The God of War franchise has always been about visceral combat, epic narratives, and, of course, the ever-evolving power of Kratos. The 2018 installment, simply titled “God of War,” reimagined the character, placing him in the Norse realm and tasking him with protecting his son, Atreus. A key part of this journey is constantly enhancing Kratos’ abilities and equipment to face the increasingly challenging threats that Midgard and beyond throw their way. This guide dives deep into the various ways you can upgrade Kratos, transforming him from a formidable warrior into an unstoppable force.
Understanding The Core Stats: The Foundation Of Kratos’ Power
Before we get into the specific upgrade paths, it’s crucial to understand the core attributes that govern Kratos’ strength and resilience. These stats influence everything from his damage output to his ability to withstand enemy attacks. Understanding these stats is paramount to making informed decisions about how to allocate your resources and tailor Kratos to your preferred playstyle.
Strength: The Power Of The Leviathan Axe And More
Strength directly impacts the amount of damage Kratos deals with his melee attacks, primarily the Leviathan Axe and his fists (when using the Spartan Rage). Increasing your Strength stat will make quick work of weaker enemies and significantly chip away at the health bars of bosses. It is the cornerstone of offensive power. Prioritizing Strength is crucial for players who favor a direct and aggressive combat approach.
Runic: Augmenting Your Combat Potential
The Runic stat enhances the power of Runic Attacks, both light and heavy, for both the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos. It also affects the damage dealt by certain Perks on armor. Runic attacks are special abilities that deal significant damage and often inflict status effects, making this stat essential for players who like to mix up their combat style with powerful abilities. Boosting this stat will make these attacks more effective, enabling you to control the battlefield and burst down tough enemies.
Defense: Withstanding The Fury Of Norse Gods
Defense determines the amount of damage Kratos mitigates when blocking or taking hits. A higher Defense stat makes Kratos more resilient, allowing you to withstand more punishment and survive longer in challenging encounters. Investing in Defense is essential, especially on higher difficulty levels, as it provides a crucial buffer against devastating attacks. It ensures you can weather storms of blows and stay in the fight.
Vitality: The Key To Survival
Vitality increases Kratos’ maximum health. This is straightforward, but critically important. More health means more room for error and more opportunities to recover from mistakes. Vitality is particularly useful in boss fights where memorizing attack patterns and executing perfect dodges isn’t always possible. It gives you the necessary leeway to survive longer and learn from your mistakes.
Luck: Finding Favor With The Valkyries (and Better Loot)
The Luck stat increases the experience points (XP) earned from defeating enemies and enhances the chance of activating Perks on armor and talismans. It also impacts the amount of Hacksilver and other resources you find. Luck is an investment in long-term progression. While it doesn’t directly impact combat prowess, it accelerates your ability to acquire better gear and unlock new skills, indirectly making Kratos stronger over time.
Cooldown: Unleashing Abilities More Frequently
Cooldown reduces the recharge time of Runic Attacks and certain Perks. The faster you can use your special abilities, the more often you can unleash devastating attacks and control the flow of combat. For players who rely heavily on Runic Attacks, maximizing Cooldown is crucial. It allows for a more dynamic and aggressive playstyle, constantly peppering enemies with powerful abilities.
The Arsenal Of The Spartan: Upgrading Weapons And Armor
Kratos’ equipment is just as important as his stats. The Leviathan Axe, the Blades of Chaos, and his armor can all be upgraded to significantly improve his combat effectiveness. Each upgrade requires specific resources and offers unique benefits.
The Leviathan Axe: From Starting Weapon To God-Slaying Tool
The Leviathan Axe is Kratos’ primary weapon throughout the game. It can be upgraded multiple times by visiting Brok and Sindri, the Huldra Brothers. Each upgrade increases the Axe’s base damage and unlocks new Runic Attack slots.
Upgrading the Axe requires Frozen Flames, which are primarily obtained by defeating story bosses and completing certain side quests. Once the Axe is fully upgraded, you can further enhance it with Pommels, which offer a variety of stat boosts and Perks. Experimenting with different Pommels allows you to customize the Axe to your preferred playstyle. Some Pommels focus on increasing damage, while others enhance status effects or improve defensive capabilities.
Blades Of Chaos: Embracing The Past To Secure The Future
Later in the game, Kratos reclaims his iconic Blades of Chaos. Similar to the Leviathan Axe, the Blades can be upgraded by Brok and Sindri. Upgrading the Blades increases their base damage and unlocks new Runic Attack slots.
The Blades require Chaos Flames, which are acquired through story progression and optional side quests. Like the Axe, the Blades can be further enhanced with Hilts, offering stat boosts and Perks. The Blades are faster and more aggressive than the Axe, making them ideal for dealing with hordes of enemies and inflicting rapid damage. Choosing the right Hilt can significantly enhance their effectiveness.
Armor: Crafting A Bulwark Against The Norse Realms
Armor is another critical aspect of Kratos’ upgrade path. Armor pieces, including chest armor, gauntlets, and waist guard, can be crafted and upgraded at Brok and Sindri’s shops. Each armor piece provides stat boosts to Strength, Runic, Defense, Vitality, Luck, and Cooldown.
Upgrading armor requires various resources, including Hacksilver, crafting materials, and rare components obtained from defeating enemies and completing quests. Different armor sets offer different stat distributions and Perks, allowing you to tailor Kratos to your preferred playstyle. Some sets focus on maximizing damage output, while others prioritize defense and survivability. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect set for your needs.
Skills And Abilities: Mastering The Art Of War
Beyond equipment upgrades, Kratos can also improve his combat prowess by unlocking and upgrading skills. These skills enhance his attack combos, unlock new abilities, and improve his overall effectiveness in combat.
Leviathan Axe Skill Tree: Precision And Power
The Leviathan Axe skill tree offers a variety of skills that enhance Kratos’ axe-based combat. These skills range from new attack combos to improved axe throws and recall abilities. Investing in the Axe skill tree allows you to diversify your combat options and become more proficient with the weapon.
Some key skills to consider include:
- Executioner’s Cleave: A powerful finishing move that deals massive damage.
- Whirlwind Throw: Allows you to throw the Axe multiple times in quick succession.
- Returning Storm: Enhances the damage and range of the Axe recall.
Blades Of Chaos Skill Tree: Fury And Fire
The Blades of Chaos skill tree focuses on enhancing Kratos’ fiery blade-based combat. These skills include new attack combos, fire-based abilities, and improved crowd control. Investing in the Blades skill tree allows you to unleash the full potential of this devastating weapon.
Some key skills to consider include:
- Raging Inferno: A powerful area-of-effect attack that sets enemies on fire.
- Wrath of the Titans: Enhances the damage and range of the Blades’ attacks.
- Immolation: Temporarily imbues the Blades with fire, increasing their damage.
Shield Skill Tree: Defense And Offense
Kratos’ shield is not just a defensive tool; it can also be used offensively. The shield skill tree offers a variety of skills that enhance Kratos’ blocking, parrying, and shield-based attacks. Investing in the shield skill tree allows you to become a more versatile and adaptable fighter.
Some key skills to consider include:
- Guardian’s Justice: A powerful shield bash that stuns enemies.
- Shield Strike: Allows you to quickly strike enemies with your shield.
- Parry Mastery: Increases the window for successful parries.
Spartan Rage: Unleashing The Inner Beast
Spartan Rage is Kratos’ ultimate ability, transforming him into a powerful and unstoppable force. The Spartan Rage skill tree allows you to enhance the duration, damage, and effects of this ability. Upgrading Spartan Rage is crucial for overcoming challenging encounters and dealing massive damage to bosses.
There are different types of Spartan Rage, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Experimenting with different Rage types allows you to find the one that best suits your playstyle.
Runic Attacks And Talismans: Amplifying Your Combat Style
Runic Attacks are special abilities that can be equipped on the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos. Talismans provide a variety of passive bonuses and active abilities, further enhancing Kratos’ combat prowess.
Choosing The Right Runic Attacks
Runic Attacks come in two varieties: Light Runic Attacks and Heavy Runic Attacks. Each weapon can equip one of each type. Experimenting with different Runic Attacks is crucial for finding the ones that best complement your playstyle and the situation you’re facing.
Some Runic Attacks focus on dealing massive damage, while others provide crowd control or defensive buffs. Consider the following when choosing Runic Attacks:
- Damage Type: Some Runic Attacks deal fire damage, while others deal frost damage or stun enemies.
- Range: Some Runic Attacks have a short range, while others can hit enemies from afar.
- Cooldown: Runic Attacks have varying cooldown times.
Utilizing Talismans For Maximum Effect
Talismans are accessories that provide a variety of passive bonuses and active abilities. They can significantly enhance Kratos’ stats, improve his survivability, or provide unique combat advantages.
Some Talismans offer passive bonuses to stats like Strength, Defense, or Luck. Others provide active abilities, such as healing Kratos or unleashing a powerful attack. Choosing the right Talisman can make a significant difference in combat.
Exploration And Side Quests: The Keys To Unlocking Kratos’ Full Potential
While the main story provides opportunities to upgrade Kratos, exploration and side quests are essential for unlocking his full potential. These activities often reward you with valuable resources, rare crafting materials, and powerful equipment.
Valkyries: The Ultimate Test Of Skill
The Valkyries are optional boss battles that represent some of the most challenging encounters in the game. Defeating these Valkyries rewards you with powerful armor, enchantments, and crafting materials. These fights require precise timing, strategic use of abilities, and a deep understanding of Kratos’ combat capabilities.
Muspelheim And Niflheim: Trials Of Strength And Endurance
Muspelheim and Niflheim are optional realms that offer unique challenges and rewards. Muspelheim consists of a series of combat trials that test your skill and adaptability. Niflheim is a procedurally generated maze filled with deadly traps and powerful enemies. Completing these challenges rewards you with valuable resources and crafting materials, allowing you to further upgrade Kratos’ equipment.
Favors: Helping Others And Growing Stronger
Throughout the game, you’ll encounter various characters who need your help. Completing these favors rewards you with experience points, Hacksilver, and other valuable items. Some favors also unlock new areas and opportunities for exploration.
The Importance Of Experimentation And Adaptation
Ultimately, the best way to upgrade Kratos is to experiment with different equipment, skills, and abilities. The God of War offers a wide variety of options, allowing you to tailor Kratos to your preferred playstyle.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and adapt your strategy as you encounter new challenges. The game rewards players who are willing to experiment and find what works best for them. By mastering the art of upgrading Kratos, you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenge that the Norse realms throw your way.
What Are The Key Stats I Should Focus On When Upgrading Kratos In God Of War?
Focusing on Strength, Runic, and Vitality is crucial for Kratos’s effectiveness. Strength directly impacts the damage dealt with his melee attacks, making it a primary stat for dealing high burst damage. Runic affects the power and effectiveness of Runic Attacks and Skills, enabling devastating special abilities and prolonged combat advantages.
Vitality increases Kratos’s health and resistance to status effects. A high Vitality stat ensures Kratos can withstand significant damage and remain in the fight, vital for tackling challenging encounters and bosses. Balancing these three stats will create a resilient and powerful warrior.
How Do I Acquire New Armor And Weapons To Enhance Kratos’s Abilities?
New armor and weapons are acquired primarily through completing main story quests, side quests (Favors), exploring hidden areas, and defeating powerful enemies and bosses. Some equipment is found in chests throughout the game, while others can be crafted at the Huldra Brothers’ shop using resources gathered from exploration and combat.
Pay close attention to the stats and perks offered by each piece of equipment. Experiment with different combinations to find a build that complements your play style. Don’t hesitate to upgrade existing gear at the shop to keep it competitive as you progress through the game. The Huldra Brothers can improve your equipment’s level using Hacksilver and other resources.
What Is The Significance Of Runic Attacks And How Do I Upgrade Them Effectively?
Runic Attacks are powerful special abilities that Kratos can unleash in combat. They come in two types: Light Runic Attacks and Heavy Runic Attacks, each assigned to a corresponding slot. Upgrading them is vital to maximizing Kratos’s damage output and crowd control capabilities. These attacks often involve elemental effects, area-of-effect damage, or defensive maneuvers.
Runic Attacks are found throughout the game, often in chests or earned as rewards for completing quests. Each attack has its own experience bar that fills as you use it in combat. Once filled, you can upgrade the attack at the Huldra Brothers’ shop, increasing its damage, cooldown speed, or adding new effects. Experiment with different Runic Attack combinations to discover synergies and optimal strategies for various encounters.
How Does Skill Tree Progression Work And What Are The Best Skills To Prioritize Early On?
The Skill Tree allows you to unlock new combat abilities and enhance existing ones. As Kratos earns experience, he gains Skill Points that can be spent on unlocking nodes in the Skill Tree. These skills encompass both offensive and defensive techniques, as well as improvements to Kratos’s movement and combat options.
Early on, prioritize skills that improve Kratos’s core combat capabilities, such as increased damage with basic attacks, enhanced parrying abilities, and new combo moves. Skills that grant new options for dealing with groups of enemies are also valuable. Look for skills that complement your preferred play style and provide the most immediate impact on your combat effectiveness. Consider unlocking skills related to Atreus’s abilities, as his support is invaluable.
What Is The Role Of Atreus In Combat And How Can I Upgrade His Abilities?
Atreus is a crucial companion in combat, providing support through ranged attacks, crowd control, and tactical assistance. His arrows can inflict damage, stun enemies, and create elemental effects, providing a valuable advantage in battles. He can also perform special actions based on the situation and the gear he has equipped.
Atreus’s abilities are upgraded through new armor, Runic Summons, and by investing experience points into his Skill Tree. Armor pieces improve his stats and unlock new passive abilities. Runic Summons are special attacks he can perform on command. Prioritize upgrading his skills that enhance his arrow damage, stun capabilities, and frequency of attacks. His effectiveness greatly contributes to Kratos’s overall combat prowess.
How Do Enchantments Work And How Do I Optimize My Gear With Them?
Enchantments are items that can be slotted into armor to provide passive stat boosts and other beneficial effects. They can enhance Strength, Runic, Vitality, Luck, Cooldown, and Defense. Some enchantments also grant unique perks that can significantly impact your combat capabilities, such as increased damage against certain enemy types or improved resistance to status effects.
Optimize your gear by carefully selecting enchantments that complement your armor and play style. Consider the overall stat distribution you are aiming for and choose enchantments that fill any gaps. Experiment with different combinations to find enchantments that synergize well together and provide the most significant advantages in combat. Pay attention to the rarity and level of the enchantments, as higher-level enchantments offer more potent effects.
What Is Luck And How Does It Affect Gameplay?
Luck is a stat that influences several aspects of the game. It primarily increases your chances of triggering perks on armor and enchantments, increasing the likelihood of beneficial effects occurring during combat. This can include increased damage, healing, or other advantageous buffs.
Luck also slightly increases the amount of Hacksilver and experience gained from defeated enemies. While Luck is not as directly impactful as Strength or Vitality, it can provide a consistent stream of minor benefits that add up over time, especially when paired with gear that has powerful perks. If you’re relying heavily on perk activation for your damage or survivability, investing in Luck can significantly improve your consistency.