God of War Ragnarok (GoW Ragnarok)

Combat System Explained: All Techniques and Changes

★ God of War Ragnarok is out now in all regions!
Walkthrough | Bosses | Realms | Items
★ Check out our best Tips and Tricks guides to get started!
Best Skills | Best Armor | Beginners Guide
★ Locations for all Collectibles found in God of War Ragnarok!
Nornir Chests | Ravens | Idunn Apples | Artifacts

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God of War Ragnarok has refined the combat system of the previous game and added ways to allow players to go through a new and refreshing way to experience the combat system in the game. Read on and check all the new mechanics you can try and explore in God of War Ragnarok.

Refined Combat System

Combat Grapples Allows More Vertical Movement

Hyperion Grapple is one of the movesets Kratos had from the previous God of War games that allowed him to launch himself and tackle enemies. In God of War Ragnarok, Kratos can now traverse through terrains freely without requiring an enemy to grapple, allowing for more verticality in the player's movements.

Finishers Has Been Enhanced

Kratos can now use more brutal methods to execute his opponents in the latest game since he can now use other weapons to finish them off, such as the Blades of Chaos. Whereas previously, Kratos only used his Leviathan axe to put an end to his opponents.

New Death From Above Attack

Kratos can now perform a Death From Above attack by sprinting off a ledge and pressing R1 while in the air to unleash it on your foes. This action will damage and knock enemies up in the air, giving you a chance to combo them with another attack.

Shields

Expanded Shield Combat

In the previous game, Kratos only had one shield, with skins that didn't affect the combat experience. However, in God of War Ragnarok, he will be able to equip 5 different shields that can be acquired through crafting or by opening legendary chests scattered in each realm.

Each of the 5 shields will have different effects that suit the player's playstyle and give them more options to defend against their enemies.

Shield Locations and List of Shields

List of Shields

Shield Type Description
Dauntless Shield A shield fit for high-risk and high-reward parries.
Stone Wall Shield A shield fit for absorbing attacks and striking back.
Guardian Shield A shield fit for a balance of defensive options.
Shatter Star Shield A shield fit for staying mobile and charging up.
Onslaught Shield A shield fit for safely advancing on enemies.

Atreus Combat

Atreus is Now Capable of Being Independent

In the previous game, Atreus relied more on his father to traverse high places like mountains. He often climbs on his father's back, and while in combat, he is more restrained while waiting on Kratos' orders.

Now, with Atreus all grown up, his behavior and abilities have now changed to be more independent in traversal and combat. Atreus can now initiate attacks before Kratos, using his magic to give him an edge in combat.

God of War Ragnarok Related Guides

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Tips and Tricks

All God of War Ragnarok Tips and Tricks Guides

Core Mechanics
Beginner's Guide Combat System Explained
How to Heal and Increase Max Health What Does Killing Bugs Do?
Stats Explained: All Stats and How They Work How to Use Quick Turn
How to Upgrade Equipment How to Raise Your Level
How to Parry How to Fast Travel
Leveling and Grinding
How to Farm Hacksilver How to Farm XP
Graphics & Settings
Difficulty Settings Explained Best Settings for Graphics and Performance
Does God of War Ragnarok Have New Game Plus? How to Skip Cutscenes
Equipment & Skills
How to Transmog Gear
Tier Lists
Best Skills Best Armor Sets
Best Attachments Best Runic Attacks
Best Relics Best Enchantments
Exploration & Collectibles
How to Get Idunn Apples All Horns of Blood Mead Locations
How to Break Cracked Ground and Floors How to Recover Lost Items
Invasive Species: All Crater Hunts Guide How to Fully Repair Amulet of Yggdrasil
Full Gulfa Trophy Guide: All Hafgufas Locations
Story & Progression
How to Get the Secret Ending How to Unlock the Compass
Bugs and Fixes
How to get Unstuck: Old Friends Bug Fix Tavern Glitch: How to Fix the Dwarf Bug

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