InGod of War Ragnarok, there’s some strategy in choosing which of the wide variety of skills players should unlock early to use Kratos' aggression to their tactical advantage. Each character in the game has a roster of skills at their disposal, allowing players to define their combat style.
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In the first two hours of Ragnarok, returning players should feel at home, as the skill tree works identically to the previous game. Players can purchase a variety of useful skills to empower Kratos if they have enough XP points. Here are some tips on which skills you should obtain and upgrade in the early phase to make Kratos stronger than formidable enemies and bosses.
10Spinning Chaos
Kratos performs a leaping cyclone attack to close the gap on faraway enemies. Spinning Chaos knocks falling enemies back into the air while evading. TheLeviathan Axemay be a better choice for boss fights, but the Blades of Chaos have your back against multiple, smaller enemies.
Spinning Chaos can not deal a certain amount of damage to unlock it earlier than other skills, but it creates a great way to close the gap with enemies safely. It is simple to pull off, aesthetic, and satisfying skill with an affordable 750XP price tag.
9Vaporize Frost
One of the best skills to unlock early with the Chaos of Blades is Vaporize Frost, which deals elemental fire damage to enemies. Charge up one Blade of Chaos by holding the triangle button, and your subsequent attack will be more powerful with an elemental boost.
In addition, unlocking Vaporize Frost will bring bonus damage to frosted enemies, allowing players to create electrifying combos in the early game.
8Blazing Explosion
Kratos applies the Burn status to a group of enemies with Blazing Explosion, causing an explosion to deal significant damage. Bear in mind that this skill has a decent build-up time, so players better use the Protection Mod token not to take much damage from enemies while performing Blazing Explosion.
Blazing Explosion is an upgraded version of Blazing Surge that costs 1000XP points, more than any other skills in the list. After impaling an enemy with one chain, Kratos throws another into the target and sends fiery pulse energy down both chains to cause a damaging explosion.
7Vengeful Sickle
Another ranged attack for Kratos' axe is the Vengeful Sickle, which allows players to charge up The Leviathan Axe and throw it to cut down enemies with multiple heavy hits. It is a satisfying, easy-to-remember, and simple to pull off that costs 500XP in the early game.
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Players must aim and hold a light attack to charge up the Leviathan Axe, causing it to spin and slice for multiple hits against a single enemy when thrown. It can also be combined with Vaporize Frost or Rushing Chaos to kill enemies by having a glimpse.
6Hyperion Grapple
Hyperion Grapple is actually a perfect status builder and mobility tool, which inflicts heavy Stun damage while giving Kratos a short time to reposition in the middle of the fight.
After impaling a single enemy withBlade of Chaos, Kratos launches forward towards grounded enemies to cause an impact with high stun. He can also use this skill to his advantage against airborne enemies as Hyperion Grapple slams them into the ground. You should consider unlocking this ranged skill early to dole out damage to distant enemies.
5Chaotic Rampage
Another good pickup is Chaotic Rampage, which balances Blade of Chaos' weaknesses against singular enemies. Additionally, to get its Skill Labor completed, it seems logical that players unlock Chaotic Rampage’s upgrade path early in the game.
Kratos unleashes a high-damage flurry of attacks on a single enemy to pour all his power into Chaotic Rampage, setting up a variety of moves for later. It’s simple to perform and makes you feel satisfied as an easy way to decimate singular opponents.
4Watchful Protector
This could be one of the best early skills for Atreus, as his skill tree does not truly open until the late game. Watchful Protector is an instinct skill that allows Atreus to draw enemy aggression when Kratos is under pressure.
Watchful Protector provides one benefit of an NPC companion in GoW: Ragnarok can’t die to enemy damage, meaning players do not endanger Atreus when he draws enemy aggression to relieve his father. It could be enough in most group encounters. Watchful Protector costs 750XP points to purchase at the very beginning of the game.
3Permafrost
Head to the Technique Skill tree to purchase Permafrost for the Leviathan Axe, which causes Frost damage to enemies on every hit. You need to melee attack to charge the frost attacks, with a fully charged weapon dealing tons of damage for a limited duration. The Permafrost skill also offers bonuses to Luck and Runic stats.
It’s better to unlock Permafrost after Glacial Rake and Serpent’s Snare despite its power, as it can be tough to charge up if you don’t want to break your combo. Permafrost costs 500XP and can be upgraded to Glacial Permafrost to enhance melee attacks. It also increases the range of the Frost waves for a short duration.
2Serpent’s Snare
It is a powerful heavy attack that throws the enemy to apply a certain amount of damage. Additionally, Serpent’s Snare throws weaker enemies to create an explosion of frost to dole out damage to nearby enemies. Serpent’s Snare is a must-have skill with the Leviathan Axe, inflicting damage on the impact that will result in accurate hits.
By holding down the R2 button, players can knock enemies off nearby ledges while creating a ranged frost bomb. Keep in mind that Serpent’s Snare is not available to unlock at the beginning, as players must use the Frozen Flame they earn after taking down one of the early bosses and upgrade the Leviathan Axe at Brok or Sindri’s shop. Keeping a powerful ranged attack at your disposal is something that will get you out of tough positions against multiple enemies.
1Glacial Rake
Players should have enough XP points to unlock Glacial Rake in the early game, as it only costs 750XP. What makes Glacial Rake better than Frost Ascension is that it is much easier to unlock and functions in a similar fashion.
Kratos drags the Leviathan Axe through the ground to rip out ice shards that strike repeatedly with high frost, making himself staggered during this skill. Apart from being a perfect AoE skill to vanquish a group of enemies, Glacial Rake can also be used against singular opponents by sending forward a shockwave of ice.
