How to Master God of War Ragnarök Combat

Greetings fellow gamer! Are you struggling to gain the upper hand in the intense battles of God of War Ragnarök? Frustrated that no matter how hard you swarm enemies with attacks, they always seem to get the better of you? Well wonder no more, because in this post I'm going to unveil the secrets to dominating any combat encounter you come across in the realms. 

By the time you finish reading, you'll be wondering how you ever had trouble before. I'm going to show you techniques for chaining attacks together in lethal sequences that will leave foes reeling. Strategies for exploiting each enemy's weaknesses until they crumble at your sandaled feet. Ways to juggle attackers helplessly like dolls, keeping pressure on without relief. And how to shift between playstyles so fluidly your motions seem more reminiscent of a dance than a fight! 

Now let's get started. 

Understanding the Foundation - Controls and Basic Techniques

The first step is understanding the core mechanics that make up combat. God of War Ragnarök features an in-depth fighting system that may initially feel complex, but breaks down into some basic building blocks. take time to fully learn these fundamentals before advancing. 

The traditional light and heavy attack buttons form the basis of Kratos' moveset. Chaining various sequences of these together createscombos that can be adapted on the fly. Through practice, you'll memorize which button presses result in which multi-hit strings so they become instinctual in the heat of battle. 

Always be mixing up your combos to keep foes guessing. A varied assault makes openings for more powerful attacks and prevents enemies from learning your patterns. Light attacks are generally faster but do less damage per hit. Heavies hit harder but are more commitment. Flow between the two seamlessly.

Beyond basic strikes are your defensive options - blocking, evading and parrying. 

Blocking with L1 absorbs a portion of damage from frontal assaults. Dodging with circle grants brief I-frames to pass through attacks while evading damage. Successful parries performed by attacking just as an enemy strike lands stun them and leave them exposed.

Get accustomed to identifying tells for different attack types coming your way. Some heavier blows must be blocked, others can be dodged through or parried. Get the parry timing down pat by facing easy enemies and focusing solely on perfectly intercepting their swings. Mastering defense is 50% of combat mastery in these games. 

Next, Spice Things Up With Runics and Modifiers

Combat in God of War Ragnarök features an extra layer of depth and nuance through the use of runic attacks and modifying their effects. These powerful special moves add variety and strategic options to your repertoire.

Runes are found throughout the realms by opening magical blue chests. Each one teaches Kratos a unique ability on the combat skill tree with a cooldown timer. Some unleash torrents of slashes, while others summon beams of light or enhance your weapon for a period. 

Try all runic attacks to find your favorites, but save using them for opportune moments. Don't waste their long cooldowns on minor enemies. Look to chain them into your combos against tougher foes or right after a parry/stagger for max effect. Perfectly timed rune use is an art.

Modifiers are socketed gems that modify runic properties, like increasing damage of a certain type. Test modifier combos in the workshops to optimize your setup. prioritizing status effects, like concussive or burn, allow you tocrowd control groups of enemies. Some aid your stats or cooldown rate too. This deep level of customization further expands tactical options.

Diversify Your Strategy With Multiple Playstyles

Another element taking combat to new heights in Ragnarök is the addition of secondary weapon and character swapping on the fly with L1/R1. Having versatile movesets at the ready keeps adversaries constantly off balance. 

Kratos' signature Blades of Chaos allow fast, sweeping strikes great for overwhelming light foes. But against heavily armored opponents, the sharp talons of your bare hands inflict concentrated, piercing damage that effectively tears through plating. 

Summoning your son Atreus with R1 transforms Kratos into a ranged combatant. Command Atreus to fire Frost or Shock arrows from a safe distance using up, down,left and right. His precise shots stun, damage, and pin down targets for easy takedowns from you. Crowd controlling large throngs becomes a breeze. 

Momentum shifting defensive maneuvers see Kratos weave between styles with perfect evasives during opponent attacks. Surprise them mid swing with a sudden transition that leaves them open to a counter combo. Style swapping takes veteran reflexes but greatly improves survivability. 

The fluidity between all weapon types thanks to God of War Ragnarök's innovative adaptation of a deep, complex combat system allows for limitless strategic diversity and experimentation in every fight. Take advantage of every tool and playstyle at your disposal.

How to master Advanced Techniques

With a solid foundation in the basics, it's time to start incorporating more nuanced techniques that elevate your gameplay. Refining skills like juggling, chaining attacks seamlessly and engineering strategic boss weaknesses will tip battles overwhelmingly in your favor.

1 Juggling Enemies for Continuous Damage 

Juggling is the process of staggering and launching foes into the air, keeping them trapped in a state of hitstun. Against larger opponents and groups, it allows non-stop aggression. 

The secret is timing your highest hitting moves, like runic finishers or Atreus' arrows, to overlap with the recovery frames of your previous hits. With practice, even the beefiest of enemies can be locked floating helplessly as damage racks up. Juggling has a flowing rhythm - get into the zone.

2. Chaining Attacks and Strategies Flawlessly

Beyond simple combos are fluid chains that integrate defenses, special attacks and playstyle switches without pause. For example: dodge an overhead swing > immediate parry on follow up > roundhouse runic into arrows > fist flurries > evade dual blades. 

Everything links seamlessly for maximum punishment. Only experience yields this mastery. Shadow boxing NPCs helps cement combos muscle memory for real scenarios. With commitment, dynamic chains become your greatest weapon. 

How to Strategize Against Unique Enemy in this game

While mastery of core techniques allows domination of most normal enemies you'll face, true battlefield genius is shown in how you handle unique adversaries. Not all opponents can be overcome using a simplistic "spam attacks" approach. Some require cunning strategies tailored to their abilities and traits. Recognizing when to diverge from standard tactics and get creative is key to emerging victorious from any engagement.

Heavily shielded draugr present a particular challenge. Where a regular barrage of hits might fell other foes, these implacable soldiers seem impervious to direct assault. However, I've found their guard invariably breaks following a perfectly timed parry. 

Look for openings, then intercept their counter swing at the exact moment of impact. The stagger leaves them exposed to a devastating flurry that chips away that armor in short order. 

Certain foes also wield unblockable attacks that evasion proves vital to survive against. Dodging behind these charging adversaries provides a bounty of open critical strike opportunities however. With good reflexes and i-frame acumen, you can turn their strength into weakness through skillful repositioning mid-swing. 

Aerial opponents like stealth flyers demand an elevation in strategy. While within reach, standard melee works, their dwellings out of blade's length requires alternative solutions. Runic projectiles homing in or pinpoint arrows from Atreus' bow reign them to the dirt in short order. Knowing when to swap focus keeps pressure applied from any distance.

Construct foes similarly demand calculating their elemental susceptibilities. Exploiting aura weaknesses like shocking water or burning shield enemies yields rapid victory where attrition may fail. Developing a mental database of such traits ensures no target stands unsolvable before your rising might.

Overcoming every kind of enemy, no matter how varied, is simply another test of your evolving mastery. With study and experimentation, even the most intimidating quarry falls as predicted before your customized approaches. Diversity breeds only further opportunity to showcase your dominance in novel scenarios. Seize each chance to refine already formidable skills.

How To Optimize Gear

Alongside technique, upgrading Kratos' weapons extensively bolsters survivability and damage output in God of War Ragnarok. Maximizing stats through thoughtful choice of gear is as paramount to success as mastery of mechanics. How can you do that? 

1 Gather Resources Throughout the Realm

Crafting materials like craftingResources like hacksilver, zeusArmor, tyrArmor and rare resources are found throughout the realm. Be sure to fully explore each zone, complete quests and regularly upgrade gear to keep stats scaling with challenge level. 

2. Focus On Strength, Runic and Vitality

Strength raises melee damage, while Runic amplifies runic attack potency. Vitality increases health and defense. Prioritize these "bread and butter" stats above all else, balancing offense with survival ability. 

Look for epic gear specifically boosting these attributes in high amounts to push your character's limits. Certain late-game sets like Athena's armor spread stats very evenly for well-rounded power.

How do you heal out of combat in God of War Ragnarok and with which button? 

The most ubiquitous healing option lies in Restoring Draught potions crafted from harvested resources. Equipping these via the menu and tapping triangle unleashes swift but substantial recoveries. Stockpiling crafting materials allows brewing replenishments between fights. Exceptional foresight keeps medical supplies flowing.

Beyond purchasable goods, the lands themselves offer healing gifts through plant life. Seek verdant foliage glowing warm amber hues among rocky terrain. Interacting replenishes a moderate percentage of lost wellness. Understanding nature's signs bolsters survivability away from civilization's comforts.

Should all restoratives prove depleted, allowing HP to regenerate passively becomes a longer, riskier gambit. Retreating fully from combat zones into safety permits the body to stitch wounds closed naturally over time. Monitoring status during retreat, hiding if pursued informs when return becomes prudent.

How do you fight in God of War Ragnarok?

• Weapons and Attacks: Kratos will primarily use his Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, which can be equipped from the weapon wheel. Light attacks are quick slashes, while heavy attacks are more powerful. You can string combos like light-light-heavy. 
• Blocking and Parrying: Raise your shield with L1 to block incoming attacks. Well-timed blocks of red attacks will parry, leaving enemies open. Parry windows are small, so practice timing. 
• Dodge and Evade: Rolling with O allows evading attacks and closing distance. Dodging backwards with O gets distance. Time dodges or you'll still take damage. 
• Spend Rage: Filling the rage meter in combat lets you perform devastating Spartan Rage attacks with R1 that damage all enemies. Rage also recharges your health slowly. 
• Switch stance: Hold R1 to switch between axe/blades for different movesets. Some enemies are weak to certain weapons. Switch mid-combo for mixups. 
• Execute Enemies: Grappled or staggered enemies can be executed with R2 for extra health/rage. Dispatch ranged foes quickly before they retaliate. 
• Upgrade Gear: Loot resources to craft/upgrade gear at shops or Brok for increased damage, stats and new abilities. Experiment to suit your playstyle. 

Conclusion

This guide provided a comprehensive overview of the systems that define combat in God of War Ragnarok from fundamentals to advanced techniques and optimizations. With committed practice internalizing each concept until second nature, your skills will surely reach the pinnacle of what's humanly possible.  

Now the only thing left is to apply everything you've learned by throwing yourself headfirst into the crucible of battle. Stay fearless in the face of any foe. Victory will be yours.

FAQs

How many hours does it take to 100% God of War Ragnarok?

It takes up to 65 - 100 hours. Let's have the breakdown. 

The main story campaign will likely consume 15-20 hours for most players. Santa Monica Studio has crafted an intricate Norse epic filled with cinematic cutscenes and set pieces. Simply playing through the critical path and main story beats will keep you engaged for dozens of hours. 

However, to fully complete the game there are many optional side quests called favors to undertake. These questlines for the various characters you'll meet across the realms add substantial additional content. From helping the dwarves to investigating mysteries, favors can easily pile on another 10-15 hours of gameplay. 

A massive part of the 100% completion time comes from thorough collecting. God of War Ragnarok is filled with hundreds of collectibles like artifacts, dragon tears and hidden treasure chests scattered throughout the expansive realms. Tracking down every single one located in plains, mountains and depths will consume many hours for a completionist. Plan for 5-10 hours minimum slowly powering through the collection.

Intricate puzzles, challenges and mini-games are also tucked away providing a fun change of pace. From the timed Shipyards of Niflheim to underground Lore Rooms, these diversions offer their own rewards. Figure another 5-10 hours working through them cooperatively with your son Atreus.

Mastering every technique and upgrading Kratos to the peak of his powers is a journey in itself. Scouring every nook and cranny ensures no resources are left behind aiding the lengthy process. Between acquiring crafting materials, gaining XP in combat and fully improving the arsenal, this may take another 5-10 hours depending on your exploration. 

Add it all up while replaying for any missed aspects and achieving the toughest combat feats, and a dedicated God of War player can expect to invest 65-100 hours to fully complete Ragnarok. Are you up for the epic challenge?

How do I get more powerful God of War Ragnarok?

1. Upgrade weapons and armor: Craft and upgrade Kratos' gear at shops using collected resources for higher stats.
2.  Unlock new armor sets: Complete quests and open hidden areas to find armor with unique skills and bonuses.
3. Level up: Gain XP from battles and challenges to increase vitality, runic, strength and more. Higher levels mean tougher enemies can be faced. 
4. Upgrade Spartan/Leviathan rage: Spend resources to extend duration and make rage attacks more lethal. 
5.  Find treasure maps: Completing maps rewards rare resources and artifacts to help weapon upgrades. Some artifacts grant permanent boosts.
6. Find Dragon Tears: Absorbing these rare collectibles maxes out Kratos' health/rage meters.
7. Complete Favors: Side quests reward skill points to permanently upgrade runic/leviathan attacks.
8.  Craft pommels/talismans: Attachable items add new runic abilities and status effects. 
9. Bond with father: Higher trust allows Kratos to request/learn new combat techniques from Atreus.
10.  Explore thoroughly: Hidden chests contain resources/crafting recipes off the beaten path. 

How many bosses are in God of War Ragnarok?

There are approximately 10 main bosses that must be fought and defeated in God of War Ragnarok

1. Thor (mid-game) - The God of Thunder is the first major boss battle. He is a formidable and fast opponent who utilizes lightning attacks. 

2. Hraezlyr (early-game) - This massive dragon adversary guards the mystic realm of Vanaheim. Fire breath and aerial assaults must be avoided.

3. Surtr (late-game) - The colossal fire giant king of Muspelheim is one of the toughest battles requiring strategic teamwork. 

4. Gryla (mid-game) - This hag witch summons biting ice attacks in the frozen wilds of Niflheim that must be protected against.

5. Garm (late-game) - The monstrous underworld hound is set loose in Helheim where mobility is key to dodging bites and slams. 

6. Heimdall (late-game) - The all-seeing God's sword skills test Kratos' reflexes as light and heavy hits need parrying. 

7. Valkyries (post-game) - These bonus, very challenging bosses are encountered individually with unique arenas and movesets. 

8. Lyngbakr (mid-game) - The corrupted World Serpent uses its massive size and lightning bite attacks in a climactic naval battle. 

9. Modi (early-game) - Thor's brash son tests strength in combat before resorting to tricks in their first meeting.

10. Magni (early-game) - His resilient fighting style of dodging and enraged states requires reading his patterns.