When I first picked up the controller for God of War Ragnarok, I expected to feel like an unstoppable force right out of the gate. After all, I’d spent countless hours mastering the combat in the 2018 installment—defeating every Valkyrie, hunting down every collectible, and basically turning Kratos into a finely tuned machine of destruction. But Ragnarok had other plans. It threw me into situations where I felt genuinely outmatched, and that’s where the real secrets to winning began to reveal themselves. One of the earliest realizations I had was just how crucial situational awareness is in this game. There’s this tiny on-screen arrow that signals an incoming attack from behind, switching from yellow to red as the threat becomes imminent. In theory, it’s a helpful guide. In practice? Well, let’s just say I got clipped more times than I’d like to admit. The intensity of combat, especially when you’re surrounded by multiple enemies, makes it incredibly easy to lose track of that little indicator. And when you’re up against foes who can stunlock you, a single misstep can spiral into a devastating chain of hits that wipe out your health bar in seconds. I remember one particular encounter in the latter half of the game where a single Draugr managed to lock me into a stun animation, leaving me wide open for a pummeling from two others. I died in what felt like less than three seconds flat. It wasn’t that I lacked the skill to dodge or block—it was that the game’s systems, at times, made it feel like Kratos simply couldn’t respond quickly enough to the chaos unfolding around him.
That feeling of being ill-equipped isn’t just a fluke; it’s a deliberate design choice that pushes players to refine their strategies. From my experience, the key to overcoming these challenges lies in mastering timing and positioning. For example, I started paying closer attention to audio cues and the dialogue from Atreus and Mimir, who are far more proactive this time around. Atreus, in particular, has evolved from a sidekick into a genuine asset. He’ll call out incoming threats or fire arrows to stagger enemies, giving you those precious extra frames to react. I can’t tell you how many times his interventions saved me from what seemed like certain death. And let’s talk about those high-level challenges. Ragnarok introduces boss fights and optional encounters that are even trickier than the Valkyries from the previous game. I’d estimate that about 70% of my deaths during my first playthrough occurred in these segments. The margin for error is razor-thin, and understanding attack patterns becomes non-negotiable. But here’s the silver lining: the checkpoint system in boss fights is a massive improvement. As you progress through phases, the game saves your progress more frequently, which reduces frustration and encourages persistence. It’s a small change, but it makes those grueling battles feel more manageable.
Another aspect that can’t be overlooked is the importance of adapting your playstyle on the fly. Early on, I relied heavily on aggressive tactics, thinking I could brute-force my way through encounters. That approach worked for the first few hours, but once I reached the mid-game, it became clear that defense and situational awareness were just as critical. I began incorporating more dodges and parries into my routine, and I made a conscious effort to keep moving rather than staying rooted in one spot. This isn’t just about reacting to threats—it’s about anticipating them. For instance, I noticed that enemies in Ragnarok tend to coordinate their attacks more effectively than in the previous game. In one encounter, I faced off against three Einherjar warriors, and they consistently alternated their assaults to keep me off-balance. It took me five or six attempts to finally crack their pattern, but once I did, it felt like a genuine accomplishment. That’s the beauty of Ragnarok’s combat: it rewards patience and observation.
Of course, no winning strategy would be complete without mentioning the role of equipment and upgrades. I made it a point to regularly visit the Huldra Brothers’ workshop to upgrade my gear, and I focused on stats that complemented my playstyle. For example, I prioritized cooldown reduction and runic damage because I found that ability spamming gave me more control over the battlefield. I also experimented with different armor sets, and I have to say, the Steinbjörn set was a game-changer for me. Its high defense and passive healing allowed me to survive encounters that would have otherwise been impossible. But gear alone won’t carry you through the game. I’ve seen players with fully upgraded gear struggle because they haven’t mastered the fundamentals. It’s the combination of preparation and execution that separates the good players from the great ones.
At the end of the day, what makes God of War Ragnarok’s combat so compelling is its depth. It’s a system that demands more than just button-mashing; it requires thought, adaptation, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes. I’ll admit, there were moments when I felt frustrated, especially when the difficulty spiked unexpectedly. But those moments made my eventual victories all the more satisfying. Whether you’re tackling the main story or diving into the optional content, the principles remain the same: stay aware, use your tools wisely, and don’t be afraid to change your approach when things aren’t working. And remember, Atreus is there to help—so let him. He’s a good lad, after all.
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