What’s the Best Armor in God of War Ragnarok? A Definitive Guide

Choosing the “best” armor in God of War Ragnarok isn’t a straightforward decision. It hinges entirely on your play style, preferred difficulty, and what you want to achieve in combat. However, if we’re talking pure survivability and raw defense, the Steinbjorn Armor Set emerges as a top contender. Its incredibly high defense stat, coupled with its health regeneration perk when dealing damage, makes it a fantastic choice for players who prioritize staying alive above all else. For a New Game Plus (NG+) playthrough where offense is the priority, the Zeus Armor is a compelling choice.

Diving Deeper into Armor Choices

God of War Ragnarok offers a wealth of armor sets, each with its own unique stats and perks. Some sets focus on boosting Strength and Defense for a more traditional warrior approach, while others emphasize Runic, Cooldown, or Vitality for different combat styles. There isn’t a single “best” armor for everyone, but some sets consistently rank high due to their overall effectiveness and versatility.

The Steinbjorn Set: The Tank’s Delight

The Steinbjorn armor set is all about absorbing damage. It grants an enormous boost to Defense, making Kratos incredibly resilient. The chest armor, in particular, stands out with its perk that allows Kratos to regain health with each successful attack. This is a crucial advantage, especially in challenging encounters.

• Pros: Unmatched defensive capabilities, health regeneration on hit, great for survivability on higher difficulties.
• Cons: Requires a significant time investment to acquire all pieces, might not suit players who prefer an offensive playstyle.
• Best For: Players who struggle with taking damage, those who prefer a methodical and patient approach to combat, and those playing on higher difficulties.

The Zeus Armor: High Risk, High Reward

The Zeus Armor set, only available in New Game Plus, is the epitome of glass cannon builds. It drastically increases melee and runic damage output but also significantly increases incoming damage. This set demands precise timing, skillful dodging, and a deep understanding of enemy attack patterns.

• Pros: Massive damage boost, ideal for speedrunning and challenging yourself, perfect for experienced players who want to push their limits.
• Cons: Extreme vulnerability, not recommended for beginners or those who struggle with dodging, requires a highly aggressive and calculated playstyle.
• Best For: Experienced players confident in their ability to avoid damage, those who want to maximize damage output, and those seeking a thrilling and challenging experience in New Game Plus.

Dragon Scaled Armor: A Balanced Option

The Dragon Scaled Armor is a popular and well-rounded choice. It offers a good balance of Strength, Defense, and Vitality, making it suitable for a variety of playstyles. The armor’s perks often involve boosting damage resistance or increasing damage dealt to elemental-affected enemies.

• Pros: Versatile stat distribution, decent defensive and offensive capabilities, accessible and relatively easy to obtain.
• Cons: Not as specialized as other sets, might not excel in any particular area.
• Best For: Players who want a balanced approach to combat, those who are unsure of their preferred playstyle, and those who want a reliable and effective armor set throughout the game.

Other Notable Armor Sets

• Berserker Armor: Focuses on increasing damage output and attack speed, encouraging aggressive play.

• Lunda’s Set: Enhances poison damage and effectiveness, ideal for players who enjoy inflicting status ailments.

• Raven Tears Armor: Provides excellent Luck stats, increasing the chances of activating perks and special effects.

• Spartan Armor: Available in New Game Plus, offers stat boosts based on how damaged Kratos is.

Considering Playstyle and Difficulty

Ultimately, the “best” armor depends on how you like to play. If you prefer a defensive playstyle, the Steinbjorn set is an excellent choice. If you want to maximize damage output, the Zeus Armor (in New Game Plus) is the way to go. Consider your strengths and weaknesses as a player, and choose an armor set that complements your style.

The game’s difficulty level also influences the optimal armor choice. On easier difficulties, you can afford to be more aggressive and prioritize damage output. On higher difficulties, survivability becomes more crucial, making the Steinbjorn set or other defensively oriented armors more appealing.

Remember, experimenting with different armor sets is part of the fun. Don’t be afraid to try out different combinations and see what works best for you. The right armor can significantly enhance your experience in God of War Ragnarok. Understanding how students learn while gaming can also benefit from the research made available by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Or at their alternative web address, GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about armor in God of War Ragnarok:

1. What is the best armor in God of War Ragnarok for beginners?

The Dragon Scaled Armor is generally considered the best armor for beginners due to its balanced stats and ease of acquisition.

2. How do I get the Zeus armor in God of War Ragnarok?

The Zeus Armor is only available in New Game Plus. You obtain the pieces by defeating the Valkyries Sigrun, Gondul, and Hildr in their respective realms.

3. Is the Steinbjorn armor worth it?

Yes, the Steinbjorn armor is definitely worth it, especially if you prioritize survivability and are playing on higher difficulties.

4. What stats should I focus on when choosing armor?

It depends on your playstyle. Strength increases melee damage, Defense reduces damage taken, Vitality increases health, Luck improves perk activation, Cooldown reduces ability cooldowns, and Runic increases runic attack damage.

5. Can you upgrade armor in God of War Ragnarok?

Yes, you can upgrade armor at the Dwarven shops run by Brok and Lunda. Upgrading armor improves its stats and sometimes unlocks new perks.

6. Should I sell old armor in God of War Ragnarok?

Yes, you should sell old armor that you no longer use to earn Hacksilver, the game’s primary currency.

7. Where can I find the best armor early in the game?

Early in the game, focus on completing side quests and exploring the environment to find crafting materials and armor pieces. The Vidar Armor Set is a solid early-game option.

8. What is the maximum level you can reach in God of War Ragnarok?

In the base game, the maximum level is 9. In New Game Plus, you can reach level 10 by fully upgrading your gear and converting it at a Dwarven shop.

9. How do I get to level 7 in God of War Ragnarok?

You reach level 7 by upgrading your gear, including armor, weapons, and weapon attachments.

10. Is the Black Bear armor in God of War Ragnarok good?

The Armor of the Black Bear, which resembles Kratos’s cloak from the beginning of the game, is available in New Game Plus and can be a decent option for early-game survivability.

11. What are the best enchantments for armor in God of War Ragnarok?

The best enchantments depend on your build and playstyle. Some popular enchantments include those that boost Strength, Defense, Runic, or Luck.

12. How do I get the Dragon Scale armor in God of War Ragnarok?

The Dragon Scaled Armor can be crafted after reaching The Crater in Vanaheim, and requires resources obtained from dragons, drakes, and drekis.

13. What is the best shield in God of War Ragnarok?

The Dauntless Shield is often considered the best shield due to its parry window and ability to stagger enemies.

14. Which weapon is the best in God of War Ragnarok?

While both are very viable, the Leviathan Axe is a powerful and versatile weapon, offering excellent range and elemental abilities. The Blades of Chaos excel at crowd control.

15. Is there a New Game Plus mode in God of War Ragnarok?

Yes, God of War Ragnarok has a New Game Plus mode that allows you to replay the game with all your previously acquired gear and abilities.