The Leviathan Axe is arguably one of the most iconic and satisfying weapons in video game history. Kratos’s signature weapon in 2018’s God of War and God of War Ragnarök isn’t just a pretty piece of metal; it’s a customizable instrument of destruction, and much of that customization comes down to the pommel. Selecting the right pommel can significantly impact your play style and effectiveness in combat. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? This article will dissect the various axe pommels, analyzing their stats, perks, and overall viability to help you decide which attachment best suits your Spartan rage.
Understanding Axe Pommels And Their Impact
Axe pommels, also known as axe attachments, are more than just cosmetic additions to the Leviathan Axe. They directly influence Kratos’s stats, such as Strength, Runic, Defense, Vitality, Luck, and Cooldown. Each pommel offers a unique combination of these stats, catering to different combat approaches. Some pommels boost raw damage output, while others enhance defensive capabilities or empower Runic attacks.
Beyond the stat boosts, many pommels come with unique perks that can dramatically alter gameplay. These perks range from increasing damage after a specific action to granting temporary buffs upon triggering certain events. Understanding these perks is crucial for maximizing the potential of your chosen pommel.
The “best” pommel is subjective and depends heavily on your preferred play style, your current gear, and the challenges you are facing. A pommel that excels against weaker enemies might be less effective against a Valkyrie, for example. Therefore, experimentation and adaptation are key to finding the ideal pommel for each situation.
Analyzing Top-Tier Pommels In God Of War (2018)
The original God of War introduced a diverse range of axe pommels, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Here are a few of the standout options and why they are considered top-tier:
Forbidden Grip Of The Ages
Often considered one of the best all-around pommels in the game, the Forbidden Grip of the Ages is a versatile attachment that can be acquired relatively early on. Its balanced stat distribution provides a boost to Strength, Runic, Defense, and Vitality, making Kratos a more formidable fighter in all aspects of combat.
Its unique perk, however, is what truly sets it apart. This perk has a chance to grant a moderate Strength and Defense boost on any successful hit. This chance, combined with the already impressive stat boosts, turns Kratos into a damage-dealing and damage-soaking machine. This pommel provides a substantial advantage in long, drawn-out battles.
The versatility and early availability of the Forbidden Grip of the Ages make it a strong contender for the best pommel in the game for many players.
Grip Of Tanngrisnir
For players who prefer a more defensive play style, the Grip of Tanngrisnir is an excellent choice. This pommel focuses on enhancing Kratos’s defensive capabilities, providing a significant boost to Defense and Vitality.
Its perk is equally valuable, offering a chance to grant a Health Burst on any successful block. This Health Burst can be a lifesaver in challenging encounters, allowing Kratos to sustain damage and stay in the fight longer. The increased survivability makes it a great choice for facing powerful enemies and bosses.
The Grip of Tanngrisnir is particularly effective when paired with other defensive gear and skills, creating a tank-like build that can withstand even the most punishing attacks.
Retribution
Retribution is a powerful axe pommel that focuses on enhancing Kratos’s Runic attacks. It provides a substantial boost to Runic and Cooldown, allowing Kratos to cast Runic attacks more frequently and deal more damage with them.
The Retribution’s perk is directly tied to the Parry mechanic. Successfully parrying an enemy attack grants a damage boost to the next Runic attack, making it hit even harder. This encourages players to master the parry system.
This pommel is ideal for players who enjoy using Runic attacks frequently and strategically.
Ivaldi’s Corrupted Mind
Ivaldi’s Corrupted Mind is another solid choice for players favoring Runic attacks. Its perks provide boosts to Runic and Cooldown, making Kratos’ Runic abilities stronger and available more often. The extra stats make it perfect for weaving magic into combat more seamlessly.
Analyzing Top-Tier Pommels In God Of War Ragnarök
God of War Ragnarök expanded on the pommel selection, introducing new and powerful options for Kratos to wield. Here are some of the best pommels found in the sequel:
Grip Of The Valkyrie
This pommel enhances Strength and Runic, offering a balance between raw damage and Runic attack power. It is a great all-around option for those who like to mix melee attacks with special moves. The perk increases damage after using a Runic Attack, encouraging players to weave these attacks into their combos.
Stonecutter’s Knob
Stonecutter’s Knob increases Strength and Luck, making it ideal for a playthrough that rewards lucky events. It offers a higher chance of triggering perks and status effects, which can be helpful when battling various enemies.
Huldra Project #9
The Huldra Project #9 balances Strength, Runic, and Luck. This versatility is excellent for experimenting with different builds and playstyles. Its perk has a chance to trigger a damaging explosion on any hit, providing extra area-of-effect damage.
Grip Of The Nine Realms
This pommel stands out due to its unique effect on Realm Shift. It is excellent at slowing down time when dodging at the last moment. It is a strategic choice that requires precise timing and coordination.
Stat Breakdown: Which Stats Matter Most?
Understanding the different stats and how they impact Kratos’s performance is crucial for choosing the right pommel. Here’s a breakdown of each stat:
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Strength: Directly affects the damage dealt by Kratos’s melee attacks. This is arguably the most straightforward stat, and boosting Strength is always a good way to increase your overall damage output.
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Runic: Increases the damage dealt by Runic attacks and summons. For players who rely heavily on Runic abilities, prioritizing Runic is essential.
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Defense: Reduces the amount of damage Kratos takes from enemy attacks. A high Defense stat can significantly increase Kratos’s survivability, especially in challenging encounters.
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Vitality: Increases Kratos’s maximum health and the effectiveness of healing effects. More health means more room for error, and increased healing effectiveness allows you to recover from damage more quickly.
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Luck: Increases the chance of activating perks and status effects. Luck can be a powerful stat, but its effectiveness is dependent on the specific perks and effects you are using.
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Cooldown: Reduces the cooldown time of Runic attacks and summons. A lower cooldown time allows you to use your Runic abilities more frequently, increasing your overall damage output and utility.
How To Choose The Right Pommel For Your Play Style
Choosing the “best” pommel ultimately comes down to your individual play style and preferences. Here are some tips for selecting the right pommel for you:
Consider your preferred combat style. Do you prefer to focus on melee attacks, Runic abilities, or a combination of both? Choose a pommel that complements your preferred style. If you enjoy using Runic attacks frequently, prioritize pommels with high Runic and Cooldown stats. If you prefer a more aggressive melee-focused play style, prioritize pommels with high Strength.
Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Are you good at parrying attacks, or do you prefer to block? Do you tend to take a lot of damage, or are you good at avoiding attacks? Choose a pommel that addresses your weaknesses and enhances your strengths. If you struggle to survive in combat, prioritize pommels with high Defense and Vitality. If you are confident in your parrying skills, choose a pommel that rewards successful parries.
Experiment with different pommels. Don’t be afraid to try out different pommels and see what works best for you. The game provides ample opportunities to test out different gear and strategies.
Beyond Stats: Considering Perks And Synergies
While stats are important, the perks associated with each pommel can be just as impactful. Perks can dramatically alter gameplay, providing unique bonuses and effects that can significantly enhance Kratos’s combat effectiveness.
Some perks are straightforward, such as increasing damage after a successful hit. Others are more complex, such as granting a temporary buff upon triggering a specific event. It is essential to understand the nuances of each perk and how it synergizes with your overall build and play style.
Furthermore, consider how the pommel’s perk interacts with other gear and skills. Some pommels are designed to be used in conjunction with specific armor sets or Runic attacks, creating powerful synergies that can significantly boost Kratos’s effectiveness.
Conclusion: The Axe Pommel Is An Extension Of Kratos
In the end, the best axe pommel in God of War is the one that best suits your individual play style and preferences. There is no single “best” pommel for everyone, as each option offers unique strengths and weaknesses. By understanding the different stats, perks, and synergies, you can make an informed decision and choose the pommel that will help you conquer the challenges that lie ahead.
The Leviathan Axe is more than just a weapon; it’s an extension of Kratos himself. By carefully selecting the right pommel, you can forge a weapon that perfectly complements your combat style and empowers you to overcome any obstacle. Experiment, adapt, and find the pommel that allows you to unleash your inner Spartan rage.
What Are The Key Stats I Should Consider When Choosing An Axe Pommel In God Of War?
When selecting an axe pommel for the Leviathan Axe, prioritize stats that complement your playstyle. Strength increases damage output, Runic reduces cooldown for Runic Attacks, Defense enhances survivability by reducing damage taken, Vitality increases maximum health, Luck improves chance to proc certain perks and effects, and Cooldown directly reduces the recovery time of your Runic Attacks. Experiment with different combinations to find a balance that best suits your preferences.
Consider how the pommel’s stats synergize with your armor and other equipment. If you favor a more aggressive style, focus on Strength and Runic. If you prefer a more defensive build, prioritizing Defense, Vitality, and Luck can be advantageous. Remember, the best pommel for you will depend on your overall strategy and the challenges you face.
Which Axe Pommels Are Considered “endgame” Quality And Why?
Several axe pommels stand out as excellent choices for endgame content in God of War due to their powerful stats and unique perks. Examples include the Forbidden Grip of the Ages, which offers a significant boost to all stats and a chance to grant additional strength on hit, and the Grip of Healing Harmony, which provides healing properties when using Runic attacks. These pommels offer substantial benefits that can significantly improve your effectiveness in challenging encounters.
The effectiveness of an endgame pommel stems from its ability to amplify existing strengths or compensate for weaknesses in your build. The best endgame pommels often provide a combination of stat boosts and unique effects that synergize well with different playstyles, enabling you to tackle the toughest challenges the game has to offer.
How Does The Rarity Of An Axe Pommel Affect Its Stats And Perks?
The rarity of an axe pommel directly correlates with its stat values and the potential potency of its perks. Higher rarity pommels, such as legendary or epic, typically possess significantly higher stat bonuses compared to lower rarity options like common or rare. Furthermore, rarer pommels often come with more powerful or unique perks that can drastically alter your combat effectiveness.
While lower rarity pommels can be useful early in the game, it’s crucial to upgrade to higher rarity options as you progress to take advantage of the superior stats and perks they offer. These improvements provide a noticeable edge in combat, allowing you to deal more damage, withstand greater punishment, and utilize more powerful abilities.
Are There Any Axe Pommels Specifically Designed For A Runic-focused Playstyle?
Yes, several axe pommels cater specifically to players who prefer a Runic-focused playstyle. These pommels often feature significant boosts to Runic and Cooldown stats, allowing for frequent and powerful Runic Attack usage. Additionally, some of these pommels may include perks that further enhance Runic Attack damage or reduce their cooldown times.
Examples of Runic-focused pommels include the Ivaldi’s Corrupted Mind and the Tyrfing. These options provide substantial benefits to players who rely heavily on Runic Attacks to deal damage and control the battlefield. When building a Runic-focused playstyle, selecting a pommel with appropriate stats and perks is essential for maximizing its effectiveness.
How Can I Acquire Rare Or Legendary Axe Pommels In God Of War?
Acquiring rare or legendary axe pommels in God of War typically involves completing specific side quests, defeating challenging optional bosses (like Valkyries), opening special chests (Nornir Chests, Legendary Chests), or crafting them using resources gathered throughout the game. Certain high-level crafting materials are often required to forge the most powerful pommels.
Exploration and diligent completion of side content are key to obtaining these powerful upgrades. Pay close attention to the rewards listed for quests and challenges, and be sure to thoroughly explore each area to uncover hidden chests and resources. Regularly visiting Brok and Sindri’s shops is also important, as they often offer rare crafting materials or pommels for sale as you progress.
Do Axe Pommels Have Any Impact On The Leviathan Axe’s Appearance?
Yes, axe pommels directly impact the Leviathan Axe’s appearance, allowing for some degree of customization. Each pommel has a unique design that alters the look of the axe’s handle and potentially adds visual effects, such as glowing runes or metallic accents. Changing the pommel is a simple way to personalize Kratos’ weapon to better match your aesthetic preferences.
While the visual changes are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, many players enjoy collecting different pommels to create a unique and personalized look for their Leviathan Axe. Experiment with different options to find a pommel that resonates with your personal style and complements the overall look of your character.
Can I Upgrade Axe Pommels To Improve Their Stats And Perks?
No, axe pommels cannot be directly upgraded in the same way that other equipment pieces, such as armor, can. The stats and perks of an axe pommel are fixed and do not increase through upgrading. Once you acquire a pommel, its stats and perks remain constant throughout the game.
Therefore, it’s crucial to choose pommels with stats and perks that align with your desired playstyle from the outset. As you progress, focus on acquiring higher rarity pommels with inherently better stats and more potent perks, rather than trying to upgrade existing ones.