God of War (2018) Core Gameplay guide screenshot

Core Gameplay

Core Gameplay Guide for God of War (2018)



This guide breaks down the core gameplay systems across four progression tiers: Early Game, Mid Game, Late Game, and Endgame. Each tier explains the main gameplay loop, combat/interaction mechanics, progression, exploration, quests/missions, economy, character/build growth, and endgame structure with specific examples.

The Core Gameplay Loop



The loop is: Explore → Fight → Loot → Upgrade → Progress Story. You traverse interconnected realms, solve environmental puzzles, battle enemies (Draugr, Hel-Walkers, Trolls, Ogres, etc.), collect Hacksilver, XP, and crafting materials, then return to shops (Brok / Sindri) to upgrade gear, learn new skills, and craft enchantments. Story progression unlocks new areas, abilities, and realms.

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Early Game (Chapters 1–5: "The Marked Trees" to "Inside the Mountain")



Main Gameplay Loop


  • Linear progression through the Wildwoods, Foothills, and first visit to the Mountain.

  • Primary objective: Scatter Faye’s ashes from the highest peak.

  • First boss: The Stranger (Baldur) – teaches you blocking, dodging, and heavy attacks.


    • Combat / Interaction Systems


  • Leviathan Axe: Main weapon; light/heavy attacks, throw (R1 then R2 for recall), Frost damage.

  • Atreus (Boy): Arrow commands (Square) – stuns enemies, interrupts attacks, reveals weak points.

  • Shield (L1): Block, parry (just before hit), shield bash (L1 + R1).

  • Spartan Rage: Unlocked after first Stranger fight – temporary invincibility, massive damage, health regen.

  • Finishers: R3 on stunned enemies (circle appears).

  • Climbing/Swimming: Limited; you can climb yellow-marked surfaces, swim in shallow water.


    • Progression


  • Level 0–2: Kratos starts at Level 1. XP unlocks new Runic Attacks and Skills.

  • Gear: Basic starting armor (Survival Set). First upgrades from Brok after clearing the Wildwoods.

  • Skill Tree: Unlock early key skills: Clear Out (R1+R1+R1), Executioner’s Cleave (hold R2), Whirlwind Sprint (sprint + R1).

  • Atreus: Unlock “Shock Arrows” after getting the Light Arrows in Alfheim? Actually early game: regular arrows only until Alfheim.


    • Exploration


  • Realm: Midgard only (Wildwoods, Foothills, The Mountain).

  • Collectibles: Ravens (1), Legendary Chests (basic Runic Attacks and enchantments), Nornir Chests (requires hitting three seals in time).

  • Hidden Chambers: First Valkyrie (Gunnr) available after completing “The Magic Chisel” – very hard, skip early.

  • Fast Travel: Unlocked at the end of Chapter 4 (Mystic Gateways).


    • Quests / Missions


  • Main Path: Follow the story.

  • Side Quests (Favors): “Fafnir’s Hoard,” “The Weight of Chains” (first artifact favor), “Dying Light” (unlocks later).

  • All optional: Recommend doing “Fafnir’s Hoard” for early Hacksilver.


    • Economy


  • Hacksilver: Drops from enemies, chests, and sold artifacts. Use for buying gear, upgrade materials.

  • XP: Earned from combat, completing quests, story events. Used to unlock skills.

  • Materials: Hacksilver buys basic upgrade stones (Dust of Realms, Soft Svartalfheim Steel). Loot from chests and enemies.


    • Character / Build Growth


  • Armor: Buy / upgrade the Traveler Armor (Runic focus) or Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist Set (not yet). Early: stick with Survival or Niflheim? No, that’s late game. Early best: Fallen Ash grip for axe (dropped from first Ogre).

  • Talismans: Start with Talisman of the Realms (slow time) – found in the Mountain.

  • Enchantments: Slot into armor and talisman; focus on +Strength, +Runic, +Cooldown. Early choices: Eyes of the Outer Realm (from Legendary Chest in Witch’s Woods).


    • Endgame Structure (Early Game Has None)


  • No true endgame content yet. The game continues linearly.


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    Mid Game (Chapters 6–12: The Light of Alfheim to The Healing of the Heart)



    Main Gameplay Loop


  • Non-linear exploration opens after receiving the Blades of Chaos (around Chapter 7).

  • Two weapons now: Axe and Blades (fire damage). Switch between them for combat variety and puzzles.

  • Multiple realms accessible: Alfheim, Helheim (partial), Muspelheim (via realm tears – requires 4 Muspelheim Language Ciphers).

  • Lake of Nine: Central hub, water level drops twice, revealing new islands and side content.


    • Combat / Interaction Systems


  • Blades of Chaos: Light/heavy combos, R1 hold for spin, R1+R1+R1+R2 for burn. Can also grapple (R1+R1+R2 on air).

  • Atreus: Unlocks Light Arrows in Alfheim – stun enemies, reveal hidden paths; later Shock Arrows after Mason’s Channel.

  • Runic Attacks: Equip one light and one heavy Runic for each weapon; found in chests or bought from Brok/Sindri.

  • Talisman of the Realms: Slows time – use before burst attacks.

  • Spartan Rage: Upgrades via Skill Tree – gain health on kills, extended duration.


    • Progression


  • Level 4–6: Reach Level 5 by equipping fully upgraded armor sets.

  • Armor Sets:

    • - Deadly Mist Set – requires Niflheim mist echoes (mid-game crafting).
    - Valkyrie Set – defeated Valkyrie Gunnr? But you need multiple Valkyries.
    - Traveler Set – good for strength defense.
  • Weapon Handles: Found or bought; upgrade at shops. Example: Axe Pommel: Retribution (high chance to stun on block break).

  • Skill Tree: Max out early skills; unlock Guardian’s Justice for axe (counter), Hyperion Grapple for blades (pull enemies).

  • Atreus Skills: Focus on Arrow Surge (multiple arrows) and Meditation (faster arrows).


    • Exploration


  • Lake of Nine: Explore all island chains, hidden coves, and the Dragons (free them for Hacksilver).

  • Realms:

    • - Alfheim: Complete the Light Elf temple and side quests (e.g., “Find the Veiled Treasure”).
    - Helheim: Story-required, but you can return later for collectibles.
    - Muspelheim (after 4 Ciphers): Combat trials – needed for upgrades and resources.
    - Niflheim (after 4 Ciphers): Cursed mist maze – farm Mist Echoes for Ivaldi’s gear.
    - Vanaheim Tower: Accessible after main story? Actually only via a side quest.
  • Collectibles: Ravens (get the Ravens’ Curse? Not yet), Legendary Chests (Runic Attacks), Nornir Chests (Idunn Apples, blood mead).

  • Valkyries: Found in hidden chambers: Gunnr (Midgard), Kara (Foothills), Geirdriful (Alfheim). Defeat for unique gear and more Valkyrie essence.


    • Quests / Missions


  • Favors:

    • - “The Queen’s Wishes” (from Ratatoskr) – gather seasonal keys.
    - “Fafnir’s Hoard” (if not done).
    - “The GiaF” (side quest in Alfheim).
    - “Dragon’s Tears” – free all dragons.
  • Main story missions: Continue to unlock Jotunheim and Helheim.


    • Economy


  • Hacksilver: Abundant from selling artifacts (from Favors), enemy drops, and chests. Spend on crafting materials and gear upgrades.

  • Materials: Soft Svartalfheim Steel, Haze Weave (from Niflheim), Muspelheim ore, Rage from Valkyries.

  • Hacksilver Pitfalls: Don’t buy common upgrade stones; instead farm Niflheim for Mist Echoes to buy unique materials.


    • Character / Build Growth


  • Midgame Build Options:

    • - Runic Build: High cooldown, use Talisman of the Realms, enchantments with +Runic and +Cooldown. Gear: Ancient armor (from Alfheim) or Cuirass of the Black Bear (if you pre-ordered? no, from story).
    - Strength Build: Focus on high damage per hit. Use Traveler’s set or Valkyrie set (when you get pieces).
    - Defensive/Luck Build: Use enchantments like “Yggdrasil’s Shard” for health regen.
  • Skill Priority:

    • - Axe: Glacial Wake (R1 hold for combo), Ivaldi’s Anvil (heavy runic).
    - Blades: Hyperion Grapple, Nemean Crush (heavy runic).
    - Atreus: Runic Summon (unlock? actually he gets runic attacks later) – better to focus on arrow skills.
    - Spartan Rage: Upgrade Fury (charge faster with kills).

    Endgame Structure (Not Yet)


  • Still playing through the main story.


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    Late Game (Chapters 13–16: The Witch’s Cave to The Mountain “Return to the Summit” incl. Jotunheim)



    Main Gameplay Loop


  • Story climax: Obtain the Chisel from Mimir, enter Helheim to retrieve the Heart of the Mountain, then ascend to Jotunheim.

  • Full realm access: Helheim fully explorable (more Ravens, Nornir chests, and a Valkyrie – Rota).

  • Optional realms fully unlocked: Niflheim (all gates open), Muspelheim all trials.

  • Combat difficulty spikes: Enemies hit harder, more projectile-based foes (Revenants, Nightmares).


    • Combat / Interaction Systems


  • Runic Attacks: You should have at least 3–4 per weapon. Use the Gauntlet of Ages (from early game) but upgraded with enchantments (e.g., Andvari’s Soul, Njord’s Tempest etc.) – this allows you to shoot a blast that slows time.

  • Atreus: Unlocks Wrath of the Wolf (runic summon) from story – deals massive damage and stuns.

  • Weapon Upgrades: Both weapons can reach Level 4 (requires Haze Weave from Niflheim or Muspelheim alloy).

  • Armor: Best late-game armors:

    • - Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist Set (Fully Upgraded): Level 7, high defense, self-healing in mist.
    - Sindri’s Royal Dwarven Set: High cooldown, luck boosts.
    - Valkyrie Set (multiple pieces): Best for all-around stats; requires defeating 3+ Valkyries.
  • Talismans: Max out a talisman (e.g., Talisman of Unbound Potential – double Runic usage).


    • Progression


  • Player Level 7–9: Kratos can reach Level 8 with full Ivaldi’s Set + Valkyrie gear.

  • Skill Tree: Unlock the final skills: Guardian’s Return (axe throw returns faster), Sky Strike (blades).

  • All Runic Attacks available: Purchase missing ones from Brok/Sindri.

  • Atreus: Unlocks Light on Command (summon light runic attack) and Shock on Command – use for elemental weaknesses.


    • Exploration


  • Niflheim: Ivaldi’s Workshop – requires farming Mist Echoes to open central chests. The maze is timed; use Ivaldi’s armor to reduce curse damage.

  • Muspelheim: Complete 5 trials in each of 3 categories (Survival, Combat, Time) to earn Muspelheim alloy and enchantments. Best resource for high-level upgrade materials.

  • Helheim: Ravens (6), Legendary Chests (Runic Attacks for Blades). Valkyrie Rota (Power level 7).

  • Hidden Chambers: All 8 Valkyries now accessible if you have enough keys (some require story progression like the one in the Mountain).


    • Quests / Missions


  • Main Path: Complete the story – after Helheim, return to Midgard, climb the summit, finish the game.

  • Favors complete all: Especially “The Crown of the Exiled” (gives Talisman of the Realms upgrade?), “The Last of the Frogs” (kill a special Troll).

  • Valkyrie Quests: Defeating 8 Valkyries unlocks the Queen (Sigrun) in the Council of Valkyries. This is the hardest content.


    • Economy


  • Hacksilver: Plenty; spend on maxing out upgrades.

  • Materials:

    • - Haze Weave: Only from Niflheim central chest – 500–1,000 Mist Echoes per piece.
    - Muspelheim Alloy: From Muspelheim trials – need to complete final challenges for perfect asgardian steel.
    - Rage of the Valkyrie: Dropped by Valkyries – needed for final talisman upgrades.
    - Perfect Artifacts: Sell for Hacksilver.
  • Crafting: Upgrading to level 8 gear requires Frost Ancient’s Etching (from ancient enemies) and Burning Ancient’s Etching – farm them in specific areas.


    • Character / Build Growth


  • Optimized Builds:

    • - Runic/Cooldown (Easiest): Ivaldi’s set with enchantments: Andvari’s Soul, Njord’s Tempest, Muspelheim’s Wrath. Use Talisman of Unbound Potential.
    - Strength/Defense: Valkyrie set maxed, use The Weight of the World enchantment for +strength.
    - Luck/Loot: Sindri’s set with high luck for extra Hacksilver and rare drops.
    - Healing Build: Use the Talisman of the Realms (slows time) plus enchantments that give health on Runic kills.
  • Skill Assignments: Equip Ivaldi’s Anvil (heavy axe runic) and Hyperion Grapple (heavy blades runic) for boss damage.


    • Endgame Structure (Transition to Post-Story)


  • After completing the main story, the world is open. You can continue to explore, defeat remaining Valkyries, finish Niflheim/Muspelheim, and collect all chests/ravens.

  • No NG+ in original 2018 – but the endgame is about completion.


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    Endgame (Post-Story Completion)



    Main Gameplay Loop


  • Goal: 100% completion – defeat Valkyrie Queen, obtain all gear sets, all trophies, fully upgrade every item.

  • No new story content – but the world is persistent.

  • Revenants, Hel-Revenants, and Ogres still spawn.

  • Time needed: 10–20 hours depending on efficiency.


    • Combat / Interaction Systems


  • Full arsenal: Both weapons maxed, all Runic Attacks, all Atreus runic summons.

  • Valkyrie Queen Sigrun (Power level 9): Requires perfect parrying, dodging, and knowledge of all Valkyrie attack patterns. Use Axe Runic: Ivaldi’s Anvil and Blades Runic: Nemean Crush for stagger. Equip Talisman of the Realms (Slows time) to create openings.

  • Enchants: Use high-level enchantments like Perfect Armor of the Valkyrie (from Queen) or Asgard’s Shard (40 strength).


    • Progression


  • Player Level 9+: The maximum level is 10 with the Valkyrie Queen Set (after dropping from Sigrun). But gear can reach Level 8 max.

  • All Skills Unlocked: Every skill in all trees plus maxed out Atreus abilities.

  • All Gear Upgraded to Level 8+: Requires final resources like Burning Ancient’s Etching (from Fire Ancients in Muspelheim).

  • Niflheim Completion: Ivaldi’s Workshop fully cleared, free the dead, get the Brilliant Scale (trophy).

  • Muspelheim Completion: Complete all trials, earn The Valhalla Plunder (trophy).

  • Valkyrie Queen Defeat: Trophy “God of War”.


    • Exploration


  • All Realms 100%:

    • - Midgard: All ravens (51 total), all Legendary Chests, all Nornir Chests, all Valkyrie Chambers.
    - Alfheim: All ravens (23), all collectibles.
    - Helheim: All ravens (11).
    - Muspelheim: All trial rewards.
    - Niflheim: All workshop chests.
    - Jotunheim: One hidden chamber (Valkyrie Olrun) – need 4 keys.
  • Fast Travel: Use Mystic Gateways freely.

  • No new areas.


    • Quests / Missions


  • Favors: All complete.

  • Hidden Quests:

    • - “The Last of the Frogs” (already).
    - “The Giant’s Favor” (already).
    - “Bodies in the Water” (already).
  • Valkyrie Queen: Final fight.


    • Economy


  • Hacksilver: Maxed; you likely have over 100k. Use to buy all enchantments and gear from shops for 100% completion.

  • Materials: Farm Niflheim for Mist Echoes (you need about 200k total for all upgrades). Muspelheim for alloys. Farm Ancients for etchings.

  • Sell excess artifacts: The towers near the Lake of Nine sell resources.


    • Character / Build Growth


  • Final Build:

    • - Armor: Valkyrie Queen Set (best all-around stats).
    - Talisman: Talisman of the Realms maxed with Perfect Assassin’s Mark enchantment.
    - Enchantments: 3x Perfect Eye of the Outer Realm (+20 all stats), 3x Perfect Forbidden Grip (+10 strength, +10 luck).
  • Skill Allocation: Max everything.

  • Atreus: All skills maxed, best arrows (Shock/Light for stun).

  • Concept: No more meaningful upgrades – only completion.


    • Endgame Structure (Ultimate)


  • No New Game Plus in original 2018 version (PC version does not have NG+ either).

  • Challenge Opportunities:

    • - Defeat Sigrun without armor (for bragging rights).
    - Complete Muspelheim trials on “Give Me God of War” difficulty (if playing on GMGOW).
    - Speedrun the game.
  • Trophies: Earn all 37 (including Platinum).

  • Summary: Endgame is the pursuit of 100% completion and beating the hardest optional boss.


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This comprehensive breakdown covers the entire core gameplay journey in God of War (2018), from your first steps in the Wildwoods to the final clash with the Valkyrie Queen. Use it to plan your progression and optimize your build at each stage.