A complete guide for beginners and advanced players to master God of War Ragnarök, covering story missions, combat strategies, exploration paths, armor builds, skill upgrades, crafting, boss fights, and late-game progression for 100% completion.
Introduction — Why This God of War Ragnarök Guide Matters
God of War Ragnarök is a massive action-adventure game, rich with story, combat depth, and exploration across the Nine Realms. Many new players struggle with optimal leveling, missable content, hidden side quests (Favors), or best armor sets. This guide solves all of that with a highly detailed, step-by-step walkthrough, optimized to help you:
- Understand the game’s progression system
- Build the strongest Kratos and Atreus
- Unlock the best armor early
- Defeat every major boss efficiently
- Achieve 100% completion in all realms
- Discover hidden treasure, Nornir chests, and lore items
- Optimize your gameplay for the most enjoyable experience
Let’s dive in.
Chapter 1 — Essential Beginner Tips for God of War Ragnarök
A strong start makes the entire campaign smoother, so this section covers long-tail keyword-optimized tips such as “how to level up fast in God of War Ragnarök,” “best early armor in God of War Ragnarök,” and “how to survive early-game boss fights.”
1.1 Mastering Combat from the Beginning
God of War Ragnarök rewards smart decision-making and timing more than button-mashing. Follow these early combat fundamentals:
Use both weapons strategically
- Leviathan Axe → best for single-target, crowd control, frost debuffs
- Blades of Chaos → best for aggressive combos, multiple enemies, and stun buildup
Switching weapons keeps enemies off balance and increases damage output.
Always keep Atreus shooting
Atreus’s arrows add stun, interrupt enemy attacks, and activate runic abilities.
Prioritize parrying early
Perfect parries can interrupt elites and reduce boss difficulty dramatically.
1.2 Best Early Skills to Unlock
For an effective “early-game skill build for God of War Ragnarök”:
Leviathan Axe Skills
- Glacial Rake → Great AoE frost
- Leviathan Fury → Strong gap closer
- Frozen Lance → High single-target damage
Blades of Chaos Skills
- Hyperion Grapple II → Mobility + stun
- Scorched Sweep → Excellent crowd clearing
Atreus Skills
- Aggressive Storm
- Stinging Barrage
These increase his DPS and crowd control.
1.3 Best Early Armor Sets
For maximizing survivability and damage:
1. Vidar’s Set (Best for balance)
Easy to craft early; boosts strength.
2. Survival Set Upgrades
If short on resources, upgrading this basic set to Level 2–3 is enough for early chapters.
3. Nidavellir Armor (Best for stun builds)
Found in Svartalfheim — incredible for health regeneration.
Chapter 2 — Story Walkthrough: Step-By-Step Guide
Now we begin the full story walkthrough with detailed instructions. This covers essential paths, puzzles, and hidden content during each major mission.
2.1 Surviving Fimbulwinter (Opening Chapter)
After the intro cutscenes, you begin with Kratos and Atreus at their cabin.
Key Objectives
- Follow Atreus through the woods
- Defeat raiders
- Fight the Bear (first boss encounter)
Boss Fight: Björn (Bear / Atreus)
Strategy:
- Dodge red attacks; parry yellow attacks
- Use Axe throws to create distance when overwhelmed
- Use Spartan Rage early to regain HP
This fight teaches core combat mechanics.
2.2 The Quest for Tyr — Full Walkthrough
This is the first major mission and acts as a gateway to deeper exploration.
Objectives
- Travel to Svartalfheim
- Reach the Dwarven city Nidavellir
- Solve geyser puzzles
- Rescue Tyr
Detailed Steps
- Dock at the first beach in Svartalfheim → You’ll see a geyser blocking your way. Throw your axe to freeze it.
- Row to Nidavellir docks → Speak to Sindri and Brok.
- Explore the city thoroughly → Several Nornir chests are missable here.
- Mining Rig Favors → Do these early to unlock Nidavellir armor.
- Find Tyr in the mines → Fight through dwarven automatons.
- Escape the mine with Tyr → Watch for exploding rocks and narrow tunnels.
Chapter 3 — Realm-by-Realm Exploration Guide
This section covers optimal exploration order, 100% realm completion, treasure locations”
3.1 Svartalfheim 100% Completion Checklist
- 10x Artifacts
- 6x Nornir Chests
- 1x Draugr Hole
- 3x Mining Rigs
- 2x Legendary Chests
- 1x Secret Dragon Boss
Tips
Freeze geysers creatively; sometimes angle matters more than aim.
3.2 Alfheim Complete Guide
Home of the Light and Dark Elves.
Key Areas
- The Strönd
- The Barrens
- The Forbidden Sands (late-game)
Boss Fight: Alva
A fast, aggressive opponent.
Strategy:
- Parry her double-slash combos
- Use Blades of Chaos for fast retaliation
- Focus on stun damage
3.3 Vanaheim Exploration Guide
One of the largest realms in the game.
Essential Tips
- Always ride the boat to hidden side areas
- Collect Yggdrasil seeds for realm travel
- Complete the “Freyr’s Gift” and “The Mysterious Orb” Favors
Major Bosses in Vanaheim
- Nidhogg
- The Forest Ancient
- Multiple mini-bosses
Chapter 4 — Best Armor Builds for Every Playstyle
This is one of the most searched topics (“best armor in God of War Ragnarök”).
4.1 Best Strength Build (High Damage Build)
Armor Set: Berserker
Why it’s strong: Massive damage boost + soul explosions
Weapons:
- Leviathan Axe with Serpent’s Snare
- Blades of Chaos with Raging Whirlwind Recommended Relic: Hilt of Skofnung
4.2 Best Defense/Tank Build
Armor Set: Steinbjörn
- Exceptional defense
- Healing factor during rage
Perfect for difficult boss fights on higher difficulties.
4.3 Best Runic Build (Magic & Elemental Damage)
Armor Set: Raven Tears
Benefits:
- Increased healing
- Boosts runic damage
Pair with the Leviathan Axe’s runic attacks for maximum effect.
Chapter 5 — Weapons, Upgrades & Best Skills
A deep dive into maximizing Kratos’s power.
5.1 Leviathan Axe Upgrade Path
Prioritize:
- Frost Awaken
- Frozen Flame upgrades
- Runic attacks like Breath of Thamur
The Axe’s frost damage is excellent for end-game elemental builds.
5.2 Blades of Chaos Upgrade Path
Upgrade:
- Hyperion Grapple III
- Flames of Anguish
These make the Blades ideal for mobility and crowd control.
5.3 The Draupnir Spear — Late Game Guide
Unlocked in the main story on your return to Svartalfheim.
Why it’s essential:
- Best projectile weapon
- Infinite ammo
- Incredible boss-stagger potential
- Required for many late-game puzzles
Chapter 6 — Boss Fight Mega-Guide
A collection of strategies for the hardest encounters.
6.1 Thor Final Fight Strategy
- Parry single hammer blows
- Dodge lightning area attacks
- Switch weapons frequently to break his guard
- Use Spear detonations for massive stagger
6.2 Odin Final Battle Strategy
Odin is multi-phase and extremely aggressive.
Best Tactics
- Maintain mid-range distance
- Punish him after yellow attacks
- Use relics frequently
- Rotate runic attacks for maximum uptime
6.3 Berserker King (Gná After Story)
One of the hardest fights in the game.
Strategy Summary:
- Bring the Steinbjörn armor
- Use Hilt of Skofnung
- Focus on learning her 3-strike patterns
- Dodge more than parry
Chapter 7 — 100% Completion Guide
To fully complete the game, you must:
- Finish all story quests
- Complete all 47 Favors
- Clear all 9 Draugr Holes
- Defeat all 12 Berserkers
- Collect all Ravens (48 total)
- Open all Nornir Chests
- Unlock all Legendary Chests
- Complete Muspelheim Trials
- Defeat all mini-bosses and challenges
General Tips
- Use Draupnir Spear to access new areas
- Return to earlier realms once you get late-game tools
- Don’t rush Muspelheim — complete it after Level 7+
Chapter 8 — Advanced Tips & Hidden Secrets
8.1 Secret Areas New Players Often Miss
- The Elven sanctum in Alfheim
- Hidden giant skull cave in Vanaheim
- Raven Tree rewards in Niflheim
8.2 Best Way to Level Up Fast
- Complete Favors early
- Upgrade weapons before armor
- Kill mini-bosses for big XP boosts
- Open every Nornir chest
8.3 Best Settings for Combat
- Turn on enemy lock-on
- Reduce motion blur
- Increase UI cues for parry windows
These improve performance dramatically.
Conclusion — Become the God of War Ragnarök Master
This comprehensive God of War Ragnarök walkthrough has given you everything needed for beginners to advanced players:
- Detailed story progression
- Best weapons & gear upgrades
- Full realm completion steps
- Boss fight strategies
- Hidden secrets and advanced tips
- 100% completion roadmap
With this guide, you’re fully equipped to conquer the Nine Realms and experience Kratos’s journey with maximum power, efficiency, and enjoyment.
