Introduction

God of War Ragnarök is an epic action-adventure game that builds upon the mechanics of its predecessor, introducing more complex combat, deeper exploration, and richer storytelling. Whether you're struggling with tough enemies, looking for the best gear, or trying to 100% complete the game, this guide will help you master every aspect of Kratos’ journey. From combat strategies to finding hidden loot, let's break down how to dominate God of War Ragnarök step by step.

1. Understanding Combat Basics: How to Fight Like a God

Before diving into advanced mechanics, it's crucial to master the fundamentals of combat.

Key Combat Mechanics

• Light and Heavy Attacks: Fast vs. strong strikes; learning the difference helps in combos.
• Blocking and Parrying: Use the Guardian Shield wisely—parrying at the right moment stuns enemies.
• Dodging and Rolling: Avoid unblockable attacks marked with a red ring.

Mastering Stun Damage

• Stagger enemies using bare-fist attacks or Atreus' arrows.
• Once their stun bar is full, execute a devastating R3 finisher.

Mastering these mechanics early will set the foundation for more advanced combat strategies.

2. Choosing the Best Weapons and Upgrades

Kratos wields three main weapons, each with unique advantages.

Weapons Overview

• Leviathan Axe: Best for frost damage, crowd control, and ranged attacks.
• Blades of Chaos: Excellent for fast combos, fire damage, and mobility.
• Draupnir Spear: Best for long-range engagements, explosive damage, and multiple enemies.

Best Weapon Upgrades

• Leviathan Axe: Upgrade for faster cooldowns and better stun damage.
• Blades of Chaos: Improve burn damage and mobility in fights.
• Draupnir Spear: Focus on explosive runic attacks.

Upgrading weapons early will make fights easier as enemies become stronger.

3. Atreus and Companion Abilities: How to Use Them Effectively

Atreus (and later other companions) is more than just a support character—he can turn the tide of battle.

Using Atreus in Combat

• Command Atreus to stun enemies with arrows while you attack.
• Upgrade his abilities to unlock sonic and sigil arrows, which enhance elemental damage.

Other Companion Tips

• Freya can use Valkyrie abilities, making her stronger against magic-based enemies.
• Angrboda is effective with summoning magic but has limited combat involvement.

Using companions strategically will make fights easier and create powerful combos.

4. Armor and Skill Trees: The Best Builds for Kratos

Your armor and skill upgrades determine your survivability and damage output.

Best Armor Sets for Different Playstyles

• Steinbjörn Armor – Best for high defense and healing.
• Lunda’s Armor – Focuses on poison damage, great for aggressive players.
• Ragnarök Set – Balanced stats, ideal for New Game+ runs.

Choosing the Right Skills

• Leviathan Axe: Prioritize Frost Awaken and Permafrost skills.
• Blades of Chaos: Upgrade Immolation for fire-based combos.
• Draupnir Spear: Unlock detonating spears for explosive damage.

Matching armor sets with the right skills will make Kratos nearly unstoppable.

5. Best Runic Attacks and Relics: Maximizing Your Power

Runic Attacks offer special abilities that can turn the tide of battle.

Best Runic Attacks for Each Weapon

• Leviathan Axe: Wrath of the Frost Ancient (massive AOE freeze).
• Blades of Chaos: Tartarus Rage (fire explosion for groups).
• Draupnir Spear: Huldra Charge (fast spear thrust with knockback).

Best Relics for Late-Game Combat

• Hilt of Hofud: Slows down time for better dodging.
• Glaive of Dodher: Fires a powerful magic wave.

Combining Runic Attacks and Relics creates devastating combos.

6. Boss Fights: How to Defeat the Toughest Enemies

Some of God of War Ragnarök’s bosses require strategy and patience.

General Boss Fight Tips

• Study attack patterns—every boss has a rhythm.
• Use Runic Attacks wisely—don’t waste them at the start.
• Dodge unblockable attacks (red-ringed).

Strategies for Specific Bosses

• Thor (First Fight) – Focus on parrying and using frost damage.
• Heimdall – Use Draupnir Spear to break his defenses.
• Gná (Valkyrie Queen) – The hardest boss; learn her attack timings and parry consistently.

Boss fights test all your skills—so be patient and adapt.

7. Finding the Best Upgrades and Hidden Collectibles

Exploration is key in God of War Ragnarök—finding hidden gear makes Kratos much stronger.

Best Areas for Loot and Collectibles

• Svartalfheim – Great for Dwarven relics and crafting materials.
• Vanaheim – Home to powerful armor sets and optional boss fights.
• Muspelheim – Offers combat trials for high-tier rewards.

Must-Collect Items

• Idunn Apples – Increase Kratos’ health.
• Horn of Blood Mead – Boosts Kratos’ rage meter.
• Ravens of Odin – Unlocks powerful armor and relics.

Exploring thoroughly unlocks the best gear and hidden secrets.

8. How to Handle Endgame Content and New Game+

After beating the main story, there are tons of challenges left.

Post-Game Bosses and Secrets

• Gná, the Valkyrie Queen – The toughest fight in the game.
• Berserker Bosses – The hardest mini-bosses, similar to Valkyries in God of War (2018).

Preparing for New Game+

• Upgrade weapons and armor fully before starting NG+.
• Focus on Runic Attacks for faster boss kills.
• Try different builds to experiment with new combat styles.

The endgame offers the toughest fights, so gear up properly.

9. Ragnarok’s Best Side Quests: Must-Play Optional Content

Side quests (Favors) provide extra story and loot.

Best Side Quests

• The Lost Lindwyrms – Rewards powerful enchantments.
• Sigrun’s Curse – Uncovers hidden lore about the Valkyries.
• The Crucible (Muspelheim Trials) – Offers combat challenges.

Why Side Quests Are Important

• They give valuable upgrades for late-game bosses.
• Unlock hidden cutscenes that add depth to the story.

Exploring side content makes the final fights much easier.

Conclusion: Becoming the True God of War

To truly master God of War Ragnarök:

• Perfect your combat skills—use parries, runic attacks, and dodging wisely.
• Upgrade weapons and armor—choose sets that fit your playstyle.
• Explore the world fully—find hidden loot and collectibles.
• Master boss fights—learn attack patterns and use strategy over brute force.

By following these tips, you’ll conquer all realms and defeat even the toughest foes.