Character Skills - God of War (2018)

Character Skills Guide for God of War (2018)

This guide covers all skills and abilities for Kratos and his companion Atreus. Kratos has three main skill trees: Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Ranged Combat (which includes Atreus's abilities). Additionally, Runic Attacks, Spartan Rage, Talismans, and Guardian Shield are covered. For each skill or ability, we detail its effects, cooldown (where applicable), upgrade paths, combo potential, synergies with other skills or equipment, recommended use cases, and suggested builds.

Kratos's Leviathan Axe Skills

The Leviathan Axe skills are unlocked with XP earned from combat, quests, and exploration. They are grouped into three trees: Axe Throw, Melee, and Runic. Each skill has level 1, 2, and sometimes 3 upgrades that improve damage, stun, or add new effects.

#### Axe Throw Tree

Skill Name	Description	Cooldown/Effect	Upgrades	Combos & Synergies	When to Use
Flurry of Arrows (Atreus)	Atreus fires a rapid volley of arrows, hitting multiple times.	Atreus cooldown: ~8s	Level 2: More arrows; Level 3: Unblockable	Use after Kratos throws the axe to keep pressure. Synergizes with Runic attacks that stun.	Against groups or to interrupt enemy actions.
Splinter Shot	Hold R1 to charge and release a spread of three axe projectiles.	No cooldown, consumes stamina? Actually, it's a charged throw.	Level 2: Increased damage; Level 3: Slows enemies on hit	Follow up with recall attack for a spinning slash.	Great for controlling crowds or hitting multiple flying enemies.
Whirlwind Throw	Hold R2 and then press R2 again to spin the axe in a circle before throwing.	No cooldown	Level 2: Larger spin radius; Level 3: Adds a frost explosion	Can be canceled into recall. Use before charged attacks to clear space.	When enemies are clustered or to break shields.
Anger of the Earth (Runic Attack)	Slams the axe into the ground, creating a shockwave of ice.	Cooldown varies by tier (base ~60s)	Tier 1 to 3: Increased damage and radius, longer freeze	Use with Spartan Rage for massive area damage.	Against groups or large enemies.

#### Melee Tree

Skill Name	Description	Cooldown/Effect	Upgrades	Combos & Synergies	When to Use
Serrated Cob	Press L2 then R1 for a jab that stuns.	No cooldown	Level 2: More stun damage; Level 3: Unblockable	Start combo with this, then follow with heavy attacks.	To open guards or interrupt charging enemies.
Bursting Forth	After a block break, press R1 for a quick follow-up.	No cooldown	Level 2: Extra hit; Level 3: Knockback	Use after parry (Guardian Shield skill) for extra damage.	When enemies are staggered.
Valiant Strike	While sprinting, press R1 for a leaping slash.	No cooldown	Level 2: Larger arc; Level 3: Frost effect	Combos with Serrated Cob for air attacks? Actually, it's a ground slam.	To close distance or hit aerial enemies.
Executioner's Cleave	Hold R2 for a charged heavy attack, can be released as a powerful cleave.	No cooldown	Level 2: Faster charge; Level 3: Unblockable	Best after stunning an enemy or in a combo.	For high damage on a single target.
Glacial Cleave	After a full combo, hold R2 for a frost explosion.	No cooldown	Level 2: Bigger explosion; Level 3: Freeze duration increase	Use after R1-R1-R2 combo. Synergizes with Frost build.	To freeze multiple enemies around.

#### Runic Tree (Heavy Runic Attacks)

Heavy Runic Attacks are powerful abilities that replace the heavy attack button when equipped. They have cooldowns and can be upgraded with Runic gems.

Skill Name	Description	Cooldown (Base)	Upgrades & Gems	Combos & Synergies	When to Use
Leviathan's Wake	A linear projectile that freezes enemies.	60s	Increased speed, damage, or freeze duration.	Use after Atreus arrows to keep enemies still.	Ranged opener.
Frost Giant's Frenzy	Kratos spins and slams the axe repeatedly.	90s	More hits, larger area.	Use while enemies are grouped.	Crowd control and damage.
Ivaldi's Anvil	Summons a frost anvil that slams down.	80s	Increased damage, frost build-up.	Use after a parry to guarantee hit.	High damage single target or after stagger.

Kratos's Blades of Chaos Skills

Unlocked after retrieving the Blades (mid-game). Similar XP progression with their own trees: Whiplash, Blade Throw, and Runic. The Blades excel at crowd control and burning effects.

#### Whiplash Tree

Skill Name	Description	Cooldown/Effect	Upgrades	Combos & Synergies	When to Use
Arrea Embrace (Whiplash)	Press L2 then R1 to grapple an enemy and pull them toward you.	No cooldown	Level 2: Larger range; Level 3: Stuns on pull	Can be followed by a shield slam or heavy attack.	To isolate an enemy from a group.
Relentless Fury	After a full Blades combo, hold R2 for a fiery explosion.	No cooldown	Level 2: Larger blast; Level 3: Burn damage over time	Use against groups. Synergizes with Burn status.	When surrounded.
Grasp of the Flame	While sprinting, press R1 for a sweeping fire attack.	No cooldown	Level 2: More hits; Level 3: Ignores block	Good for closing distance.	To interrupt ranged enemies.

#### Blade Throw Tree

Skill Name	Description	Cooldown/Effect	Upgrades	Combos & Synergies	When to Use
Whirlwind Toss	Hold R2 then release to spin blades around before throwing.	No cooldown	Level 2: More spins; Level 3: Burn spread	Combos with recall.	Crowd control from range.
Blazing Tempest	Heavy Runic Attack: Kratos spins blades creating a fire tornado.	90s	Increased radius, duration, or burn damage.	Excellent for clearing large groups.	Against wave of enemies.
Meteor Slam	Heavy Runic Attack: Jumps and slams down with fiery shockwave.	80s	Increased damage, area.	Use after launch or in air combos.	High area damage.

#### Blades Runic Tree (Light and Heavy Runic Attacks)

Skill Name	Type	Description	Cooldown	Upgrades	When to Use
Tartarus Rage	Light	Kratos spins blades in a circle around himself.	40s	More hits, burn damage.	Self-defense against enemies closing in.
Rage of the Titans	Light	A short-range beam of fire.	50s	Increased damage, range.	To stagger large enemies or break rocks.
Hel's Touch	Light	A quick fiery uppercut that launches enemies.	30s	Faster animation, added burn.	To launch enemies for air combos.
Prometheus Flame	Heavy	A massive fire blast around Kratos.	90s	Huge damage, burn on all hits.	When surrounded by strong enemies.
Nemean Crush	Heavy	Kratos slams the blades into the ground, creating a shockwave.	70s	Increased shockwave radius.	Area control.

Atreus Skills and Abilities

Atreus gains XP through combat and story progression. His skill tree is called Ranged Combat in the menu. He also has passive skills and talisman-like upgrades via his bow and arrows.

#### Atreus Arrow Types

Arrow Type	Unlock	Effect	When to Use
Standard Arrow	Default	Moderate damage, stun.	General use, interrupting attacks.
Shock Arrow	Early game (after lightning abilities)	Deals shock damage, can stun multiple enemies in chain.	Against groups or to paralyze enemies.
Sound Arrow	Mid game (after reaching the Lake of Nine)	Creates a noise that distracts enemies, can stun.	To stealthily take out one enemy or break their guard.

#### Atreus Skill Tree (Ranged Combat)

Skill Name	Description	Upgrades	Synergies	When to Use
Summon Animal	Atreus calls a wolf to attack enemies.	Level 2: Wolf deals more damage; Level 3: Wolf pins enemies.	Good for crowd control or interrupting a boss.	When you need a distraction or extra pressure.
Swift Arrows	Atreus fires a quick volley of three arrows.	Level 2: More arrows; Level 3: Unblockable.	Use after a heavy attack to maintain combo.	To build stun quickly.
Guardian's Light (passive)	Atreus's arrows occasionally heal Kratos for a small amount.	Not upgradable.	Pairs well with any build.	Always useful, especially in tough fights.
Runic Summon	Atreus uses a runic summon (e.g., wolves, ravens) based on equipped rune.	Unlock runes via side quests.	Each has unique effects: stun, damage, healing.	Use according to enemy weakness.

Spartan Rage

Spartan Rage is a temporary super mode. It is unlocked early and used via L3+R3. While active, Kratos gains:

Increased damage (all attacks).

Health regeneration (each hit restores HP).

Unblockable attacks.

No cooldown on basic moves.

When to use:

Emergency heal when low on health.

To burst down a tough enemy or boss.

To break out of heavy stunlock.

Synergies:

Pair with runic attacks that have long cooldowns; Spartan Rage doesn't affect those cooldowns but you can interrupt with rage.

Armor sets like Valkyrie or Ares boost rage duration or damage.

Talismans and Active Abilities

Kratos can equip one talisman that grants an active ability (activate with R1+R2). These are powerful and often game-changing.

Talisman Name	Effect	Cooldown	Best Build	When to Use
Talisman of Unbound Potential	Resets all Runic Attack cooldowns.	180s	Runic spam build.	Use after using both runic attacks to instantly reuse them.
Amulet of Kvasir	Slows time after a perfect dodge.	60s	Any build, especially for dodgers.	Activate after a perfect dodge to unleash a full combo.
Shattered Gauntlet of Ages	Slows time when activated and can be upgraded with enchantments.	90s	Best with high Runic stat.	Use to control battle tempo.
Talisman of Cursed Power	Increases all damage but reduces defense.	120s	Glass cannon builds.	For boss fights where you can avoid hits.
Talisman of the Realms	Teleports you behind an enemy and stuns them.	60s	Stealth or backstab setups.	To initiate fights or escape pressure.

Guardian Shield and Parry Skills

Kratos's shield has its own passive and active abilities. The shield can block most attacks, and a perfectly timed block (parry) staggers enemies.

Guardian Shield: Default shield, can parry. Upgrade via the blacksmith to improve block strength and parry window.

Vandal's Shield: A different shield available later, focuses on reflecting projectiles.

Parry: Press L1 just before an attack. Successful parry stuns the enemy and opens them to attacks. Unlockable via skill purchase.

Shield Strike: After a parry, press R1 for a follow-up attack. Can knockback or set up combos.

Guardian's Ward: Hold L1 to raise shield; reduces damage taken but drains stamina.

Recommended Builds

Build Name	Weapons	Skills Focus	Talisman	Atreus Rune	When to Use
Runic Spam	Axe and Blades	Max Runic stat, use runic attacks with low cooldown.	Talisman of Unbound Potential	Runic Summon that resets runic cooldowns (e.g., Wolf rune).	Against bosses or large groups; melt HP.
Frost Warrior	Axe only (or as primary)	Frost damage skills, freeze enemies.	Amulet of Kvasir	Shock arrows (to stun).	For crowd control; freeze then execute.
Fire Berserker	Blades only	Burn damage, high DPS.	Talisman of Cursed Power	Sound arrows (to break blocks).	High risk, high reward; use with defensive armor.
Balanced	Both weapons	Mix of passives, balanced stats.	Shattered Gauntlet of Ages	Guardian's Light (heal).	Default playthrough for beginners.
Valkyrie Slayer	Any	High Strength and Runic; use runic attacks that stun.	Any with good stats	Any with stun (e.g., ravens).	Specific for Valkyrie fights; maximize stagger.

When to Use Each Skill: Summary

Axe Throw skills: Use to control distance, interrupt ranged enemies, or apply frost status from afar.

Blades Whiplash: Use to pull enemies closer or escape being surrounded.

Spartan Rage: Emergency heal or burst damage; activate when low on health or facing a strong enemy.

Atreus arrows: Use constantly; each type has utility: standard for interrupts, shock for crowd control, sound for stealth.

Atreus wolf summon: Use when you need a temporary tank or to interrupt a boss's attack.

Talisman active: Use according to situation; reset cooldowns before a big fight, slow time on dodge.

Parry: Master this; it's essential for breaking enemy defenses and creating openings.

This guide covers every skill and ability in God of War (2018). Upgrade priorities depend on your playstyle, but investing in at least one runic attack from each weapon tree is recommended due to their high damage and utility. Always keep Atreus upgraded—his arrows and summons are invaluable. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite build.