God Of War: 10 Best Pieces Of Concept Art

2018’s God of War gave players a compelling Norse-inspired story, iconic characters, and a stunning fantastical world that made it one of the most popular and critically-acclaimed video games ever made. The title’s world and character designs are a huge part of what has turned it into a legendary game that continues to influence its genre.

From the frozen landscapes in Helheim to the minute details of the Draugr, the well-designed elements in GoW contribute to players’ gaming experience, helping make each moment as immersive as possible. Thanks to concept art published on the PlayStation blog and ArtStation Magazine, fans can get a glimpse into the incredible work that went into the award-winning game.

A Frozen Eagle In Helheim

Helheim may not feature memorable battles with the hardest bosses to beat in GoW, but it sure seems like it might when players first step into its frozen hellscape. Also known as Hel or the Realm of the Dead, gods and mortals who die dishonorable deaths are sent to the unforgiving and (often) inescapable world, where they’re forced to walk forever and endure its icy weather.

Players may recall their own experiences navigating the cold landscape, as Kratos and Atreus make their way back after being accidentally thrown into the realm with Baldur. While a frozen eagle perched on top of a spikey pole may be the last thing on players’ minds in that awful location, it’s representative of the unique dangers the realm throws at any living creature unfortunate enough to end up there.

Atreus’ Song For A Fallen Deer

An integral part of Atreus’ character is his naivety, which can be both a good and bad thing depending on the situation. Fans may remember how the first thing Atreus does with Kratos after Faye’s funeral is to hunt deer, which is a sequence that doesn’t only serve as a tutorial, but a subtle depiction of the young boy’s inexperience.

The fallen deer depicted in the oddly moving concept art may very well be the one Atreus struggles to hunt and kill in the game. Players never see the scene portrayed in the beautiful artwork, but it’s not hard to imagine that the boy would offer up a song or even a prayer in that situation.

Design Details Of A Draugr

One of the major criticisms about God of War revolves around its lack of variety when it comes to enemies. Players quickly get tired of hacking and slashing away at the seemingly endless supply of Draugr throughout the game.

That said, it can’t be denied that the few creatures that it does have are incredibly well-designed, with developers obviously paying attention to each tiny detail. The concept art of a walking Draugr highlights all of these small aspects – like the cracks on their skin or the deteriorating sword – which speaks volumes about how much effort went into bringing them to life.

Atreus And Kratos At Faye’s Funeral

The opening sequence of the game immediately hints at Atreus’ eventual fate as one of the most tragic characters in the GoW games. The game begins with the young boy and his father attending Faye’s funeral, with the two clearly holding emotions back as her corpse burns.

Atreus’ feelings at that moment are easy to see in the evocative piece of concept art that depicts the young boy crying as his father stands behind him. Kratos’ entire figure is shrouded in darkness, which is likely an allusion to his violent past – unlike Atreus, it’s not the first time that the protagonist has seen death come for his loved ones.

A Close-up Of Atreus

Atreus is easily one of the most polarizing characters from the franchise, as some fans can’t stand his naivety getting in the way of missions. There are also theories floating around about how he could potentially replace Kratos in future installments, which is not something everyone is ready for.

Whether players like him or not, though, he’s undoubtedly a well-written character who also happens to be flawlessly designed. A close-up of his face and costume reveals amazing details fans would likely never see in the game. From his freckles and fading scars to his multi-colored arrows and worn-out bag, the unbelievable details that make up his character are astounding.

Jörmungandr Rising From The Lake

There are still several questions about Jörmungandr’s past that fans hope the sequel will answer. The World Serpent is an actual figure from Norse mythology who is one of many intriguing characters players encounter in GoW. It’s not clear how he ended up in the Lake of Nine, with the answer to that mystery likely playing a major part in God of War Ragnarök.

The beautiful concept art that showcases the massive creature’s design gives players an important hint about just how long Jörmungandr has spent submerged in the lake. With algae forming around his jaw and his fins looking tired and disfigured, the creature may have been around for quite some time.

Design Details Of The Ancient

The astounding small details in God of War can be found almost anywhere players look, even on those seemingly straightforward hulking and walking boulders known as the Ancients. These creatures are encountered less frequently than the Draugr, as fights against them are significantly harder because of their impervious nature.

The elemental golems that serve as mini-bosses in the RPG are thoughtfully designed to emphasize their age, with concept art showing how wood holds their bodies together. Fans know that they have been around since the very beginning of time, with some spending most of their years hibernating until an external force wakes them up.

Kratos And Atreus Ready For Battle

At the heart of the complex Norse-inspired narratives in GoW is the singular storyline that matters the most, which is centered on Kratos’ relationship with his son. The pair learn more about themselves and each other as they embark on an adventure to carry Faye’s ashes to its final resting place, which is likely what the wife and mother intended.

A noteworthy work of art released by the developers highlights Kratos’ protectiveness of Atreus, as he stands in front of him while a group of undead enemies rushes towards them. Judging by the snow, it’s a scene from Hel, and an early portrayal of it, too. The creatures don’t look exactly like the more intimidating Hel-Walkers players meet in the game, and of course, Atreus’ blond hair is not what ends up in the final version.

Kratos’ Movements On A Ship

An underrated but significant moment in the 2018 title takes place during the intense battle on the ship in Helheim, as Kratos and Atreus struggle to fend off hordes of enemies who threaten their chances at escaping the realm. In the midst of all that chaos, fans may remember how Kratos sees a jarring vision of his father, Zeus. Only Atreus is able to snap him back to reality after he realizes the boy has learned about part of his horrific past with the Greek gods.

A unique piece of concept art that looks like a rough sketch underscores the thought process that went into the well-choreographed sequence. Frames and a giant arrow guide the characters through the ship towards the undead.

Tyr’s Statue Dwarfs Atreus And Kratos

Even before fans found out about Tyr’s major role in Ragnarök, the original god of war has always been a fascinating part of the lore in the 2018 game. Bits and pieces of items, art, and Mimir’s stories reveal details about the Aesir god’s life and legacy.

An awe-inspiring work of art shows a decaying statue of Tyr on fire in the middle of the Lake of Nine. Fans can’t be blamed for not noticing Atreus and Kratos on a boat right next to it, as they’re unsurprisingly dwarfed by the huge structure.

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