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God of War Ragnarök: Which Armor Should You Upgrade FIRST? A Definitive Guide

So, you’ve just started your journey through the realms in God of War Ragnarök, and you’re swimming in a sea of armor sets. The question plaguing every player’s mind is: Which armor should I upgrade first? The answer, while not one-size-fits-all, leans heavily towards the Steinbjorn Armor set.

Why Steinbjorn? Because it offers an unmatched early-to-mid-game boost to your Defense stat. This set is obtained relatively early in the game by finding and defeating slumbering trolls, and its incredible defensive capabilities will significantly improve your survivability, making it worth the initial investment of resources. Upgrading this armor early can turn the tide in challenging encounters, allowing you to withstand more punishment while dishing out your own brand of Norse fury. While other sets may offer appealing perks or stat distributions, the sheer defensive power of the Steinbjorn set provides the most impactful advantage early on, especially for players still mastering the combat system or tackling the game on higher difficulty settings.

Understanding Armor in God of War Ragnarök

Before diving into specific recommendations, it’s crucial to understand how armor works in God of War Ragnarök. Each armor set comprises three pieces: chest armor, wrist armor, and waist armor. Each piece contributes to Kratos’ overall stats, including Strength, Defense, Runic, Vitality, Cooldown, and Luck. Furthermore, each piece may offer unique perks that trigger under specific conditions, such as dodging, parrying, or using specific attacks.

The key to choosing the right armor lies in identifying your preferred playstyle. Do you favor a more aggressive, damage-focused approach, or a more defensive, survival-oriented strategy? The answer will dictate which stats and perks you should prioritize. It’s important to note that any armor set can be upgraded to level 9, meaning that even early-game armor can remain viable throughout your entire playthrough. This mechanic provides the freedom to tailor your armor choices to your liking, rather than being forced into using specific sets due to their higher base stats.

However, upgrading armor costs resources, and these are limited, especially in the early game. Therefore, making informed decisions about which armor to invest in is critical to optimize your progress.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Early Armor

Stat Distribution: Consider the stat distribution of the armor and how it aligns with your playstyle. If you enjoy using Runic Attacks frequently, armor with high Runic and Cooldown stats will be beneficial. If you prefer a more straightforward melee approach, prioritize Strength and Defense.
Perks: Evaluate the perks offered by the armor and how effectively they complement your combat strategies. Some perks may be situationally useful, while others may provide consistent benefits across various encounters.
Availability: Some armor sets are available early in the game, while others require significant progress or exploration to acquire. Prioritize armor sets that are readily accessible to maximize their impact on your early gameplay experience.
Upgrade Costs: Keep in mind the cost of upgrading armor. Some sets require rare or expensive resources, making them less practical to upgrade early on.
Raw Stats: Armor that doesn’t focus on a single stat is great for those that play balanced and don’t prefer just a single style.

Other Viable Early Game Armor Options

While the Steinbjorn set reigns supreme for its defensive prowess, several other armor sets can be viable early in the game, depending on your playstyle and preferences.

Nidavellir Armor Set: This set is obtainable through side quests in Svartalfheim and provides a decent balance of stats, with a focus on Defense and Luck. Its perks are focused on stunning enemies and granting health, which can be helpful for survivability. It is another excellent choice for upgrading.
Lunda’s Armor Set: This set focuses on inflicting poison damage to enemies and enhancing Kratos’ melee attacks. If you enjoy inflicting status effects, this armor can be a fun and effective choice.

Don’t Sleep on the Starting Armor

Believe it or not, the starting armor set in God of War Ragnarök is surprisingly good and often overlooked. It provides a balanced stat distribution and is relatively easy to upgrade early on. Furthermore, it has the distinct advantage of requiring minimal investment in rare resources. If you’re unsure which armor set to prioritize, upgrading your starting armor is a safe and reliable option that will serve you well in the early stages of the game. The stat boost to health can make this armor a huge help in your survivability.

God of War Ragnarök: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Steinbjorn Armor really the “best” early armor?

While subjective, the Steinbjorn Armor provides the most significant immediate impact on your survivability due to its high defense. For players struggling with combat or playing on higher difficulties, this is invaluable.
Where do I find the materials to upgrade the Steinbjorn Armor?

The Slumber Stones required for the Steinbjorn set are looted from the sleeping trolls you have to defeat. This is an excellent addition for players to upgrade to and use through the entire game.
Should I worry about “wasting” resources on early armor that I’ll replace later?

Not really. Resources are plentiful enough to experiment. Plus, as mentioned, any armor can be upgraded to level 9, making them viable throughout the game.
What is the difference between Strength and Runic stats?

Strength increases the damage of your standard melee attacks, while Runic boosts the power of your Runic Attacks and special abilities.
What does the Luck stat do?

Luck increases your chances of triggering perks, finding more resources, and inflicting status effects.
Is it worth upgrading the Raven Tears Armor?

The Raven Tears Armor is particularly strong and is easily one of the best healing armors in God of War Ragnarök. It is a good armor set to consider when prioritizing which armor to upgrade, especially if your game style involves frequent healing.
How do I get the Zeus Armor?

The Zeus armor pieces are obtained by completing Remnants of Asgard and defeating Valkyrie Queen Gna in the post-game content.
What are Remnants of Asgard?

These are optional combat encounters that appear in the realms after completing the main story. They provide challenging fights and valuable rewards, including the Zeus armor pieces.
Is Dragon armor worth using?

Yes, the Dragon Scaled armor is excellent, especially if you are good at dodging attacks. It rewards precise timing and can significantly boost your damage output.
Which weapon should I upgrade first: the Leviathan Axe or the Blades of Chaos?

This depends on your preference. The Leviathan Axe is generally considered more versatile, while the Blades of Chaos excel at crowd control. Experiment and see which weapon feels more natural to you.
Where can I find more tips and strategies for God of War Ragnarök?

There are many resources online, including guides, forums, and video tutorials. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. You can also participate and contribute to research at the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
What is transmog?

Transmog allows you to change the appearance of your armor without affecting its stats. This feature lets you customize your look while maintaining your desired build.
Is the Survival armor set viable in the late game?

Yes, the Survival set is a viable armor to upgrade and use as it can become ideal in late game content. This is because upgrading this armor set to level 7 and beyond grants a huge stat boost, making it worth upgrading and playing.
How do I unlock the Berserker Armor?

The Berserker Armor is acquired by defeating Berserker Souls scattered throughout the realms. These are challenging optional bosses that require careful planning and execution.
What is the hardest boss in God of War Ragnarök?

Many players consider Gna, the Valkyrie Queen, to be the most challenging boss in the game. Her relentless attacks and unpredictable patterns require mastery of the combat system to overcome.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right armor in God of War Ragnarök is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. However, for players seeking the most impactful early-game upgrade, the Steinbjorn Armor stands out as a clear winner. Its unparalleled defensive capabilities will significantly improve your survivability, allowing you to tackle challenging encounters with confidence.

Remember to experiment with different armor sets, explore the realms, and find what works best for you. With careful planning and strategic upgrades, you’ll be well-equipped to face the dangers of Ragnarök and emerge victorious. Good luck, and may the gods be with you!

What armor should I upgrade first in Ragnarok?