You’re staring at a wall of ice in Midgard, wondering if you missed a lever. It’s frustrating. We’ve all been there, especially in the 2018 reboot or the massive sprawl of Ragnarök. Most people searching for a God of War walkthrough are just looking for a way out of a puzzle, but honestly, the real "walkthrough" isn't just about finding the exit. It’s about not leaving 40% of the game’s best content on the table because you were too busy following a golden waypoint.
Kratos has changed. He’s not just a ball of rage anymore; he’s a tired dad with a magical axe and a lot of emotional baggage. If you play these games like the old hack-and-slash titles from the PS2 era, you’re going to get flattened. The combat system in the modern era is closer to a dance than a mosh pit.
The Midgard Problem and Why Your Map Is Lying
Most players follow the "Journey" quests and think they’re seeing the game. They aren't. Sony Santa Monica built these maps with a "hub and spoke" design, particularly around the Lake of Nine.
When the water level drops the first time, you might feel the urge to rush to Alfheim. Don't. If you ignore the side islands like Iron Cove or the Isle of Death early on, you’re essentially handicapping your gear progression. A proper God of War walkthrough should tell you that exploration isn't "extra"—it’s your primary source of Solid Svartalfheim Steel. Without that steel, your armor stays weak, and the first boss in the next realm will turn you into Norse-flavored paste.
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Pacing is everything. The game lets you breathe for a reason. Take the boat out. Listen to Mimir’s stories. Those stories aren't just fluff; they often contain subtle hints about the lore-based puzzles you’ll find in the late game.
Mastery of the Leviathan Axe: Beyond Just R1
Stop button mashing. Seriously.
The Leviathan Axe is a masterpiece of game design, but most people treat it like a heavy baseball bat. If you want to actually survive the harder difficulties—or even just feel like a god—you need to learn the "stance change." If you pause for a split second after an attack, Kratos shifts his footing. His next move will be a multi-hit flurry that clears crowds. It’s a literal game-changer that most players never bother to learn because the tutorial mentions it once and then disappears.
Parrying is your best friend. In the 2018 game, the timing is generous. In Ragnarök, it’s a bit tighter depending on your shield choice. Using the Guardian Shield allows for a counter-blast that can stun-lock even the nastiest Draugr.
- The Freeze Mechanic: Don't just throw the axe. Charging it up (Heavy Throw) can freeze enemies in place, allowing you to focus on the bigger threats.
- Atreus is a Weapon: He isn't just a companion. His shock arrows are essential for crowd control. If you aren't spamming the Square button during combat, you’re playing at 50% efficiency.
- Runic Attacks: These are your "get out of jail free" cards. Use them early in a fight so the cooldown timer starts running immediately.
Dealing with the Valkyries and Berserkers
This is where every God of War walkthrough usually gets a spike in traffic. These bosses are the "true" end-game. Sigrun and King Hrolf Kraki aren't just hard; they are tests of everything you’ve learned.
If you’re struggling with a Valkyrie, check your enchantments. Are you stacking Strength but forgetting Vitality? Big mistake. At higher levels, one mistake can cost you half your health bar. You need a build that balances Runic power with Defense. Also, watch their wings. If a Valkyrie hides behind her wings, don't keep hitting her with basic attacks. Use a shield break (double tap L1) to stagger her. If you don't, she’ll counter with a gold-ringed attack that is almost impossible to dodge at close range.
One specific tip for the Valkyrie Eir in the mountain: she loves her "blind" attack. When she flies up and starts spinning her staff, you have to hit her with an arrow or throw the axe instantly. If you don't, the entire arena goes white, and you’re basically dead. It’s these mechanical nuances that make the difference between a frustrating "Game Over" screen and a satisfying victory.
Gear isn't Just About Numbers
The "Best Armor" is a myth. It depends on how you play.
If you love using Runic attacks, the Sindri’s Royal Dwarven set is legendary because it gives you a protective barrier during those attacks. If you’re a brawler, you might want the Valkyrie set for the cooldown perks. In Ragnarök, the Lunda’s Lost Set is a "poison build" powerhouse that can carry you through the mid-game even if you’re under-leveled.
Basically, read the perks. A piece of gear with a lower level but a perk that matches your playstyle is often better than a high-level piece that does nothing for you. Don't just look at the green up-arrows.
Why People Get Stuck in Alfheim
Alfheim is the first "real" test. The Light Elves are fast, and the Dark Elves are annoying. The most common mistake here is ignoring the environment. See those glowing red vines? You usually have to line up a single axe throw to hit two or three "nodes" at once. If you’re standing there swinging blindly, you’re doing it wrong.
Look for the reflections. The axe can bounce off "twilight stone" (the purple stuff) to hit nodes that are behind corners. This is a core mechanic for the rest of the game. If you can't see the solution, walk twenty feet to the left and look again. The developers almost always place the "solution point" right in front of you, but they hide it with perspective.
The Truth About the "Point of No Return"
Gamers have anxiety about finishing the story too fast. In both modern God of War games, you can keep playing after the credits roll. In fact, some of the best content—like the Muspelheim trials or the Niflheim maze—is designed to be tackled during or after the main quest.
Don't feel like you have to find every Odin's Raven before moving the plot forward. Some areas are literally inaccessible until you get specific tools later in the story, like the Magic Chisel or the Draupnir Spear. If a puzzle looks impossible, it’s probably because you don't have the right "key" yet. Mark it on your mental map and move on.
The Actionable Path to 100% Completion
If you want to truly master the game, follow this workflow:
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- Prioritize the Lake of Nine early: Explore every beach as soon as the water drops. The loot here makes the early boss fights significantly easier.
- Upgrade Atreus first: His "Combat Potency" and "Stun" upgrades are cheaper and more effective than many of Kratos’s early-game skills.
- Learn the "Shield Strike": Double tapping L1 is the most underrated move in the game. It interrupts almost any yellow-ringed enemy attack.
- Listen to the Boy: If Atreus says "Maybe there's a way around," he’s not just talking; he's literally telling you there is a puzzle solution nearby.
- Sell your old gear: You don't need those Level 2 bracers once you have Level 4 ones. Selling them gives you Hacksilver, which is the only way to afford the expensive end-game upgrades.
- Don't ignore the Labours: These are the mini-challenges in your menu (like "Parry 100 times"). Completing them gives you massive XP boosts that you need to unlock the high-tier skill tree nodes.
The modern God of War experience is about the relationship between a father and son, but for the player, it's about the relationship between patience and aggression. Use the environment. Upgrade your gear with intent. Most importantly, don't rush the "Journey" at the expense of the world around you. The real game is found in the quiet moments between the gods' screams.
To get the most out of your playthrough, focus on clearing the "Favors" (side quests) as they appear. These missions often lead to unique armor sets and Runic summons that you cannot find anywhere else. If you find yourself hitting a wall with a specific boss, go back to a previous realm and look for "Nornir Chests." Increasing your health and Spartan Rage meters is the only way to survive the brutal endgame challenges like the Muspelheim trials or the Remnants of Asgard.