Mastering the Leviathan Axe: The Secrets of Summoning Kratos’ Signature Weapon
Kratos, the Ghost of Sparta, is known for his raw strength and brutal combat prowess. A crucial part of his arsenal in the Norse saga of God of War is the Leviathan Axe, a weapon as iconic as the Blades of Chaos. But what truly sets it apart is its ability to be summoned back to Kratos’ hand after being thrown. This is achieved by pressing the Triangle button (on PlayStation controllers) after throwing the axe. While holding L2, the reticle will guide it’s return journey allowing you to strike enemies unawares. This seemingly simple mechanic is underpinned by complex lore and magical properties, transforming combat into a strategic dance of ranged and melee attacks. The key to summoning the axe is not just a button press, but the connection between Kratos and the weapon itself.
Understanding the Mechanics of the Leviathan Axe
The Leviathan Axe isn’t just a finely crafted weapon; it’s imbued with powerful magic that allows it to return to its wielder. This magic is a key element in understanding how Kratos can call it back at will.
The Triangle Button and Runic Power
The Triangle button acts as the trigger for this magical recall. When pressed, it activates the runic energy within the axe. This runic energy is what allows the axe to defy gravity and fly back to Kratos. Holding L2 allows you to aim while summoning it.
The Connection Between Kratos and the Axe
The axe’s ability to return isn’t solely reliant on the button press. It’s intrinsically linked to Kratos himself. The axe seems to recognize him as its rightful owner, establishing a bond that allows for seamless recall, the axe lands back into your hand.
Strategic Implications
The ability to summon the axe mid-combat opens up a world of strategic possibilities. Kratos can throw the axe to freeze an enemy, then immediately call it back to deliver a devastating melee blow to another. This fluidity is what makes the Leviathan Axe such a formidable weapon.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Leviathan Axe
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to further enrich your understanding of the Leviathan Axe:
1. What does Kratos’ axe say?
There is no audio dialogue directly from the axe. However, when Kratos meets the World Serpent after throwing the Leviathan Axe into the Lake of Nine, and the serpent spits the axe back out, a text appears that says “Eitr imbued.” This indicates the axe has been enhanced by the Serpent’s poisonous venom.
2. Does Kratos’ axe have a name?
Yes, Kratos’ axe is called the Leviathan Axe.
3. Why is Kratos’ axe called Leviathan?
The Leviathan Axe’s name is inspired by the Norse mythology’s own giant sea creature, the World Serpent. The connection is that the axe was designed to be a weapon of immense power, capable of challenging even the mightiest of foes, much like the World Serpent’s scale.
4. How heavy is Kratos’ axe?
The Leviathan Axe weighs approximately 9.25 lbs. It measures 35.82″ in length with a 12.59″ blade span.
5. Is the Leviathan Axe better than Mjolnir?
This is a subject of much debate among fans. The Leviathan Axe offers lethal melee range and ice-themed powers, and the hammer has electric-themed powers. The Axe was forged as a counter to Mjolnir, suggesting a designed parity in power. It largely depends on the specific combat situation and the wielder’s skills.
6. Why can’t Atreus call back the Leviathan Axe?
Atreus’s connection to the axe is not the same as Kratos’. The bond is between Kratos and the weapon, forged through battle and time. Furthermore, the magical properties that allow recall are likely attuned to Kratos’ unique physiology and godly heritage.
7. Is Kratos’ axe stronger than Mjolnir?
Canonically, it is shown that the Leviathan Axe can match Mjolnir in combat. The dwarves designed the Leviathan Axe to rival Mjolnir. However, the strength ultimately depends on the user.
8. Is Kratos’ axe stronger than his Blades of Chaos?
Each weapon excels in different scenarios. The Leviathan Axe is excellent for ranged attacks and freezing enemies, while the Blades of Chaos are better for close-range combat and dealing with fiery opponents. During Kratos’ time in the icy north, the Leviathan Axe proved to be ineffective, unlike the Blades of Chaos which could melt through frosty opponents with ease.
9. Which is stronger: Leviathan Axe or Stormbreaker?
Screen Rant has identified Stormbreaker as the more powerful of the two, based on the ability to summon the Bifröst, as well as being a much larger and edged weapon.
10. Why did Kratos say no in God of War Ragnarok?
Kratos says no in certain situations because he is wary of making deals with gods. His past experiences have taught him that such bargains often come with dire consequences.
11. How old is Kratos?
In God of War Ragnarök, Kratos is estimated to be around 1,055 years old.
12. What is Kratos’ most powerful weapon?
Many would argue that the Blade of Olympus is Kratos’ most powerful weapon. It was instrumental in winning the Great War and possesses immense godly power.
13. Why is Kratos so weak?
Kratos is not necessarily weak, but he is holding back and lacks his full range of magical abilities. His powers were diminished after the destruction of his homeland and the loss of his godly tools.
14. Was the Leviathan Axe made to rival Mjolnir?
Yes, the Leviathan Axe was explicitly crafted by Brok and Sindri to be a counterpart to Mjolnir. They felt remorse for creating Mjolnir and sought to create a weapon that could stand against its destructive power.
15. Why does Kratos hate his Blades of Chaos?
Kratos despises the Blades of Chaos because they are a constant reminder of his dark past and the atrocities he committed while serving Ares. They symbolize a chapter of his life he desperately wants to leave behind.
Conclusion: The Art of Wielding the Leviathan Axe
The Leviathan Axe is more than just a weapon; it’s an extension of Kratos himself. The ability to call it back is a testament to the intricate bond between warrior and weapon, a key element of the engaging combat system in the God of War series. Understanding the mechanics and lore behind the axe enhances the gaming experience, transforming each battle into a display of strategic mastery. As games evolve, so do the learning opportunities they provide, showcasing the power of interactive experiences in education and skill development. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org) recognize the importance of games as tools for learning and innovation. The nuanced mechanics of summoning the Leviathan Axe is a perfect example of how games can offer complex systems that require understanding and mastery, ultimately fostering cognitive skills and strategic thinking.