God of War Ragnarök Combat Guide
Master the art of war with our comprehensive combat guide for Kratos's latest adventure.
Weapons Overview
Leviathan Axe
Element: Frost Best For: Crowd control, ranged combat
Key Techniques:
- Throw and recall for continuous damage
- Freeze enemies for breathing room
- Heavy frost buildup staggers most enemies
Blades of Chaos
Element: Fire Best For: Multiple enemies, fast attacks
Key Techniques:
- Wide sweeping attacks
- Burn status damages over time
- Pull enemies towards you
- Best for aerial combos
Draupnir Spear
Element: Wind (New!) Best For: Precision, detonation combos
Key Techniques:
- Plant spears in enemies
- Detonate for massive damage
- Long range pokes
- Environmental puzzle tool
Combat Basics
Attack Types
| Input | Effect |
|---|---|
| Light Attack | Fast combo starter |
| Heavy Attack | Slow, high damage |
| Hold Heavy | Charged attack |
| Throw (Axe) | Ranged damage |
| Recall | Damage on return |
Defensive Options
- Block - Stops most damage
- Parry - Perfect timing stuns
- Dodge - I-frames for boss attacks
- Roll - Distance creation
Runic Attacks
Best Axe Runics
- Frost Awakening - AoE frost explosion
- Mists of Helheim - Lingering frost zone
- Leviathan's Roar - High single-target damage
Best Blade Runics
- Atlas Eruption - Ground pound devastation
- Meteoric Slam - Jump attack with burn
- Hyperion Grapple - Pull and damage
Best Spear Runics
- Artillery of the Ancients - Spear rain
- Mountain Splitter - Devastating thrust
- Elemental Surge - Elemental explosion
Advanced Techniques
Weapon Swapping
- Mid-combo weapon switches
- Build multiple elemental statuses
- Keep pressure without reloading
Stun Locking
- Start with Blades combo
- Switch to Axe throw
- Recall into combo
- Rinse and repeat
Shield Types
Stone Wall Shield
- Best for beginners
- Strong block
- No parry follow-up
Dauntless Shield
- Parry-focused
- High risk, high reward
- Devastating counter-attacks
Parrying Tips:
- Watch enemy wind-up
- Yellow attacks = parryable
- Red attacks = dodge only
Boss Fight Tips
General Strategy
- Learn attack patterns first
- Don't get greedy with hits
- Use Rage as emergency heal
- Upgrade Atreus for support
Specific Bosses
Thor (First Fight)
- Parry hammer swings
- Dodge lightning attacks
- Attack during recovery
Heimdall
- Wait for openings
- Use unpredictable attacks
- Sound-based attacks help
Build Recommendations
Balanced Build
- Focus on Strength and Defense
- Medium armor set
- Mix of all runic attacks
Glass Cannon Build
- Max Strength and Runic
- Light armor for perks
- Aggressive playstyle
Tank Build
- Defense and Vitality
- Heavy armor
- Shield-focused combat
Now go make Odin regret everything.