Is Kratos’ Risen Snow Armor Worth It? A Deep Dive

The Risen Snow armor set in God of War (2018) is a pre-order bonus, making its availability somewhat limited. While it’s decent for the early game, offering a helpful boost in Strength, Stagger Resistance, and Stun, it’s ultimately overshadowed by other armor sets as you progress. It’s not the best armor, but its accessibility early on can give you a slight advantage. The decision depends on whether you pre-ordered the game or are weighing its worth in a secondary market. Let’s explore the specifics.

Risen Snow Armor: Stats and Perks Deconstructed

The Risen Snow armor set, as a pre-order bonus, is a great starting point. Let’s break down what makes it unique:

Breastplate – Risen Might

The Risen Might perk is the heart of the breastplate. Launching an enemy grants a high Luck chance to increase Kratos’ Strength and Stagger Resistance for a brief period. This is particularly useful against weaker enemies that are easily launched, but its effectiveness diminishes against tougher foes that resist launching. The “Luck” stat in God of War is somewhat opaque, making it difficult to quantify the precise chance of the perk activating.

Gauntlets and Girdle – Risen Stun

The Risen Stun perk is consistent and straightforward. Each piece (Gauntlets and Girdle) grants a 20% increase to Stun damage dealt to airborne enemies. Equipping both nets you a 40% bonus, which is appreciable, especially during encounters with winged enemies or when you’re intentionally launching enemies to set them up for further attacks.

Early Game Advantage

The Risen Snow set shines brightest in the early game. The stat boosts provide a noticeable edge when Kratos is at his weakest, and resources are scarce. Upgrading armor can be expensive, and the Risen Snow set delays the need to invest in other early-game options, saving you valuable resources.

Late-Game Limitations

However, as you delve deeper into the game, discover new realms, and face tougher enemies, the Risen Snow set’s limitations become apparent. The stat boosts, while helpful initially, are quickly outpaced by other armor sets that offer superior overall stats and more impactful perks. Furthermore, the reliance on Luck for the Risen Might perk and the niche focus on airborne enemies for the Risen Stun perk make it less versatile than sets that provide consistent benefits in all combat situations.

Alternatives to the Risen Snow Armor

Several armor sets offer better overall performance in the mid-to-late game. Some examples include:

• Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist Set: A powerhouse for those delving into Niflheim, focusing on Strength, Runic, Defense, and Vitality. It has the Regenerating Essence perk, that constantly heals Kratos.

• Nidavellir Set: A great set for early-to-mid-game that drastically reduces the amount of time it takes to stun an enemy.

• Steinbjorn Set: Arguably the best defensive armor in the game. Once fully upgraded, provides a massive amount of Defense and heals Kratos when attacks.

The Final Verdict

The Risen Snow armor is a welcome bonus for players who pre-ordered God of War. It provides a solid foundation for the early game, but don’t become too attached to it. You’ll soon find more powerful and versatile armor sets that will better suit your playstyle and the challenges that await. Consider it a stepping stone, not an endgame solution. Resources are precious, so invest wisely, and be prepared to move on as you progress. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find armor that suits your playstyle. Learning about the application of gaming principles could be beneficial to you, visit the Games Learning Society via GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about armor, weapons, and gameplay mechanics in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok:

1. What is the best armor for Kratos in God of War (2018)?

   Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist set is arguably the best armor outside of those that are exclusive to New Game Plus mode. Once fully upgraded, it provides excellent stats across the board, along with the Regenerating Essence perk that constantly heals Kratos.

2. What is the strongest armor in God of War Ragnarok?

   The Steinbjorn set stands out due to its exceptional defense stat. It’s an excellent choice for players who prioritize survivability.

3. How do I customize Kratos’ armor?

   To customize the appearance of Kratos’ armor, upgrade each piece to the maximum level (level 9). This unlocks the option to transmog or change the appearance without affecting the stats.

4. What is the best starting armor in God of War Ragnarok?

   The Nidavellir set is an excellent starting armor in God of War Ragnarok due to its ability to drastically reduce the time it takes to stun enemies.

5. How did Kratos get the Leviathan Axe?

   The Leviathan Axe was forged by the dwarven blacksmiths Brok and Sindri. It was originally gifted to Laufey, Kratos’ wife, and later passed to Kratos after her death.

6. Is New Game Plus harder in God of War?

   Yes, New Game Plus typically increases the difficulty. Enemies hit harder and are more resilient.

7. What is the best shield for Kratos in God of War Ragnarok?

   The Dauntless Shield is often considered one of the best shields due to its parry-focused playstyle, allowing you to unleash powerful counters.

8. Does Kratos have good durability?

   Kratos possesses exceptional durability, able to withstand immense physical forces and magical attacks. However, he is not invulnerable and can be injured or killed by sufficiently powerful weapons or enemies.

9. What is the “Soulless Warrior” perk in God of War Ragnarok?

   The Berserker Cuirass grants the “Soulless Warrior” perk, which temporarily turns Kratos into a glass cannon when he uses a Relic, increasing his damage output but decreasing his defense.

10. Is the Darkdale Armor worth it in God of War Ragnarok?

    The Darkdale armor, often acquired through a special edition of the game, is generally considered worth it due to the boost in both Strength and Defense.

11. Is it worth it to fully upgrade Kratos’ initial armor?

    Fully upgrading Kratos’ starting gear can make it surprisingly effective, especially later in the game when you have access to more resources. It provides a balanced set of stats and can be a viable option.

12. Can you change Kratos’ beard in God of War Ragnarok?

    God of War Ragnarok allows players to customize Kratos’ gear, but without mods it is impossible to remove Kratos’ beard.

13. Is Kratos’ axe stronger than Mjolnir?

    The debate continues, but both weapons are incredibly powerful. Canonically, Kratos has been buying armor, equipment, and getting upgrades from Brok and Sindri throughout God of War 2018, making the Leviathan Axe stronger than Mjolnir.

14. How old is Kratos in God of War Ragnarök?

    Kratos is estimated to be around 1,055 years old in God of War Ragnarök.

15. Is Surtr’s Scorched armor good?

    Yes, Surtr’s Scorched set is a strong option that boosts Strength, Defense, and Vitality. Its “Preemptive Strike” perk, which increases damage against attacking enemies, is particularly effective.