How the Level Designers for God of War Ragnarök Created the Dwarven Realm Svartalfheim Exceptionally Big

Players navigated the map of God of War 2018 with a strong sense of exploration.

Winding pathways led to vast hubs that were scaled differently than in earlier games in the franchise.

Among the treasures awaited eager players throughout six realms were intricate chests with rare equipment and Jötnar Shrines with narrative murals.

In-depth zones in their own right, golden path locations like Midgard and its enormous Lake of the Nine, Alfheim, the home of light and dark elves, Helheim, the underworld, and Jötunheim, the country of Giants, were expansive zones with enough material to keep players interested.

However, the optional but equally magnificent Niflheim and Muspelheim worlds tested players' combat prowess to the absolute extent.

The Norse realm felt interconnected despite its vastness and variety of navigable backgrounds.

Eric Williams, the director of Ragnarök, claims that players will be able to explore all nine realms in the sequel and that “the ones you've seen previously are going to seem new again.” Odin forbade access to Asgard, Vanaheim, and Svartalfheim.

The icy woodland from the early hours of God of War 2018 is exactly as everyone recalls, but Fimbulwinter's icy hold goes beyond Kratos and Atreus' home territory.

Since the Lake of the Nine is frozen solid, unusual means of transportation are needed.

Here come Speke and Savanna, the sled wolves who pull the characters between distant locations.

Players must once more navigate over broad waterways in a canoe or paddle along serpentine streams in green places, but these diverse modes of transportation hint at a voyage that is more expansive and audacious than what has gone before.

The last few seconds of the B-roll show Kratos and Atreus rowing through a cavern and into a dwarven city.

“Welcome to Niavellir, brothers,” Mimir joyfully exclaims as the boy is in a state of shock. Multistory hovels stand proudly beneath a waving tree line as warm afternoon half-light brushes softly against the river's surface.

Sadly, this wonderful time is fleeting. As completing their tasks, the dwarven citizens leave the beautiful scene after an alert disturbs the peace.

Peace is fleeting even in areas that appear immune to Fimbulwinter's initial effects. This brief look confirms the size of the task and what is in jeopardy.

Riding remarks, “The last game was a touch lonely. “So, with Svartalfheim in particular, we're attempting to depict this real-world setting. Other than you two, there are other things here.

There are other locals besides the amiable dwarves. Less reputable creatures stalk the countryside and hide out in shadowy caves. Kratos and Atreus will have to use force while making the most of each set piece.