Understanding Character Upgrades

The latest God of War reinvents the franchise with a more open-ended world and layered progression systems. From XP-based skill trees to customizable gear, the game introduces many mechanics that may feel overwhelming at first. This guide breaks down the core systems to help you upgrade Kratos and Atreus efficiently and effectively.

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Armor Sets

Armor is a key component of your combat effectiveness, influencing core stats like Strength, Defense, Runic, and Cooldown. To optimize your build:

• If you favor Runic Attacks, equip armor that boosts Runic stats.
• If survivability is your weakness, consider Defense-focused sets like the Nidavellir Armor or Traveler’s Set.

Don’t forget Atreus—his armor can enhance arrow damage, stun power, or provide utility boosts. Since he plays a vital support role, choose armor that complements your combat strategy.

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Enchantments

Enchantments are slottable stat boosters found throughout the game and equipped via armor sockets. These may grant:

• Passive buffs (e.g., increased elemental resistance, strength boosts)
• Combat enhancements (e.g., bonus stun damage, faster cooldowns)

You can unlock additional sockets and upgrade enchantments at the blacksmith. Whenever you change armor, remember to re-equip enchantments to retain your stat advantages.

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Axe Pommels

Pommels enhance the Leviathan Axe with passive effects and stat bonuses. While base stats may seem minor, the perksthey provide—like health bursts, rage gain, or increased stun—can dramatically shift the tide in battle.

Choose a pommel that complements your playstyle:

• Aggressive players may prefer damage or stun boosts.
• Defensive players might value health recovery or status resistance.

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Talismans

Talismans grant powerful active or passive abilities during combat.

• Active Talismans: Triggered manually (e.g., press L1 + Circle), offering effects like time slowdowns, stat boosts, or health regeneration.
• Passive Talismans: Trigger automatically under specific conditions (e.g., last-second dodge, parry timing).

Though they provide stat increases, a talisman’s combat utility often outweighs pure numbers. For example, the Talisman of Concentrated Vitality heals you mid-fight—ideal for challenging bosses.

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Combat and Skill Progression

Skill Tree

Combat skills are unlocked using XP and expand Kratos’ moveset with:

• New combos
• Charged attacks
• Enhanced parries or blocks

Focus first on skills that align with your preferred combat style, whether that’s ranged axe throws, close-quarters Blades of Chaos, or parry-heavy strategies. XP is limited early on, but you’ll eventually unlock every ability—so choose what benefits you now and fill out the rest later.

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Runic Attacks

Runic Attacks are special abilities equipped to your weapons, executed with:

• L1 + R1 for Light Runic Attacks
• L1 + R2 for Heavy Runic Attacks

Each has its own:

• Elemental damage
• Stun potential
• Cooldown time

Runic attacks can turn the tide in tough encounters, especially when paired with armor or talismans that reduce cooldowns. Don’t underestimate them—upgrading Runic Attacks via XP can often offer more utility than standard skills.

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Final Thoughts

God of War’s progression system is deep but highly rewarding. To master it:

• Choose armor and pommels that match your strengths.
• Slot the right enchantments and talismans to maximize effectiveness.
• Prioritize skills and runic attacks that complement your approach to combat.

With smart investment and experimentation, you’ll transform Kratos and Atreus into an unstoppable duo.

Need more help? Explore our full God of War Beginner’s Guide for even more tips, secrets, and strategies. Good luck, and happy hunting!

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