Sony’s little robot mascot has a habit of stealing the show. But in Team Asobi’s 2024 masterpiece, nothing quite hits like the Astro Bot Bot of War level. It isn't just a skin or a quick nod. It is a full-blown, mechanical love letter to Kratos and Atreus that manages to be both adorable and surprisingly visceral.
The first time you see Astro don the red face paint and pick up a miniature Leviathan Axe, you realize this isn't a parody. It's a reconstruction.
The Magic of the Leviathan Axe in Astro’s Hands
Let's talk about that axe. Most platformers give you a basic projectile or a spin attack and call it a day. In the Astro Bot Bot of War stage, known officially as "Bot of War," the Leviathan Axe feels heavy. Team Asobi spent an incredible amount of time perfecting the haptic feedback on the DualSense controller. When you hurl the axe at a distant target, the trigger tension vanishes. When you recall it? The controller thumps with a satisfying clack that mimics the feeling from Santa Monica Studio’s 2018 reboot.
It’s tactile. It's chunky.
Honestly, the physics of the recall mechanic are better than some dedicated action games I’ve played recently. You aren't just hitting buttons. You’re aiming, timing the return to hit enemies from behind, and using it to solve environmental puzzles. You see a glowing seal? Throw the axe. Need to freeze a gear? Throw the axe. It’s a gameplay loop that fits the Astro universe perfectly while respecting the source material’s "weight."
Exploring the Nine Realms (Astro Style)
The level design in Astro Bot Bot of War is a masterclass in visual storytelling. You start on a boat, drifting through a frozen landscape that immediately evokes Midgard. But instead of the looming dread of Ragnarok, you get the bright, bouncy charm of Astro.
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You’ll encounter bots dressed as iconic characters. Look closely and you’ll find:
- A grumpy little Kratos bot steering the boat.
- A tiny Atreus (Boy!) shooting arrows.
- Mimir, the smartest head alive, hanging off the back of Astro's belt.
- Even the World Serpent, Jörmungandr, makes an appearance, though he’s looking a bit more "inflatable" than usual.
What makes this work is the density. Every corner has a "Raven" to find. In God of War, Odin’s ravens are a source of stress. Here, they are collectibles that make a satisfying digital chirp when you nail them with your axe. The level manages to cram the entire emotional arc of the Norse saga into about twenty minutes of platforming.
Breaking the "AI" Feel of Level Design
Usually, when a game does a "crossover" level, it feels like a reskin. You know the type. Same enemies, just wearing funny hats.
This is different. The enemies in the Astro Bot Bot of War section are specific to the theme. You’re fighting little mechanical Draugr. You’re dodging attacks from bots that mimic Valkyries. Even the breakable chests are styled after the Nornir chests from the Sony Santa Monica games. You actually have to find the three runes and hit them in quick succession to open them. It’s a layer of mechanical depth that goes beyond a simple visual "Easter Egg."
The Nuance of the Mimir Integration
Having Mimir attached to your hip isn't just for show. As you traverse the icy platforms, the "Head" provides commentary. It’s a subtle touch, but it grounds the experience. It reminds you that Sony’s first-party history is a connected web. When you see the interactions between Astro-Kratos and his companions, it highlights how much personality Team Asobi can squeeze out of a character with no mouth and two LED eyes.
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The music is another high point. Bear McCreary’s iconic God of War theme gets a "pop" remix. It keeps the deep, chanting "BOY" energy but adds the synth-heavy, upbeat tempo that defines the Astro Bot soundtrack. It’s a bop. There’s no other way to put it.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed with the Secret Bots
If you’re playing through the Astro Bot Bot of War level, you’re likely hunting for the hidden VIP bots. This is where the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) of the developers shines. They didn’t just pick the most famous characters. They picked deep cuts.
Finding the bot version of Thrud or the Huldra Brothers (Brok and Sindri) feels like a reward for long-time fans. The game doesn't hold your hand too much here. You have to use the axe to interact with the environment in ways the game hasn't taught you yet. For example, some bots are hidden behind ice walls that require a specific "heavy" hit from a recalled axe.
Technical Prowess and the SSD
Because this is a PS5 exclusive, the Astro Bot Bot of War level loads instantly. But it’s the sheer amount of stuff on screen that impresses. Thousands of physics-based "shards" fly everywhere when you break a pot. The snow deforms accurately as you walk through it.
I’ve noticed some people online complaining that the level is "too short."
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I disagree.
It’s better to have fifteen minutes of pure, unadulterated joy than four hours of filler. The pacing is breathless. You go from boat ride to combat arena to puzzle section to boss fight without a single moment of "down-time."
Actionable Tips for Clearing Bot of War 100%
If you’re trying to platinum the game or just want to find every secret in this specific level, keep these things in mind.
- Watch the Ravens: There are 8 Odin’s Ravens hidden in the level. Listen for the distinct metallic "shimmer" sound. If you hear it, stop and look up. They are often perched on high arches or hidden behind crumbling pillars.
- Master the Spin Recall: Don't just press the button to bring the axe back. If you position yourself so enemies are between you and the axe, you can do double damage. The axe hits on the way out and the way in.
- The Nornir Chests: If you see a chest with glowing blue runes, the triggers are always nearby. You don't need to leave the immediate area. One is usually hidden behind a breakable object, one is up high, and one is around a corner.
- Interact with the Scenery: Don't just rush to the end. Hit the trees. Break the barrels. Team Asobi hid a lot of "Coin" caches in the most mundane places to encourage exploration.
The Astro Bot Bot of War level is more than a tribute. It's a reminder of why we play video games in the first place. It’s fun. It doesn't take itself too seriously, yet it’s built with a level of craft that most "AAA" games should envy. Whether you’re a die-hard Kratos fan or someone who just likes cute robots, this level stands as the crown jewel of the Astro Bot experience.
To get the most out of your run, make sure your controller is fully charged. The haptic feedback in this level drains the battery faster than almost any other stage because of the constant axe vibrations. Once you've cleared the level, head back to the Crash Site to see how your newly rescued God of War bots interact with the rest of your collection. You might find some hilarious animations if you punch them (don't worry, Kratos can take it).