The Ultimate Early-Game Leviathan Axe Guide: Skills, Pommels, and Builds
So, you’ve just started your journey in the frozen Norse realms and are wielding the mighty Leviathan Axe for the first time. The question burning in your mind is: what’s the best way to optimize this weapon early on?
The answer lies in a combination of skill upgrades and pommel selection. The best early-game Leviathan Axe setup focuses on maximizing damage output and versatility. Specifically, acquiring and mastering the Glacial Rake skill is crucial. It gives you a powerful, long-reach attack that is useful for both close and medium range combat. As for the pommel, the Forbidden Grip of the Ages stands as a superior choice, provided you can unlock its cryptic requirements. This combination offers a balanced foundation, allowing you to tackle most early-game encounters effectively.
Diving Deep into the Leviathan Axe
The Leviathan Axe is more than just a weapon; it’s an extension of Kratos himself. Its power lies not just in its icy elemental properties, but in how you choose to wield it. Let’s break down the essential components for dominating the early game.
Mastering Early-Game Skills
The skill tree in God of War can be overwhelming, but prioritizing early upgrades is vital. Here’s why Glacial Rake is a standout:
- Range and Versatility: The ability to strike enemies from a short distance is invaluable, especially when facing multiple opponents or foes with perilous melee attacks.
- Damage Output: Glacial Rake deals significant damage early on, allowing you to quickly dispatch weaker enemies and stagger stronger ones.
- Crowd Control: The sweeping motion of the attack can knock back multiple enemies, creating breathing room and opportunities for follow-up attacks.
While other skills are useful, Glacial Rake’s early availability and effectiveness make it a top priority. Don’t neglect basic combos either. Mastering the light attack series will give you solid damage and mobility to begin with, but Glacial Rake is what will elevate your early game!
The Power of Pommels
Pommels provide passive stat boosts and can significantly alter your playstyle. The Forbidden Grip of the Ages is a powerful choice, but the acquisition is the problem. How do you find it?
- Forbidden Grip of the Ages: To unlock this gem, you’ll need to find a selection of Hidden Chambers throughout the game. It will take some exploring to accomplish, but the increased stats and perks will be worth it.
Other good early-game options are ones that boost Strength and Runic. This will provide you with solid starting points and make sure you are ready for most encounters. Don’t neglect them.
Early Game Builds
For a good Strength Build early in God of War: Ragnarok, players should use the Furious Maul, the Vidar armor set, and the Cursed Empress Handles. In God of War: Ragnarok, Strength is one of the game’s six key stats, governing how much damage Kratos deals with each of his attacks.
Beyond the Axe: Complementary Gear and Strategies
The Leviathan Axe doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your armor, skills, and overall playstyle all contribute to your effectiveness.
Armor Considerations
Early on, prioritize armor that enhances Strength and Defense. Look for pieces that provide a good balance between survivability and damage output. Consider pieces like the Vidar armor set, which provides a good base for strength-focused builds.
Utilizing Runic Attacks
Don’t neglect your Runic Attacks. These powerful abilities can turn the tide of battle, especially when facing tougher enemies. Experiment with different Runic Attacks to find those that suit your playstyle and complement the Leviathan Axe.
Mastering Movement and Dodging
God of War’s combat system rewards skillful movement and precise dodging. Learn to anticipate enemy attacks and use dodges and blocks to create openings for counterattacks. A well-timed dodge can be just as effective as a powerful attack.
Understanding Enemy Weaknesses
Each enemy type has its own weaknesses. Use the Leviathan Axe to exploit these vulnerabilities, maximizing your damage output. For example, enemies weak to ice are particularly susceptible to the axe’s elemental properties.
FAQ: Maximizing Your Leviathan Axe Potential
To further assist you on your journey, here are some frequently asked questions about the Leviathan Axe and early-game strategies:
1. What is the best early-game skill to prioritize besides Glacial Rake?
While Glacial Rake is highly recommended, investing in skills that improve your axe throw is also a good strategy. Skills like “Axe Recall” and “Deadly Throw” can give you great ranged capabilities, allowing you to control the battlefield from afar.
2. How do I get the Forbidden Grip of the Ages early on?
The Forbidden Grip of the Ages requires you to find and defeat several Valkyries throughout the game. While challenging, it is possible to obtain it relatively early if you focus on locating the Hidden Chambers and preparing for the difficult encounters.
3. Is the Leviathan Axe good against all enemy types?
While the Leviathan Axe is versatile, some enemies are more resistant to ice damage. In these cases, consider using other combat techniques, like bare-handed attacks or utilizing your companion’s abilities. As you progress, the Blades of Chaos will become an essential tool for fire-based enemies.
4. What stats should I prioritize early on?
Strength and Defense are key stats for early-game survivability and damage output. Vitality is also important for increasing your health pool, allowing you to withstand more damage.
5. How do I upgrade the Leviathan Axe?
You can upgrade the Leviathan Axe by collecting Frozen Flames. These are typically obtained by progressing through the main story and completing certain side quests. Visit Brok and Sindri’s shop to upgrade your axe using these resources.
6. Can I use the Leviathan Axe effectively against bosses?
Yes, the Leviathan Axe is effective against many early-game bosses. Focus on learning their attack patterns and exploiting their weaknesses. Use Runic Attacks and skillful dodges to maximize your damage output and survivability.
7. What is the best way to use the Leviathan Axe at long range?
Skills that enhance your axe throw are crucial for long-range combat. Aim for enemy weak points and use charged throws to deal maximum damage. Recalling the axe at the right moment can also create opportunities for follow-up attacks.
8. Is there a better weapon than the Leviathan Axe later in the game?
While the Leviathan Axe remains a powerful weapon throughout the game, the Blades of Chaos provide a different combat style and are essential for certain encounters. Experiment with both weapons to find which one suits your playstyle and the situation.
9. How does armor affect the Leviathan Axe’s performance?
Armor provides stat boosts that directly impact the Leviathan Axe’s performance. Strength increases your damage output, while Runic enhances the effectiveness of your Runic Attacks. Defense and Vitality improve your survivability.
10. What are some good early-game Runic Attacks to use with the Leviathan Axe?
Look for Runic Attacks that provide a mix of damage and crowd control. “Wrath of the Frost Ancient” and “Ivaldi’s Anvil” are good options for dealing significant damage to multiple enemies.
11. How important is it to explore in the early game?
Exploring the world is crucial for finding resources, upgrades, and hidden secrets. Take the time to explore each area thoroughly, as you’ll often find valuable items that can significantly boost your Leviathan Axe’s performance.
12. Should I focus on upgrading the Leviathan Axe or my armor first?
Prioritize upgrading the Leviathan Axe first, as it directly impacts your damage output. However, don’t neglect your armor. Maintaining a balance between weapon and armor upgrades is essential for overall survivability.
13. Can Atreus help me use the Leviathan Axe more effectively?
Yes, Atreus’s abilities can complement the Leviathan Axe in combat. Use his arrows to stun enemies and create openings for your attacks. Upgrading his skills and gear can further enhance his effectiveness.
14. What is the difference between light and heavy attacks with the Leviathan Axe?
Light attacks are faster and deal less damage, while heavy attacks are slower but deal more damage. Use light attacks for quick combos and heavy attacks for breaking enemy defenses or dealing significant damage to staggered foes.
15. Where can I learn more about God of War and its gameplay mechanics?
There are many online resources available, including wikis, forums, and video guides. Don’t hesitate to research and experiment to find what works best for you. If you’re interested in the intersection of games and learning, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more about research in the field. You could also visit GamesLearningSociety.org!
Conclusion
The Leviathan Axe is a formidable weapon in the early game, capable of delivering devastating blows and controlling the battlefield. By prioritizing the right skills, selecting the appropriate pommel, and mastering movement and dodging, you can maximize its potential. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your playstyle. With practice and dedication, you’ll become a master of the Leviathan Axe and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.