Santa Monica Studio's Ragnarok reached PC on 19 September 2024 with the free Valhalla add-on included in the package. Kratos and Atreus travel all Nine Realms during Fimbulwinter, and the Draupnir Spear, forged at Surtr's fire in Muspelheim, joins the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos as a genuine third weapon rather than a gadget. There are 35 Nornir Chests scattered across the game and 30 of them are enough to cap health and rage, which leaves room to skip the worst puzzles.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Weapons | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leviathan Axe Frost Build | A | Balanced | Leviathan Axe | Yes |
| Blades of Chaos Burn Build | A | Balanced | Blades of Chaos | Yes |
| Draupnir Spear Explosive Build | A | Balanced | Draupnir Spear | Yes |
| Shield Parry Build | A | Balanced | Dauntless Shield | Yes |
| Luck Perk Build | A | Balanced | Talon Bow | Yes |
New player? Start with Blades of Chaos Burn Build. See our beginner's guide for why.
Leviathan Axe Frost Build
Leviathan Axe Frost Build is a strong option in God of War Ragnarok.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Leviathan Axe |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Three weapon rotation |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Leviathan Axe
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Svartalfheim to learn Leviathan Axe Frost Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on Three weapon rotation. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Leviathan Axe as your first major upgrade
- See our full Leviathan Axe Frost Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Blades of Chaos Burn Build
Blades of Chaos Burn Build is a strong option in God of War Ragnarok.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Blades of Chaos |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Stun meter and grabs |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Blades of Chaos
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Svartalfheim to learn Blades of Chaos Burn Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on Stun meter and grabs. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Blades of Chaos as your first major upgrade
- See our full Blades of Chaos Burn Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Draupnir Spear Explosive Build
Draupnir Spear Explosive Build is a strong option in God of War Ragnarok.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Draupnir Spear |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Shield loadouts |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Draupnir Spear
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Svartalfheim to learn Draupnir Spear Explosive Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on Shield loadouts. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Draupnir Spear as your first major upgrade
- See our full Draupnir Spear Explosive Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Shield Parry Build
Shield Parry Build is a strong option in God of War Ragnarok.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Dauntless Shield |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Armour stats and Enchantments |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Dauntless Shield
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Svartalfheim to learn Shield Parry Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on Armour stats and Enchantments. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Dauntless Shield as your first major upgrade
- See our full Shield Parry Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Luck Perk Build
Luck Perk Build is a strong option in God of War Ragnarok.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Weapons | Talon Bow |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Spartan Rage modes |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Talon Bow
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Svartalfheim to learn Luck Perk Build-specific mechanics
- Focus on Spartan Rage modes. It's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Talon Bow as your first major upgrade
- See our full Luck Perk Build build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Blades of Chaos Burn Build is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Leviathan Axe Frost Build is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Leviathan Axe for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Luck Perk Build offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Shield Parry Build shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More God of War Ragnarok Guides
- God of War Ragnarok God of War Ragnarok Overview
- God of War Ragnarok Best Builds
- God of War Ragnarok Tier List
- God of War Ragnarok Walkthrough
- God of War Ragnarok Beginner's Guide
- God of War Ragnarok Tips & Tricks
- God of War Ragnarok Weapons Guide
- God of War Ragnarok Combat Guide
- God of War Ragnarok Boss Guide
- God of War Ragnarok Maps & Locations
- God of War Ragnarok Crafting Guide
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