Mastering the combat system in God of War (2018) requires players to effectively integrate special abilities into Kratos's regular arsenal of attacks. Runic attacks provide unique offensive and defensive options that can turn the tide of difficult encounters against Norse mythological beasts. Selecting the right combination allows you to control crowds, break enemy guards, and maximize your overall damage potential across different weapon types.
Top Light Runic Attacks for the Leviathan Axe
Hel's Touch stands out as one of the most reliable light runic choices due to its incredibly fast activation time and low cooldown period. This ability releases an immediate burst of energy that stuns nearby opponents, granting you a safe window to reposition or follow up with heavy combos. It functions exceptionally well in tight situations where you need to disrupt aggressive enemy animations instantly.
Another excellent option for the Leviathan Axe is Njord's Tempest, which transforms Kratos into a spinning vortex of frost damage. This multi-hit attack is ideal for clearing out smaller groups of enemies while steadily applying the frost status effect. It allows players to maintain offensive pressure while moving across the battlefield fluidly.
Devastating Heavy Runic Options for the Axe
When it comes to delivering massive single-target damage, Ivaldi's Anvil is highly favored by many experienced players. This heavy attack smashes the axe into the ground, creating a large area-of-effect blast that deals high frost damage and staggers larger monsters. The shockwave provides substantial crowd control, making it perfect for handling overwhelming encounters in the optional realms.
Alternatively, Glaive Storm offers an automated targeting system that makes it incredibly powerful during encounters with numerous targets. Kratos throws the axe, which automatically seeks out multiple nearby enemies to deal heavy damage before returning to his hand. It ensures that no opponents can easily flank you during chaotic skirmishes.
Essential Light Runic Abilities for the Blades of Chaos
The Blades of Chaos excel at crowd management, and choosing the right abilities enhances this elemental strength significantly. Nemean Crush delivers a powerful forward shockwave that inflicts high burn damage and forcefully pushes back aggressive enemies. It serves as an excellent tool for creating space when you find yourself cornered by fast opponents.
For players focused on continuous offense, Rampage of the Furies offers a relentless flurry of slashes that locks targets in place. This attack deals consistent fire damage over a short duration, allowing you to maximize your damage output on staggered bosses. It remains a staple choice for aggressive playstyles throughout the mid-game progression.
The Best Heavy Attacks for Fire and Control
Hyperion Grapple stands as one of the most mechanically satisfying heavy runic abilities available for the secondary weapon. Kratos launches his blades forward to latch onto an enemy, pulling himself directly toward them to deliver a catastrophic shield slam. This ability deals massive stun damage and can quickly deplete the health bars of high-level targets.
Combining these specialized strategies with your standard combat skills ensures a smoother journey through the high-difficulty settings. Players often experiment with different combinations to find the perfect synergy that complements their preferred armor stats and playstyles. Balancing quick stun triggers with massive elemental area attacks is the key to conquering the toughest challenges in the game.
