Kratos' default clothing has seen multiple evolutions in theGod of Warseries. The simple loincloth he wears in Greek realms has become a fur-lined outfit in Norse lands. His preference for light clothing allows him to operate at maximum efficiency, but sinceKratos is a godwhose strength, endurance, and healing factor allow him to survive almost all mortal wounds, protection isn’t one of his priorities when it comes to clothing. What he looks are clothes that provide him the most mobility and flexibility.
Despite his preference for minimalism, Kratos isn’t against dressing up once in a while. He has donned numerous armor sets and outfits throughout theGod of Warseries - most of which provide him with some sort of boon to aid on his adventures. While a good number of these looks tend to be bulky and resemble protection used by ancient warriors, Kratos has more humorous outfits with very interesting effects.
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Kratos' Joke Outfits Are a Series Tradition
The origins of Kratos' joke costumes date back to the originalGod of Warin 2005. By completing the Challenge of the Gods - a gauntlet of varying challenges that test players' wits and strength - they canunlock bonus costumes for Kratos. Most of these costumes are humorous in nature. The Dairy Bastard costume, for example puts Kratos in a full cow costume complete with rubber udders. His Blades of Chaos are also replaced with milk jugs, which he hurls around using the same moves. Completing the Challenge of the Gods inGod of War(2005) also rewards players with Tycoonius - which puts Kratos in a business suit and gives him suitcases instead of blades; Bubbles - a swim outfit for Kratos complete with tan lines, swim shorts, and a pair of fish blades; and Chef of War - a self-described costume that swaps his weapons with frying pans.
Joke costumes have made periodic appearances inGod of Warsequels and prequels, but they haven’t been in every games. Most of Kratos' joke costumes can be found inGod of Wargames on the PlayStation Portable. Spud of War and Mime of War - outfits that make Kratos don a full-body potato costume and mime wear respectively - can be unlocked inGod of War: Chains of Olympus. Likewise, a version of Kratos made from cardboard boxes, ventilation hoses, and duct tape called “Robotos” can be acquired inGod of War: Ghost of Sparta.
Console-wise, the most famous Kratos joke costumes has to be his Cod of War outfit. The costume made its debut inGod of War 2, stuffing Kratos in a fish outfit and swapping his Blades of Athena with a pair of fishhooks. Cod of War also makes a return in 2018’sGod of War, only instead of a fish costume the outfit isarmor that players can craft in New Game Plus(bothGod of War 2and 2018’sGod of Warwere directed by Cory Barlog).
Every Joke Has a Punchline
Though Kratos' joke outfits are humorous to look at, each provides him with special buffs too. The Dairy Bastard costume grants Kratos infinite magic and doubles the value of any orbs he acquires, but it also halves the amount of damage he does.Cod of War armor in 2018 doubles down on the number of buffs, allowing Kratos to generate an explosion of frost and burn damage when stepping on a Healthstone or Ragestone. The Cod of War Underbelly-guard grants Kratos temporary invincibility when activating a Healthstone or Ragestone, and the Cod of War Fin-wraps allow Healthstones to give Rage and Ragestones to give Health whenever Kratos' bars are full.
If players can look past their silly appearances, the series' joke outfits provide some of the best boons. Apart from these advantages, the joke outfits also cast a humorous light on an otherwise grim and unforgiving world. Considering how Kratos is far too serious in most cases, players might prefer outfitting him in silly costumes to lighten the mood. Making Kratos do funny faces is one of the biggest reasons whyplayers loveGod of War’s photo mode, and these costumes help elevate the humor to another level. Santa Monica Studio may have already finished designingGod of War: Ragnarok, but hopefully the game injects some humor in it by way of some joke outfits.
God of War: Ragnarokis set to be released on July 14, 2025 for PS4 and PS5.
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