Unlocking Godhood: The Best New Game Plus Armor in God of War Ragnarok

In God of War Ragnarok, the journey doesn’t end with the credits. New Game Plus (NG+) offers a fresh challenge and the opportunity to further refine Kratos into an unstoppable force. A crucial part of this power-up is, of course, selecting the best armor. While personal playstyle is a major factor, one armor set consistently stands out for its versatility and raw power: The Armor of Zeus. This set offers the highest potential damage output, making it a prime choice for experienced players looking to dominate the battlefield in NG+. However, its high-risk, high-reward nature requires a calculated and skilled approach to combat.

Diving Deeper: Why the Armor of Zeus Reigns Supreme

The Armor of Zeus, obtainable only in New Game Plus, is designed for players who embrace aggressive, precise gameplay. Its primary strength lies in its monumental boost to both melee and runic damage. This means every swing of the Leviathan Axe, every blast of the Blades of Chaos, and every use of a runic attack is significantly amplified. This allows you to melt even the toughest enemies with frightening speed.

However, this power comes at a steep price. The Zeus armor drastically increases incoming damage. One wrong move can lead to a quick and unforgiving death. Therefore, mastering the art of dodging, parrying, and utilizing runic attacks for invincibility frames is paramount. This set transforms God of War Ragnarok into a high-stakes dance where perfect execution is the key to survival and overwhelming power.

Beyond Zeus: Viable Alternatives for NG+ Domination

While the Zeus armor is arguably the best for maximizing damage, other armor sets offer unique benefits that cater to different playstyles. Here are some noteworthy alternatives:

• Armor of Ares: Another NG+ exclusive, the Ares armor focuses on rage generation and explosive damage. Its perk triggers a rage explosion on hit, damaging surrounding enemies. This is an excellent choice for players who frequently utilize rage mode and prefer a more chaotic, area-of-effect approach to combat.

• Steinbjorn Armor: For those prioritizing survivability, the Steinbjorn armor remains a top-tier choice. Its incredibly high defense stats make Kratos exceptionally resilient. Its perk, which can stagger enemies and restore health, provides valuable safety nets in challenging encounters. This armor is ideal for players who prefer a tank-like playstyle and value consistent damage output over burst potential.

• Spartan Armor: This armor presents a serious challenge, as it removes Kratos’s ability to parry. In exchange, it drastically boosts Strength and other damage stats. If you’re confident in your ability to dodge and rely on well-timed blocks, the Spartan Armor can push your damage to the next level.

Essential Strategies for Wielding the Zeus Armor

Mastering the Armor of Zeus requires more than just equipping the pieces. Here’s a breakdown of essential strategies:

• Perfecting Your Defense: Dodging and parrying become absolutely critical. Prioritize timing and spacing to avoid taking unnecessary damage. Skills and enchantments that enhance these defensive abilities are highly recommended.

• Runic Attack Mastery: Runic attacks not only deal significant damage but also provide temporary invincibility frames. Utilize these strategically to avoid enemy attacks and capitalize on openings.

• Enchantment Synergy: Select enchantments that complement the Zeus armor’s strengths and mitigate its weaknesses. Consider enchantments that boost health, defense, or provide additional damage output.

• Understanding Enemy Attack Patterns: Memorizing enemy attack patterns is crucial for anticipating and avoiding damage. Practice against different enemy types to refine your reflexes and timing.

• Strategic Runic and Relic Usage: Employ runic attacks and relics strategically to maximize damage output and create openings for follow-up attacks. The right combination can turn the tide of even the most challenging battles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NG+ Armor in God of War Ragnarok

1. How do I unlock New Game Plus in God of War Ragnarok?

To unlock New Game Plus, you must first complete the main story campaign on any difficulty. Once you’ve finished the game, you can start a new playthrough in NG+ mode.

2. What carries over into New Game Plus?

In New Game Plus, you retain all of your armor, weapons, skills, resources, and collectibles from your previous playthrough. This allows you to immediately experiment with different builds and tackle challenges with your fully powered Kratos.

3. Are there new resources in New Game Plus?

Yes, New Game Plus introduces new resources such as Primal Flames, which are used to upgrade your elemental weapons (Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Draupnir Spear) to their maximum potential.

4. Can I upgrade all armor to Level 10 in NG+?

Yes, almost all armor sets can be upgraded to Level 10 in New Game Plus. You need to upgrade your armor to Level 9 and then convert it at a Dwarven Shop to reach Level 10 through further increments.

5. What are Remnants of Asgard, and how do they relate to the Zeus armor?

Remnants of Asgard are optional endgame encounters that become available after completing the main story. Clearing specific Remnants of Asgard is required to obtain pieces of the Zeus armor set.

6. Is the Armor of the Black Bear good in NG+?

The Armor of the Black Bear is the starting armor in New Game Plus. While it’s not as powerful as other endgame sets like Zeus or Steinbjorn, it’s a solid choice for the early stages of NG+ as it can be quickly upgraded.

7. Does difficulty affect armor drops in NG+?

No, the difficulty setting does not affect the availability or drop rates of armor in New Game Plus. You can obtain all armor sets regardless of the chosen difficulty level.

8. How does Luck stat affect NG+ gameplay?

The Luck stat increases your chances of activating perks from armor and enchantments, as well as improving XP and Hacksilver gains. A higher Luck stat can significantly enhance your overall progression in New Game Plus.

9. Which armor is best for a rage-focused build in NG+?

The Armor of Ares is the best choice for a rage-focused build. Its perk generates rage on hit, allowing you to frequently enter and maintain rage mode, unleashing devastating attacks.

10. Can I skip cutscenes in New Game Plus?

Yes, New Game Plus allows you to skip cutscenes, which can be useful for players who want to focus on gameplay and quickly progress through the story.

11. Are there new bosses in New Game Plus?

Yes, God of War Ragnarök’s NG+ update introduces new, challenging boss encounters that will test your skills and require optimized builds to overcome.

12. What is the significance of the Dwarven Shop in NG+?

The Dwarven Shop is crucial for upgrading your gear to Level 10 in New Game Plus. You can convert Level 9 armor, weapons, and shields to unlock further upgrade levels.

13. How does the cloak affect gameplay in NG+?

The cloak allows Kratos to retain his opening outfit from the game, providing different stats depending on which cloak you pick. The Cloak of the Black Bear, for example, focuses on Strength and Defense. You can also transmog any armor to look like the cloak.

14. What are the best enchantments to use with the Zeus armor?

Effective enchantments for the Zeus armor include those that boost health, defense, or damage mitigation. Also, enchantments that increase the duration or effectiveness of invincibility frames during runic attacks can be invaluable.

15. Where can I learn more about game mechanics and strategies?

For more in-depth information on game mechanics, strategy development, and the broader impact of games on learning and society, explore resources like the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org. Understanding these principles can enhance your gaming experience and provide valuable insights into how games contribute to cognitive and social development.

Conclusion: Forging Your Own Godly Path

Ultimately, the “best” armor in God of War Ragnarok’s New Game Plus comes down to personal preference and playstyle. However, the Armor of Zeus stands out as a potent choice for experienced players seeking to maximize damage output. By mastering its high-risk, high-reward nature and combining it with strategic gameplay, you can truly ascend to godhood on the battlefield. The Games Learning Society also studies how games teach us important skills. Experiment, adapt, and forge your own path to victory in the realms of Norse mythology.