God Of War Ragnarok: My OP Kratos Build Guide!
Hey everyone! Today, I'm super stoked to share my ultimate Kratos build for God of War Ragnarok. This build transforms Kratos into an absolute powerhouse, capable of crushing anything the Nine Realms throw at him. Whether you're facing down hordes of Draugr or battling formidable bosses, this build will have you feeling like the true God of War. So, let's dive in and explore the gear, skills, and strategies that make this build so effective. Get ready to unleash the fury!
Introduction to the Ultimate Kratos Build
When we talk about creating the ultimate Kratos build, it's not just about picking the shiniest armor or the most damaging axe pommel. It's about crafting a synergy between your gear, skills, and playstyle that turns Kratos into an unstoppable force. In God of War Ragnarok, the depth of customization is incredible, allowing you to tailor Kratos to fit your preferred combat approach. Whether you love getting up close and personal with devastating melee attacks or prefer a more balanced approach with runic abilities, this build has something for everyone.
My goal with this build is to maximize Kratos’s damage output while maintaining survivability. We're talking about a Kratos who can withstand the harshest blows and dish out even more punishment. Think of this build as a blend of raw power and tactical prowess. It's designed to make you feel like you're truly embodying the God of War, capable of taking on any challenge the game throws your way. The core of this build revolves around leveraging key armor sets, weapon upgrades, and enchantments to amplify Kratos’s strengths and mitigate his weaknesses. We'll focus on enhancing stats like Strength, Runic, and Vitality to create a well-rounded powerhouse. Strength is crucial for increasing melee damage, Runic boosts the power of your runic attacks and abilities, and Vitality ensures you can take a beating and keep on fighting. We'll also delve into specific skills and perks that synergize with our chosen gear, ensuring that every swing of the Leviathan Axe and every strike of the Blades of Chaos hits with maximum impact. But it's not just about the numbers. This build is also about creating a playstyle that feels satisfying and engaging. You'll learn how to effectively use your runic attacks, shield abilities, and Spartan Rage to control the battlefield and dominate your enemies. The right combination of these elements will transform Kratos from a formidable warrior into an unstoppable god. So, whether you're a seasoned God of War veteran or new to the franchise, this build will help you experience the game in a whole new way.
Key Components of the Build
Let's break down the essential components that make this Kratos build truly shine. We'll cover everything from the best armor sets and weapon upgrades to crucial enchantments and skills. Each piece plays a vital role in creating a Kratos who is both powerful and resilient.
Armor Set
For the armor, I highly recommend the Berserker Armor Set. This set is a game-changer, especially when you're looking to maximize damage output and aggression. The Berserker Armor boosts your Strength and Defense, but its real power lies in its unique perk: each piece of the set enhances Kratos's attack power after using a runic attack. This means that weaving runic attacks into your combat rotation not only deals significant damage but also buffs your subsequent melee strikes. This creates a satisfying loop of unleashing devastating runic abilities and following up with even more potent weapon attacks. The full set bonus further amplifies this effect, making Kratos a whirlwind of destruction. Another excellent option is the Lunda's Lost Armor Set. This set focuses on debuffing enemies, making them more vulnerable to your attacks. It's particularly effective against bosses and tougher enemies, where every bit of extra damage counts. Lunda's Lost Armor Set applies a poison effect to enemies when you parry or block their attacks, weakening them and making them easier to defeat. This set is perfect for players who enjoy a more tactical approach to combat, using precise blocks and parries to gain an edge. The set is especially effective because of the poison it inflicts which not only hurts your enemies over time, but lowers their overall power, making them hit softer. Ultimately, the choice of armor set depends on your playstyle and preferences. But for a build that emphasizes both damage and survivability, the Berserker Armor Set and Lunda's Lost Armor Set are top-tier choices. They provide the perfect blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, allowing you to dominate the battlefield. By understanding the strengths of each set and how they synergize with your other gear and skills, you can create a Kratos who is truly unstoppable.
Weapon Upgrades and Attachments
The Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos are your primary weapons, and upgrading them is crucial. For the Leviathan Axe, focus on upgrades that boost its damage and add elemental effects. The Frozen Flame upgrades are essential for enhancing the axe’s frost abilities, allowing you to freeze enemies and deal extra damage. This not only provides crowd control but also sets up opportunities for devastating follow-up attacks. For the Blades of Chaos, prioritize upgrades that increase their burn damage and area of effect. The Chaos Flame upgrades are key here, as they amplify the blades’ fiery properties. Setting enemies ablaze not only deals damage over time but also disrupts their attacks, giving you an advantage in combat. Beyond the primary upgrades, weapon attachments play a significant role in shaping your combat style. For the Leviathan Axe, I recommend the Pommels of the Nine Realms. These pommels add various elemental effects to your attacks and boost different stats, such as Strength and Runic. They allow you to tailor the axe to your specific needs, whether you want to focus on freezing enemies or maximizing your damage output. For the Blades of Chaos, the Pommels of the Crucible are excellent. These pommels enhance the blades’ burning abilities and provide additional perks, such as increasing the damage of your heavy attacks. They complement the blades’ aggressive playstyle, making them even more deadly in close combat. Don't underestimate the power of weapon attachments. They can significantly alter your combat dynamics and provide valuable stat boosts. Experiment with different pommels to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and synergize with your overall build. By carefully selecting your weapon upgrades and attachments, you can transform the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos into instruments of unparalleled destruction. The right combination of upgrades and attachments will not only increase your damage output but also add versatility to your combat arsenal, allowing you to adapt to any situation.
Amulets and Enchantments
Amulets and enchantments are the unsung heroes of any great build in God of War Ragnarok. They provide crucial stat boosts and unique perks that can significantly enhance your abilities. For this build, we'll focus on enchantments that boost Strength, Runic, and Vitality, as these stats are essential for maximizing Kratos's damage and survivability. Amulets are powerful accessories that provide passive buffs and special abilities. The Amulet of Kvasir is a standout choice, as it slows down time when you perform a perfect dodge, giving you a window to counterattack or reposition. This amulet is invaluable for both offensive and defensive play, allowing you to evade enemy attacks and unleash devastating counter-strikes. The Amulet of Jotunheim is another excellent option, boosting your Strength and Defense while also increasing the effectiveness of your frost attacks. This amulet synergizes perfectly with the Leviathan Axe and is particularly useful against enemies vulnerable to ice damage. Enchantments, on the other hand, are slotted into your armor and amulets to provide additional stat boosts and perks. Look for enchantments that increase Strength, Runic, and Vitality, as these will directly enhance your damage output and survivability. Enchantments that provide elemental damage buffs are also valuable, as they can add extra punch to your attacks. For example, enchantments that boost frost damage will synergize well with the Leviathan Axe, while those that increase burn damage will complement the Blades of Chaos. Some enchantments also provide unique perks, such as increasing your resistance to status effects or granting bonus damage after performing a specific action. These perks can add an extra layer of depth to your combat strategy, allowing you to tailor your build to your specific playstyle. Don't overlook the power of amulets and enchantments. They can transform a good build into a great one, providing the stat boosts and perks you need to dominate the battlefield. By carefully selecting your amulets and enchantments, you can create a Kratos who is both incredibly powerful and remarkably resilient.
Skills and Abilities
Kratos's skills and abilities are the final piece of the puzzle, allowing you to customize his combat style and unleash devastating attacks. In God of War Ragnarok, the skill trees are extensive, offering a wide range of options for enhancing your abilities. For this build, we'll focus on skills that amplify our damage output, improve our survivability, and synergize with our chosen gear and playstyle. When it comes to the Leviathan Axe, prioritize skills that boost its damage and add elemental effects. The Frozen Charge skill, for example, allows you to charge your axe with frost energy, unleashing a powerful ice blast that freezes enemies. This skill is invaluable for crowd control and setting up opportunities for follow-up attacks. The Leviathan’s Fury skill is another must-have, granting you a devastating axe throw that deals massive damage. This skill is perfect for taking down tough enemies from a distance or interrupting their attacks. For the Blades of Chaos, focus on skills that enhance their burn damage and area of effect. The Raging Inferno skill allows you to ignite your blades, dealing additional burn damage with each attack. This skill synergizes perfectly with the Blades’ fiery nature, making them even more deadly in close combat. The Infernal Eruption skill is another excellent choice, unleashing a fiery explosion that damages all nearby enemies. This skill is perfect for dealing with groups of foes or stunning larger opponents. Beyond weapon-specific skills, there are also several general combat abilities that are essential for this build. The Guardian’s Justice skill enhances your parry window, making it easier to deflect enemy attacks. This skill is crucial for both offensive and defensive play, allowing you to create openings for counterattacks and avoid taking damage. The Spartan Rage abilities are also incredibly powerful, transforming Kratos into a raging berserker who deals massive damage. The Wrath of the Berserker rage mode is particularly effective, granting you increased Strength and defense while also unleashing devastating attacks. Don't underestimate the power of skills and abilities. They can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, allowing you to take on even the toughest challenges. By carefully selecting your skills and abilities, you can create a Kratos who is not only powerful but also versatile, capable of adapting to any situation. Remember to experiment with different skill combinations to find the ones that best suit your playstyle and synergize with your chosen gear.
Combat Strategy and Tips
Now that we've covered the gear and skills, let's talk about how to put this build into action. A powerful build is only as effective as the strategy behind it, so let's dive into some essential combat tips and strategies to make the most of your ultimate Kratos build.
Mastering Runic Attacks
Runic attacks are a cornerstone of this build, providing both damage and utility. They're not just about dealing a burst of damage; they're about controlling the flow of combat. Start by learning the attack patterns of your enemies. Knowing when to interrupt their attacks with a well-timed runic ability can turn the tide of battle. The Light Runic Attack is your bread and butter for crowd control. Look for abilities that stun or knock back enemies, creating openings for follow-up attacks. This is where abilities like Hel's Touch or Wrath of the Frost Ancient shine, freezing enemies and giving you breathing room. Heavy Runic Attacks are your big damage dealers. Save these for tougher enemies or bosses. Abilities like The Draupnir's Fang or The Leviathan's Roar can deal massive damage, especially when used in conjunction with buffs from your armor or enchantments. Experiment with different runic attack combinations to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Some players prefer a mix of crowd control and damage, while others focus on maximizing their damage output. The key is to find a balance that works for you and allows you to adapt to different combat scenarios. Don't forget to weave runic attacks into your regular combat rotation. Using them strategically not only deals damage but also buffs your subsequent melee attacks, thanks to the Berserker Armor Set. This creates a powerful loop of runic attacks followed by weapon strikes, making you a force to be reckoned with. Mastering runic attacks is about more than just pressing the buttons; it's about understanding their strengths and weaknesses, knowing when to use them, and integrating them seamlessly into your combat style. With practice and experimentation, you'll become a master of runic combat, capable of taking on any challenge the game throws your way.
Effective Weapon Combos
Weapon combos are the bread and butter of Kratos's combat prowess. Mastering them is crucial for maximizing your damage output and controlling the battlefield. The Leviathan Axe is your go-to weapon for dealing with single targets and exploiting elemental weaknesses. Start with light attacks to build up the frost status effect, then follow up with heavy attacks to deal massive damage. The Frost Awaken skill is your best friend here, allowing you to infuse your axe with frost energy and unleash devastating blows. Don't underestimate the power of the axe throw. It's not just a ranged attack; it's a versatile tool that can interrupt enemy attacks, stagger opponents, and set up opportunities for follow-up strikes. The Leviathan’s Fury skill enhances your axe throw, making it even more potent. The Blades of Chaos are perfect for dealing with groups of enemies and applying burn damage. Use light attacks to set enemies ablaze, then follow up with heavy attacks to deal additional damage and keep them burning. The Raging Inferno skill amplifies the blades’ fiery properties, making them even more effective. Experiment with different combos to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Some players prefer a mix of light and heavy attacks, while others focus on specific combos that deal maximum damage. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you and allows you to adapt to different combat situations. Don't be afraid to switch weapons mid-combo. Transitioning from the Leviathan Axe to the Blades of Chaos (and vice versa) can create openings for additional attacks and keep your enemies on their toes. The Weapon Switch skill enhances this ability, granting you a brief damage boost when you switch weapons. Mastering weapon combos is about more than just memorizing button sequences; it's about understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon, knowing when to switch between them, and integrating them seamlessly into your combat style. With practice and experimentation, you'll become a master of weapon combat, capable of taking on any challenge the game throws your way. Remember, the best combos are the ones that feel natural to you and allow you to express your personal combat style.
Utilizing Shield and Spartan Rage
Shields and Spartan Rage are Kratos's ultimate defensive and offensive tools, respectively. Knowing how to use them effectively can turn the tide of battle and make you an unstoppable force. Your shield is your primary means of defense, but it's also a powerful offensive weapon in its own right. Mastering the parry is crucial for this build. A well-timed parry not only negates damage but also staggers enemies, creating opportunities for counterattacks. The Guardian’s Justice skill enhances your parry window, making it easier to deflect enemy attacks. Don't just block; use your shield offensively. Shield strikes can interrupt enemy attacks, break their guard, and set them up for follow-up combos. The Dauntless Shield is particularly effective for this, allowing you to unleash a powerful shield slam that staggers enemies. Spartan Rage is your ultimate trump card, transforming Kratos into a raging berserker who deals massive damage. There are several different Spartan Rage modes, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Experiment with them to find the one that best suits your playstyle. The Wrath of the Berserker rage mode is a classic choice, granting you increased Strength and defense while also unleashing devastating attacks. The Fury of the Spartan rage mode focuses on healing, allowing you to regenerate health while dealing damage. The Rage of the Titans rage mode combines elements of both, granting you increased damage and healing. Use Spartan Rage strategically. Don't just activate it randomly; save it for tough enemies or situations where you're overwhelmed. Activating Spartan Rage at the right moment can turn a losing battle into a victory. Remember, Spartan Rage is not just about dealing damage; it's also about crowd control and survivability. The increased damage and defense can help you clear out groups of enemies or withstand powerful attacks. Utilizing your shield and Spartan Rage effectively is about more than just pressing the buttons; it's about understanding their strengths and weaknesses, knowing when to use them, and integrating them seamlessly into your combat style. With practice and experimentation, you'll become a master of defense and rage, capable of taking on any challenge the game throws your way.
Conclusion: Becoming the God of War
So, there you have it – my ultimate Kratos build for God of War Ragnarok! This build is all about maximizing damage output, maintaining survivability, and feeling like the true God of War. By mastering the gear, skills, and strategies we've discussed, you'll be well-equipped to take on any challenge the Nine Realms throw your way. Remember, this build is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment and adapt it to your personal playstyle. The beauty of God of War Ragnarok is the depth of customization it offers, so don't be afraid to try new things and discover what works best for you. Whether you prefer a more aggressive, damage-focused approach or a more balanced, tactical style, there's a build out there for everyone. The key is to find the gear, skills, and strategies that resonate with you and allow you to express your personal combat style. God of War Ragnarok is a game that rewards experimentation and mastery. The more you play, the more you'll discover new ways to combine gear, skills, and strategies to create even more powerful builds. Don't be afraid to try new things, push your limits, and see what you're capable of. Ultimately, becoming the God of War is about more than just having the best gear or the most powerful skills. It's about mastering the art of combat, understanding your enemies, and developing the strategic thinking necessary to overcome any challenge. It's about embracing the spirit of Kratos and becoming the unstoppable force that he is meant to be. So go forth, warriors, and unleash the fury! With this build and your own skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming the God of War.