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The Definitive Guide to the Strongest Armor Set in God of War Ragnarok

Determining the absolute strongest armor set in God of War Ragnarok isn’t a simple matter of raw defense numbers. While the Steinbjorn Set boasts impressive defense stats, the “best” armor depends heavily on your playstyle, build, and the specific challenges you’re facing. That being said, for sheer survivability and resilience against overwhelming force, the Steinbjorn Armor reigns supreme for many players. It provides the highest defense in the game, making Kratos incredibly durable. However, other sets excel in different areas, such as damage output, status application, or healing. So, the ultimate choice depends on your preferred way to dominate the Nine Realms.

Delving Deeper: Understanding Armor Set Attributes

Before we crown a definitive champion, let’s break down what makes an armor set “strong” in God of War Ragnarok. It’s not just about stacking the highest defense stat. Consider these factors:

Defense: Reduces incoming physical damage. A high defense stat is crucial for tanking hits and surviving prolonged encounters.
Strength: Increases melee damage. If you favor close-quarters combat, prioritize armor sets that boost Strength.
Runic: Amplifies the power of Runic Attacks and Skills. For players who rely on magical abilities, a high Runic stat is essential.
Vitality: Increases maximum health and Stagger Resistance. More health translates to more survivability, while Stagger Resistance prevents enemies from interrupting your attacks.
Luck: Boosts the chances of activating Perks and Status Effects. A higher Luck stat can significantly enhance your build’s effectiveness.
Cooldown: Reduces the cooldown time of Runic Attacks and Skills. Allows for more frequent use of powerful abilities.
Perks: Unique bonuses that provide various advantages, such as increased damage, healing, or status effects. Perks can drastically alter your playstyle and synergize with other gear.

The Contenders for the Title of “Strongest”

While the Steinbjorn Armor takes the cake for defense, several other armor sets deserve recognition for their unique strengths:

Steinbjorn Armor: As mentioned, this set offers unparalleled defense. Its perk, “Momentous Stun,” grants a chance to stagger enemies when hit, providing valuable breathing room in chaotic fights. However, it lacks significant offensive stats.
Berserker Armor: This set focuses on offensive power and risk/reward gameplay. Its perk, “Berserker Soul,” increases damage output after using a Relic, but also increases incoming damage. Ideal for skilled players who can capitalize on brief windows of opportunity.
Lunda’s Lost Armor: This set is highly effective for inflicting Poison damage. The set’s perk, “Lunda’s Poison,” applies Poison to enemies hit by your attacks. When fully upgraded this armor is incredibly strong.
Vidar’s Armor of Might: This armor excels in maximizing attack power. It boosts Strength more than any other armor set in the game.
Dragon Scaled Armor: This set is designed for aggressive players who favor parrying. Its perk, “Dragon’s Fury,” grants a damage buff after a successful parry.
Gná’s Armor The Gná’s Armor can only be obtained by defeating Gná, the Valkyrie Queen, in New Game Plus. The armor focuses on Strength and Defense, and the main Chest Armor perk is “Embrace of the Valkyrie” which adds melee damage, stagger resistance, and causes a concussive explosion when low on health.

The Steinbjorn Armor: A Defensive Juggernaut

Let’s take a closer look at the Steinbjorn Armor, the undisputed champion of defense:

How to Obtain: This armor requires you to find and awaken four sleeping Trolls scattered across the realms and collect the Slumber Stones they drop. This is generally considered to be a complicated process, but very worth it to those who like to be incredibly tough.
Stats: Once fully upgraded, the Steinbjorn Armor provides an astounding 394 Defense.
Perks: The “Momentous Stun” perk is incredibly useful for interrupting enemy attacks and creating openings.
Playstyle: The Steinbjorn Armor encourages a more deliberate and tactical playstyle. You can absorb a significant amount of damage, allowing you to focus on positioning and timing your attacks.

Zeus Armor: High-Risk, High-Reward (New Game Plus)

The Zeus Armor, available only in New Game Plus, is a glass cannon’s dream. It drastically increases melee and runic damage but also significantly increases incoming damage. This set is not for the faint of heart, requiring impeccable dodging and parrying skills. But, in the right hands, it’s the most devastating armor in the game.

Honorable Mentions

Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist Set: A great option outside of New Game Plus, offering a balance of Strength, Runic, Defense, and Vitality, along with constant healing.
Darkdale Armor: A solid choice early in the game, focusing on Strength, Runic, and Vitality, with perks centered around Rage.
Raven Tears Set: One of the best sets for healing, providing a constant stream of health regeneration.

Choosing the Right Shield

The shield you equip is just as important as your armor set. Here’s a quick overview of the best shields in God of War Ragnarok:

Dauntless Shield: Perfect for parrying and aggression. Rewards precise timing with powerful counters.
Stone Wall Shield: A defensive powerhouse that can absorb massive amounts of damage.
Guardian Shield: A balanced option for both offense and defense. Offers a versatile moveset and reliable protection.

Conclusion: The “Best” Armor is Subjective

Ultimately, the strongest armor set in God of War Ragnarok is the one that best complements your playstyle and helps you overcome the challenges you face. Experiment with different sets, learn their strengths and weaknesses, and find the combination that empowers you to become the ultimate God of War. Don’t be afraid to respec your skills and try out new builds. The beauty of God of War Ragnarok lies in its flexibility and the freedom it gives you to customize your experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best armor set for early game?

The Darkdale Armor is a strong contender for the best early-game armor set. It provides a balanced mix of Strength, Runic, and Vitality, and its perks enhance Rage abilities.
How do I get the Steinbjorn Armor?

You need to locate and awaken four sleeping Trolls hidden throughout the realms. Defeating them will reward you with the Slumber Stones required to craft the armor at the workshop.
Is the Zeus Armor worth the risk?

If you’re a skilled player who excels at dodging and parrying, the Zeus Armor can be incredibly powerful. However, be prepared to die frequently if you’re not careful. It requires flawless execution.
Can I upgrade all armor to Level 10?

Yes, in New Game Plus, you can upgrade all armor, weapons, and shields to Level 10. You’ll need to convert them at a Dwarven Shop after reaching Level 9.
What is the best shield for parrying?

The Dauntless Shield is specifically designed for parrying. Its perk allows you to unleash devastating counterattacks after a perfectly timed parry.
What is the hardest level in God of War Ragnarok?

Playing on the “Give Me No Mercy” difficulty setting is considered the hardest level. Enemies are more aggressive and deal significantly more damage.
How do I get the Dragon Scaled Armor?

You can craft the Dragon Scaled Armor after reaching The Crater in Vanaheim. You’ll need resources obtained by defeating Dragons, Drakes, and Drekis.
What is the purpose of Luck stat?

The Luck stat increases the chance of activating Perks and Status Effects, making your build more reliable and consistent.
Is the Berserker Armor good for boss fights?

The Berserker Armor can be effective in boss fights if you can consistently avoid taking damage. Its damage-boosting perk can help you burn through boss health bars quickly, but the increased damage vulnerability makes it a risky choice.
What stats do I need to focus on for a Runic build?

For a Runic build, prioritize the Runic and Cooldown stats. Runic increases the damage of your Runic Attacks and Skills, while Cooldown reduces their recharge time.
Where can I find all the sleeping Trolls for the Steinbjorn Armor?

The locations of the sleeping Trolls are scattered throughout Midgard and Alfheim. It’s best to consult a specific guide or walkthrough to find their exact locations.
What is the best armor for a vitality-focused build?

Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist set is a great choice.
What is the soulless warrior perk?

The “Soulless Warrior” perk, found on the Berserker Cuirass, temporarily turns Kratos into a glass cannon after using a Relic, increasing both damage output and incoming damage.
What weapon in Ragnarok does the most damage?

The Leviathan Axe is the slowest and most deliberate weapon in the game, but has the highest damage per hit.
What is there to do after 100% completion of Ragnarok? After completing the main story and side quests, there’s still plenty to do in God of War Ragnarok. You can explore optional areas, defeat challenging bosses like the Berserker King and Gna (Valkyrie Queen). You can also revisit locations to trigger special interactions and conversations with characters.

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What is the strongest armor set in Ragnarok?