How does Atreus Transform into a Bear in God of War Ragnarok? Transmog Explained

The first boss fight in God of War Ragnarok occurs in the game’s very first quest, ‘Surviving Fimbulwinter.’ In this fight, Kratos is attacked by a massive and furious Bear called Björn. 

The brawl is ruthless and brutal, and as Kratos is choking the giant bear to finish him off, it transforms into Atreus. As soon as Kratos realizes he is actually choking his own son, he releases Atreus from his clutches.

This major plot twist has left every GOW fan shocked, to say the least, but to be honest, it was not that unpredictable.

Atreus Turns into a Bear in God of War Ragnarok

Atreus (Loki), as half-God, has the divine power to shapeshift and thus can turn into a bear in God of War: Ragnarok. In Norse mythology, Loki is known to be a trickster god who can shapeshift into any creature.

Here’s How Atreus Transforms into a Bear in God of War: Ragnarok!
Atreus Turns into a Bear

Since the reveal that Atreus is the Norse god Loki, people predicted that he would also show similar powers as Loki in Norse mythologies.

Here’s How Atreus Transforms into a Bear in God of War: Ragnarok!
Atreus Wakes Up

After the boss fight, when Atreus comes to his senses, he and Kratos conclude that he shapeshifts when he is full of anger or brimming with negative emotions. Initially, the death of Fenrir, Atreus’ pet wolf, triggered his transformation.

This boss fight, however, was not the only instance of Atreus shapeshifting into the bear. He again turns into a bear when trying to save Kratos from Freya and again when running away to Asgard. 

Interestingly, halfway into the game, Atreus willingly turns into a wolf and returns to normal when racing against Angrboda, which shows that he has grown accustomed to his newfound powers remarkably soon into the game.

Can you transform into a bear while playing as Atreus?

Players can transform into a wolf when playing as Atreus. Press [L3+R3] when the red meter is full to transform. This is his equivalent to Spartan Rage.

Here’s How Atreus Transforms into a Bear in God of War: Ragnarok!
Use L3+R3 to Transform into a Wolf

This awesome combat feature unlocks automatically during the fifth quest of the game, The Lost Sanctuary. Players can access this feature once they play a bit into the quest and reach the cutscene where Atreus transform into a wolf after seeing a Jotnar mural depicting Kratos’ death.

Unfortunately, you cannot turn into a bear, as Atreus’ rage feature is set to wolf by default. Also, you cannot toggle between different forms; transformation is only possible when the rage meter is completely filled.

Atreus’ Transformation Featured on Sony’s Covert Controller

Sony released a special edition PlayStation DualSense controller inspired by the Norse world of Midgard. It features a two-tone blue-on-white design, with a bear and a wolf adorning the touchpad. 

Earlier, Kratos was believed to represent the bear and Atreus the wolf. However, after the latter’s transfiguration ability was discovered, fans are now suspecting both animals to represent Atreus instead.

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About God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok is an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released on November 9, 2022, for PS4 and PS5.

Ragnarok is the ninth installment in the God of War series, chronologically, and the sequel to 2018’s God of War. Loosely based on Norse mythology, the game is set in ancient Norway and features series protagonists Kratos and his young son Atreus. The events of the game are expected to initiate Ragnarok – a series of events that, according to Norse lore, bring about the end of days and the death of the Norse gods.

Vansh Gulati

Vansh Gulati

Meet our very own Hinata Shoyo! - There is no anime or manga that he’s not aware of. Also the go-to guy for all things Epic at EML. He’s on a journey to discover life one bottle of sake at a time!
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