The Ultimate Early Armor Guide for God of War (2018)
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So, you’ve just started your journey with Kratos and Atreus in the Norse wilds? Picking the right armor early on can make a huge difference in your survival. The best early armor set in God of War (2018) is arguably the one you piece together through exploration and side quests, focusing on stats that complement your playstyle. There isn’t a single, universally “best” set handed to you; instead, the game encourages experimentation. A balanced approach that prioritizes Defense, Strength, and Vitality is a solid starting point, but depending on how you fight, you might want to lean into Runic, Cooldown, or Luck.
Early Game Armor Sets and Their Strengths
While there isn’t one definitive “best” set readily available, several options stand out for their accessibility and utility early in the game. Remember, finding individual pieces and crafting/upgrading them will be more important than aiming for a full set bonus immediately.
Explorer’s Set
This armor is the best pick for players that want to explore all of the game’s areas, allowing them to amass more Hacksilver to upgrade other gear down the line. It grants a substantial XP boost alongside increased Hacksilver gains.
Brok’s and Sindri’s Armor
These sets become available fairly early on from the dwarven brothers. They often offer balanced stats and can be upgraded progressively. Keep an eye on their stock after major story beats, as new pieces become available. Focus on the stats you value most. Brok tends to favor Strength, while Sindri might lean towards Runic power or Cooldown.
Traveler’s Set
Obtained by defeating Travelers scattered around the realms, this set is an excellent choice for players who enjoy a tank-like playstyle. It provides a significant boost to Defense and Vitality, making Kratos much more resilient in combat. It can be difficult to get the whole set due to the optional nature of Traveler encounters.
Ancient Armor
This set can be crafted after acquiring Ancient parts from defeating Ancients – stone golems found in specific areas. The Ancient Armor excels in Defense and offers resistance to certain elemental attacks. If you are having trouble with elemental attacks, this set might be for you.
A Pragmatic Approach to Early Armor
Instead of rigidly sticking to a specific set, mix and match pieces based on your immediate needs and the materials you have available. For example:
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Chest Armor: Prioritize Defense and Vitality. The chest piece offers the most significant stat boosts.
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Wrist and Waist Armor: Focus on secondary stats that synergize with your playstyle. If you rely on Runic attacks, boost Cooldown. If you prefer heavy attacks, enhance Strength. Luck is generally helpful for increasing resource drops.
How to Effectively Upgrade Your Armor
Upgrading your armor is crucial for staying ahead of the difficulty curve. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Gather Resources Diligently
Explore every nook and cranny of the environment. Break crates, open chests, and complete side quests to acquire Hacksilver, resources like Leather Scrap, and upgrade materials.
Prioritize Chest Armor Upgrades
As the chest armor provides the most significant stat boosts, focus on upgrading it whenever possible.
Visit Brok and Sindri Regularly
Check their shops frequently for new armor pieces and upgrade recipes. They often introduce better gear after significant story events.
Don’t Neglect Enchantments
Enchantments provide valuable stat boosts and passive abilities. Equip them strategically to complement your armor and playstyle.
Beyond Armor: Weapon Attachments and Skills
Don’t forget that your armor is only one piece of the puzzle. The early game also hinges on your weapon attachments and the skills you unlock.
Leviathan Axe Attachment
The Furious Maul is an excellent early-game attachment for the Leviathan Axe, providing a significant boost to Strength. Prioritize acquiring and upgrading this attachment.
Skill Tree Investments
Focus on unlocking skills that enhance your preferred combat style. Early investments in skills that improve your axe throwing or melee combos can greatly increase your effectiveness.
Understanding Stats
- Strength: Increases damage dealt with melee attacks.
- Runic: Increases damage dealt by Runic attacks.
- Defense: Reduces damage taken from enemy attacks.
- Vitality: Increases maximum health and reduces stagger.
- Luck: Increases the chance of triggering certain effects (e.g., bonus Hacksilver, status ailments).
- Cooldown: Reduces the cooldown time of Runic attacks.
Embracing the Learning Curve
God of War rewards experimentation and adaptation. Don’t be afraid to try different armor combinations, weapon attachments, and skill builds. Pay attention to enemy weaknesses and adjust your strategy accordingly. Consider how theories of embodied cognition, discussed on websites like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, influence your playstyle and decision-making in the game. A great place to learn more is the GamesLearningSociety.org website!
God of War (2018): Early Game Armor FAQs
1. What is the best early armor for a beginner in God of War?
For a beginner, the most important thing is survivability. Focus on armor pieces that boost Defense and Vitality. A mix of Brok’s and the Traveler’s armor, if you can manage to take down a Traveler, is a good starting point.
2. Where can I find early armor in God of War?
Early armor pieces can be found in chests, crafted at Brok and Sindri’s shops, or obtained by completing side quests and defeating specific enemies like Travelers. Exploring every area thoroughly is crucial.
3. Is it worth buying armor early in God of War?
Yes, buying armor from Brok and Sindri early on is definitely worth it. The initial investment provides a significant boost to your stats, making combat easier.
4. How important is upgrading armor in the early game?
Upgrading armor is very important. Upgrading your armor will significantly increase your stats and improve your chances of survival.
5. Should I focus on completing armor sets early on, or mix and match?
Mixing and matching is generally more effective early on. Focus on obtaining pieces that provide the most significant stat boosts for your preferred playstyle.
6. What are the most important stats to prioritize in early armor?
Prioritize Defense and Vitality for increased survivability. Then, focus on stats that complement your playstyle, such as Strength for melee damage or Cooldown for Runic attacks.
7. How do enchantments affect early armor builds?
Enchantments provide valuable stat boosts and passive abilities. Use them to enhance your armor and compensate for any weaknesses.
8. What is the best early-game attachment for the Leviathan Axe?
The Furious Maul is an excellent early-game attachment for the Leviathan Axe. It provides a significant boost to Strength.
9. How do I get more Hacksilver for upgrading armor?
Explore every area thoroughly, break crates, open chests, and complete side quests to acquire Hacksilver.
10. Are there any missable armor pieces in the early game?
No, there aren’t any missable armor pieces in the traditional sense. However, some pieces are easier to obtain earlier in the game, so be diligent in your exploration.
11. What role does Luck play in early armor builds?
Luck increases the chance of triggering certain effects, such as bonus Hacksilver, status ailments, and increased critical hit rates. While not essential, it can provide a helpful boost.
12. How does difficulty level affect the choice of early armor?
On higher difficulty levels, prioritizing Defense and Vitality becomes even more critical. You’ll need all the survivability you can get.
13. Can I respec my skills or change my armor build later in the game?
Yes, you can respec your skills by using Hacksilver at the shop. You can also freely change your armor at any time.
14. What should I do with duplicate armor pieces I find?
Sell duplicate armor pieces to Brok and Sindri for Hacksilver.
15. How does the early armor in God of War compare to later-game armor?
Early armor is generally more basic and provides less significant stat boosts than later-game armor. However, it still plays a crucial role in establishing a solid foundation for your build.