Unlocking Godhood: The Definitive Guide to the Best Armor in God of War (and How to Get It)
The quest for the ultimate armor in God of War is a defining element of the experience. While “best” is subjective and depends on your play style, the Zeus Armor set in New Game Plus takes the crown for raw power. To obtain it, you must defeat all nine Valkyries again on New Game Plus difficulty. This armor provides an unparalleled boost to melee and runic damage, but also dramatically increases incoming damage, making you a glass cannon. Mastery of dodging and parrying is essential to surviving with it. For a more balanced approach, especially on your first playthrough, the Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist Armor provides a solid blend of strength, runic power, defense, and vitality, and is acquired in Niflheim using Mist Echoes.
Diving Deep into the Best Armor Sets
The truth is, there’s no single “best” armor set for every player in God of War. Your ideal choice depends on your playstyle, the difficulty you’re playing on, and what you’re trying to achieve. Let’s break down some top contenders and how to get them:
The Godly Glass Cannon: Zeus Armor
- How to Get It: Defeat all nine Valkyries (including Sigrun) again on New Game Plus difficulty. This is not for the faint of heart!
- Stats and Perks: Massive increase to melee and runic damage output, but also significantly increases damage taken. This is an extreme high-risk, high-reward armor.
- Playstyle: Perfect for players who excel at dodging, parrying, and avoiding damage. If you can consistently avoid getting hit, you’ll decimate enemies.
The Balanced Powerhouse: Ivaldi’s Mist Armors (Deadly, Endless, Cursed)
- How to Get It: These armors are crafted in Niflheim using Mist Echoes, obtained by exploring the procedurally generated maze within the realm. You’ll first need to learn the language of Niflheim by completing certain quests.
- Stats and Perks: Each Ivaldi armor offers a different stat distribution, but they all provide a good balance of strength, runic, defense, and vitality. The Deadly Mist variant is generally considered the most versatile due to its balanced stats.
- Playstyle: A great choice for players who want a powerful and well-rounded armor set that can handle a variety of combat situations. The regenerating health perk of some Ivaldi armors is particularly useful.
Forging the Valkyrie Slayer: Valkyrie Armor
- How to Get It: This armor is obtained by defeating the eight Valkyries scattered throughout the game’s realms.
- Stats and Perks: The Valkyrie armor focuses on boosting cooldown, runic, and vitality, and is particularly useful for players who rely on runic attacks and special abilities.
- Playstyle: A good option for players who like to use runic attacks frequently and who value survivability.
Royal Protection: Brok’s Royal Dwarven Set
- How to Get It: Crafted by Brok, one of the dwarven blacksmiths, after completing specific side quests.
- Stats and Perks: Emphasizes strength and defense, making Kratos a tankier and more powerful fighter.
- Playstyle: Suitable for players who prefer a more aggressive and close-quarters combat style.
Fallen Ash Armor Set
- How to Get It: Fallen Ash Armor is crafted by Sindri from the muspelheim travel realm.
- Stats and Perks: Has the highest base defense.
- Playstyle: Those seeking a reliable armor set will find that the increased Strength and Defense stats give the player the means to quickly and easily overwhelm any opponent.
Mastering Niflheim: The Key to Ivaldi’s Armor
Acquiring Ivaldi’s Mist Armor requires navigating the treacherous realm of Niflheim. Here’s what you need to know:
- Learn the Language: Complete the necessary quests to unlock the ability to understand the language of Niflheim. This typically involves completing certain main story objectives and side quests.
- Collect Mist Echoes: Venture into the central maze of Niflheim. This maze is filled with traps, enemies, and deadly mist that constantly drains your health. You’ll need to collect Mist Echoes by completing objectives and defeating enemies within the maze.
- Craft the Armor: Once you’ve gathered enough Mist Echoes and other required materials, return to the workshop at the entrance of Niflheim and craft the Ivaldi armor pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best armor set for God of War difficulty?
For God of War difficulty, the Zeus Armor is incredibly powerful if you can master dodging and parrying. Otherwise, a more balanced armor set like Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist or the fully upgraded Steinbjorn set would be recommended to improve defense.
2. How do I get the language of Niflheim?
Progression in the main story unlocks the language of Niflheim. Just keep playing! You will also need to complete certain quests to unlock the ability to craft the Ivaldi armors.
3. What does luck do in God of War?
Luck increases XP gains, Hacksilver acquisition, and the chance of activating perks from pommels and enchantments.
4. Is it worth upgrading armor in God of War?
Yes, upgrading armor is generally worth it. However, save your resources for the mid-to-late game armor sets, as early armor becomes obsolete quickly.
5. What is the max level for armor in God of War?
Armor can be upgraded to a max level of 8. Kratos can reach level 9.
6. How do I find Mist Echoes in Niflheim?
You will find Mist Echoes by exploring the maze, completing objectives, and defeating enemies in Niflheim. The more you explore, the more you find.
7. What is the best armor for Valkyrie fights?
The Ivaldi armor with its regenerating health perk is excellent for Valkyrie fights. Epic-rank gear is also suitable.
8. Is Brok’s or Sindri’s armor better?
It depends on your play style. Brok’s armor favors strength, while Sindri’s armor favors runic. Choose the one that complements your preferred stats.
9. How do I get Thor’s armor?
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you get Thor’s armor by defeating the Daughters of Lerion and completing specific quests.
10. What are the best enchantments to use with my armor?
This depends on your playstyle and build. Experiment with different enchantments to find what works best for you. Some popular options include enchantments that boost strength, runic, defense, or vitality.
11. Can I reset my armor upgrades?
No, you cannot reset your armor upgrades in God of War. Be mindful of how you spend your resources.
12. What is the best way to farm Hacksilver?
Increase your Luck stat. Explore, complete side quests, and sell unwanted items.
13. Which armor should I upgrade first in the early game?
The Ancient Armor is a good choice for early-game armor. You have to wait just a little bit and you can access a much bigger area. If you do side quests and explore this new area, you’ll find plenty of materials for that armor (and many others). Upgrade what you have for now, at least enough to get enchantment slots.
14. Is Thor’s armor good in God of War?
In the God of War games, Thor’s armor doesn’t exist in the same way as in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. There are armor sets based on different themes and stats. Choose the armor set that best suits your gameplay. In Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, Thor’s armor is very useful.
15. How do I beat Sigrun, the Valkyrie Queen?
Sigrun is the toughest Valkyrie. Learn her attack patterns, use a balanced armor set, max out your gear, and be patient. Don’t be afraid to use resurrection stones.
Conclusion: Choose Your Path to Power
Ultimately, the “best” armor in God of War is the one that empowers you the most. Experiment with different sets, find what complements your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to respec your skills and enchantments. Mastering combat and understanding your gear are the keys to becoming a true God of War. And remember, games can teach us valuable skills like problem-solving and strategic thinking! Explore more about the educational impact of games through the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.