God of War: Which are the best abilities? God of War Guide and Walkthrough

Last update: 05 January 2023

In this chapter of our God of War guide you can find out which abilities are the best for Kratos and Atreus. We've compiled a list of the best skills for the Leviathan, the Guardian Shield, Kratos' second main weapon and Talon Bow (Atreus' tree).

• Best Skills - Leviathan Axe
• Best Skills - Guardian Shield
• Best Skills - Kratos' second main weapon (spoiler)
• Best Skills - Talon Bow (Atreus)

Best Skills - Leviathan Axe

1. The Leviathan axe's attacks are powerful and deal a lot of damage. The same goes for the skills that further strengthen the weapon.
2. You should invest your points in Hunter-Killer and keep upgrading it. Thanks to this skill you can damage 3 targets with one throw or you can damage 3 points on a larger beast's body. A useful ability when you have to face, e.g. an Ancient or you want to defeat an enemy from a distance.
3. Freezing Burst is a good skill for starting a fight - throw your axe to deal a lot of ice damage and make your enemies vulnerable to your next attacks.
4. Executioner's Cleave is one of the must-have attacks - Kratos holds his axe with two hands and attacks with immense power. Charging the attacks takes a while but this move is great for countering an opponent after dodging their attack. Highly recommended - although you have to watch out to not receive damage while you are using it.
5. Whirling Storm is a powerful strike that can also immobilize and enemy. Using this attack over and over again will allow you to trap an enemy until they are dead.
6. Pride of the Frost. This attack extends the basic combo by adding a powerful area of effect attack. Deals a lot of damage and is very useful.
7. Permafrost. You charge the Leviathan by performing a series of strikes. Thanks to that you can deal frost damage with each hit. Highly useful!
8. Whirlwind Sweep and its upgrade are also good although they are useful against hordes of enemies. They aren't as useful against bosses and single powerful beasts.

Best Skills - Guardian Shield

1. In Guardian Shield tree you can upgrade your hand-to-hand combat and upgrade Spartan Rage.
2. Block Break, Countering Strike and Countering Crush are all must haves. You will often block attacks. Thanks to those skills you can turn your defense into offense.
3. Guardian Sweep, Guardian's Justice and Guardian's Judgement will allow you to stun enemies faster which is highly useful - when, e.g. you are fighting with much stronger foes.
4. Shoulder Barrage. This skill is great when you want to throw enemies off a cliff (which often means that that enemy is killed instantly).
5. Remember to upgrade Spartan Rage - the default attacks of this mode are also highly useful in boss fights etc.

Best Skills - Kratos' second main weapon (spoiler)

1. The second primary weapon is the Blades of Chaos known from previous installments of the God of War series.
2. Blades of Chaos have faster attacks and are great when you have to face a few enemies at the same time.
3. Spear of Chaos is great because this move allows you to pull enemies towards you. The reach isn't that impressive but you can use this attack to, e.g. pull weakened enemies towards you.
4. Immolation and Furious Immolation let you charge Blades of Chaos to deal fire damage with each hit. Thanks to that you can speed up fights and deal additional damage.
5. Chaotic Rampage and its upgrades greatly complement melee combat - unlock this ability as fast as you can.
6. Essence of Athena, Essence of Zeus and Essence of Ares increase Kratos' stats by 10 points permanently - they are definitely worth getting.

Best Skills - Talon Bow (Atreus)

1. Talon Bow skill tree upgrades Atreus and his combat skills. Later, the boy will turn into a real killing machine and a great archer.
2. Truth be told, every single ability in this tree is a must-have - Atreus accompanies you throughout the entire game which means that upgrading him is important.
3. Atreus Power and its upgrades are the most important because this ability increases the boy's power - after some time his arrows will deal a lot of damage and stun enemies.
4. Dexterous Shot and its upgrades increase Talon Bow's fire rate which also increases Atreus' combat potential.