How to Unlock King Berserker in God of War Ragnarök: A Comprehensive Guide
Unlocking the formidable King Hrólf Kraki, the Berserker King, in God of War Ragnarök is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. This fearsome boss encounter is not simply stumbled upon; it requires dedication and the completion of several key steps throughout the game. To face King Hrólf, you must first conquer all of the other Berserker encounters. This article will guide you through every step needed to unlock this ultimate battle and answer the frequently asked questions players have along the way.
How to Unlock King Berserker: The Definitive Path
The process of unlocking the Berserker King involves a specific sequence of events:
- Reach Chapter 9: Word of Fate: You cannot begin the hunt for Berserkers until you have progressed to this point in the main storyline. This ensures you have the necessary abilities and access to the required locations.
- Initiate the “Fit for a King” Favor: Upon reaching Chapter 9, you’ll discover the King’s Grave in the northeastern part of the Lake of Nine in Midgard. This will trigger the side quest, “Fit for a King”.
- Locate and Activate Berserker Gravestones: Scattered throughout the realms are ten Berserker Gravestones. These locations must be found and the resident Berserker defeated. Here are their locations:
- Midgard: The Lake of Nine.
- Svartalfheim: Jarnsmida Pitmines, Nidavellir, and Alberich Island.
- Alfheim: The Barrens and The Forbidden Sands.
- Vanaheim: Pilgrim’s Landing and The Sinkholes.
- Defeat All Berserkers: You must defeat all ten Berserkers to become eligible to face the King. This includes:
- Frækni the Zealous
- Svipdagr the Cold and the Sisters of Illska
- Skjothendi the Unerring
- Beigađr the Feared
- Haklangr the Bearded
- Hjalti the Stolid
- Starólfr the Troublesome And Bödvar the Fierce
- Return to King’s Grave: Once all ten Berserkers are defeated, go back to the King’s Grave where you found the hilt to begin with.
- Initiate the King’s Challenge: Interacting with the spot in the center of the arena will initiate the final boss fight against King Hrólf.
Completing this challenging encounter will unlock a host of impressive rewards, including new armor, weapon attachments, upgrade materials, and substantial XP for both Kratos and Freya.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the rewards for defeating King Berserker?
Defeating King Hrólf Kraki rewards you with a complete new Armor Set, Weapon Attachments, various Upgrade Materials, and a generous amount of XP for both Kratos and Freya. These rewards are essential for further enhancing your gameplay.
2. Where are all the Berserker Gravestones located?
The Berserker Gravestones can be found in the following realms:
- Midgard: The Lake of Nine.
- Svartalfheim: Jarnsmida Pitmines, Nidavellir, and Alberich Island.
- Alfheim: The Barrens and The Forbidden Sands.
- Vanaheim: Pilgrim’s Landing and The Sinkholes.
3. What is the easiest way to find the Berserker Gravestones?
As you progress through the story and side content, keep an eye out for the distinctive sword-like markers on your map. These signify the location of Berserker Gravestones.
4. What is the best armor for fighting King Berserker?
There is no single “best” armor set for this fight, but many players have success with a mix of the Berserker and Radiant sets. Using the Berserker Cuirass, Gauntlets, and Radiant Waist Guard paired with Realm Shift gear to slow down the enemies for quick attacks is a popular strategy. Another option is the Dragon Armor set for overall balance, or the Raven Chest piece for its high stats with berserker gauntlets.
5. What is the ‘Soulless Warrior’ perk and where do I get it?
The “Soulless Warrior” perk is associated with the Berserker Cuirass. It temporarily boosts your damage output but reduces your defense every time you use a Relic, making you a “glass cannon”. You acquire the Berserker Cuirass by defeating Svipdagr the Cold and the Sisters of Illska in Alfheim’s The Barrens.
6. Is the Berserker King the hardest Berserker to fight?
Yes, King Hrólf Kraki is considered the most challenging of all the Berserker fights, demanding a strategic approach and mastery of the game’s combat system. He is often regarded as one of the hardest bosses in God of War Ragnarök.
7. What is the best strategy for fighting King Berserker?
Aggression is key. Stay on the offensive while dodging, not rolling, his attacks. Utilize the Radiance armor for enhanced dodging capabilities or the Stone Wall Shield for defense. Pay attention to his attack patterns and learn when to parry if skilled enough, but dodging might be more effective for those not proficient in parrying.
8. What is the best shield to use against King Berserker?
The Dauntless Shield is the ideal option if you’re confident in your parrying abilities. Alternatively, the Stone Wall Shield offers greater blocking power for those who prefer to play defensively.
9. How do I activate Berserker rage?
Berserker Rage, a temporary power boost in combat, is an innate ability of Kratos and does not require specific activations or an unlock. It is activated in the Magic category, in Powers.
10. What is the Steinbjörn Armor and is it good?
The Steinbjörn armor is considered one of the best sets in the game, known for its high defense stats. Its chest piece is particularly valuable, providing a health regeneration effect when dealing damage.
11. Who is Gna and is she harder than King Berserker?
Gna, The Valkyrie Queen, is often cited as the hardest boss in God of War Ragnarök, with a fight even more difficult than the Berserker King. Gna is unlocked after completing the main story and presents a considerable challenge.
12. What are the best weapon attachments for the King Berserker fight?
Using Realm Shift attachments on your weapons can provide a significant advantage, allowing you to slow down time after successful dodges. This is extremely beneficial against faster-moving opponents like the King. The Haur’s Lucky Knob pommel also offers a chance for bonus stun with precision throws.
13. Should I sell old armor pieces I no longer use?
Yes, selling old armor pieces is highly recommended. They provide Hacksilver, the game’s primary currency, and serve no other purpose. You can sell them immediately upon finding them without worry, as all artifacts are permanently registered.
14. What is New Game Plus in God of War Ragnarök?
New Game Plus allows players to start a new game using their completed save files. It retains all your earned stats, armor, weapon upgrades, and resources, with new, exclusive content such as powerful new equipment.
15. What is the Guardian Shield in God of War Ragnarök?
The Guardian Shield is a shield given to Kratos by his wife, on their anniversary of the night they met, emphasizing its sentimental value over raw combat prowess. While not the best for aggressive combat, it offers a balanced approach to blocking.
By following these steps and taking the time to learn each opponent, you will be well-prepared to take on King Hrólf Kraki, the formidable Berserker King, and unlock the rewarding treasures that await!