps blinking at me, please keep it away. There is no possible way that’s hygienic.”
God of War (2018) knows how to blend serious lessons and unexpected humor into its dialogue. These quotes make it more than a tale of gods and monsters.
Curious about what the next chapter has to say? Check out our collection of the best 35 quotes from God of War Ragnarök.
