“Please Shut Up Mod” Mutes All Companion Hints in God of War Ragnarok — Here’s Why Fans Love It
October 3, 2024God of War Ragnarok has been a massive success since its release, but not without its fair share of criticism. While many praised the game’s compelling narrative and breathtaking visuals, there was one feature that irked players — those pesky companion puzzle hints. Imagine you’re deep in thought, trying to solve a complex puzzle, and suddenly Atreus or Mimir blurts out the solution. Frustrating, right? That’s where the “Please Shut Up mod” comes into play.
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Created by NexusMods user Mophead01, this mod is for all those players who want to experience the game without feeling like the developers are holding their hands. Annoyed by the constant chatter from companions? Mophead01 has your back! The “Please Shut Up mod” completely removes over 1,500 lines of dialogue that provide unnecessary hints or repetitive instructions. Whether it’s the puzzle solutions, reminders to use your Shield Strike, or even those comments when Kratos gets hit — all of it is silenced.
Why the Mod Exists: The Community’s Frustration
Despite God of War Ragnarok’s near-perfect reviews, it didn’t escape criticism regarding its excessive companion hints. Even Sony Santa Monica’s narrative director Matt Sophos acknowledged the issue, stating back in 2023 that the hints were too frequent and should’ve had a much longer timer before showing up. This led to the PC update with reduced hints, but according to Mophead01, it wasn’t enough.
“Tired of companions telling you things you already know? Tired of the game treating you like a child if you don’t instantly solve every puzzle? This mod removes over 1,500 pointless, patronizing voice lines from the game,” says Mophead01 in the mod’s description.
With the mod installed, you can now experience the game’s intricate puzzles without your companions jumping in every five seconds, giving players a true sense of accomplishment when they finally crack the solution. The mod even goes a step further by removing companion reactions to elemental damage and other situational comments, adding a deeper level of immersion for players who want a quieter and more challenging experience.
What the Mod Changes: Key Features of “Please Shut Up”
If you’re curious about what exactly this mod changes, here’s a rundown of the key features that make it a must-have for any Ragnarok fan:
- Complete Removal of Puzzle Hints: No more companions blurting out puzzle solutions before you have a chance to think. This allows players to engage with the game’s challenges more organically.
- Silencing Combat Reminders: Companions like Atreus or Mimir will no longer nag you to block, dodge, or use specific skills during combat. This is great for players who want to enjoy the combat without backseat coaching.
- Disabling Companion Reactions to Player Damage: Whether it’s Mimir freaking out when Kratos gets hit by fire or Atreus yelling when you take Bifrost damage, all of these reactions are now gone, making for a less distracting experience.
- Eliminating Situational Dialogue: The mod even silences dialogue during specific game scenarios like climbing or traversing the world, so you can just take in the game’s beauty without interruption.
Why Sony’s Official Update Didn’t Cut It
Earlier this year, Sony Santa Monica released an official update that aimed to reduce the frequency of companion hints. While the update was a step in the right direction, many players felt it was a half-hearted solution. The hints were still there, just less frequent. PlayStation players, in particular, were left in the dark as this update only rolled out for the PC version.
Unfortunately, console players don’t have access to the “Please Shut Up mod”, which means they’ll have to wait for an official patch — if it ever comes. Sony has yet to make any promises regarding a similar update for PlayStation users, which is disappointing considering how vocal the community has been about this issue.
The Modding Community’s Role in Enhancing Player Experience
The “Please Shut Up mod” is just one example of how the PC modding community enhances the player experience in games like God of War Ragnarok. Mods allow players to tailor the game to their preferences, whether it’s through visual improvements, gameplay tweaks, or — in this case — silencing annoying companion dialogue.
As the game industry evolves, it’s becoming increasingly clear that modders play an essential role in extending the life and enjoyment of AAA titles. While God of War Ragnarok is an exceptional game in its own right, small tweaks like the “Please Shut Up mod” show that there’s always room for improvement.