GoW Ragnarök: Best Armors to Upgrade

In God of War Ragnarök, armor plays a pivotal role in determining Kratos' survivability as he faces increasingly challenging enemies across the Nine Realms. Whether you're exploring the harsh landscapes of Svartalfheim or battling the terrifying forces of Helheim, having the right armor can make all the difference. While Kratos starts with basic armor at the beginning of the game, as you progress, you'll unlock various sets that provide powerful abilities and unique bonuses.

This guide breaks down the best armor sets in God of War Ragnarök that you should consider upgrading and crafting for Kratos’ journey. From boosting your survivability to enhancing your combat capabilities, here's everything you need to know.

1. Raven Tears Armor Set – For Automatic Healing

How to Unlock Raven Tears Armor?

The Raven Tears Armor Set is a must-have for those who find themselves taking damage frequently and struggle with dodging or parrying. This armor automatically heals Kratos over time when he takes damage, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer a more relaxed approach to combat.

To unlock it:

1. Hunt down 18 of Odin's Ravens scattered across the Nine Realms. These collectible birds are hidden in various locations, so exploring every nook and cranny will be crucial.
2. After collecting all 18 Ravens, head to the Raven Tree in the Niflheim region. Here, you'll be able to unlock chests that contain the Raven Tears Armor pieces.

Why It’s Great:

• Automatic Healing: This armor is fantastic for players who aren’t as comfortable with timing their parries and dodges.
• Damage Mitigation: It gives you a bit more room for error when facing difficult opponents, especially in prolonged battles.

2. Guiding Light Armor Set – For Weapon Buffs on Each Hit

How to Get the Guiding Light Armor Set?

The Guiding Light Armor Set is perfect for players who want to maximize their weapon’s potential in extended combat. Each hit you land with this armor will increase the stats of one of your weapons, providing ongoing boosts throughout long battles.

To unlock it:

1. Travel to Midgard and complete a specific side quest that becomes available later in the story (it will not be accessible the first time you visit Midgard).
2. The quest will guide you through a series of challenges, leading to the pieces of the Guiding Light Armor.

Why It’s Great:

• Weapon Stat Increases: The more hits you land, the stronger your weapons get. This is particularly useful for prolonged fights with multiple enemies.
• Good for Aggressive Playstyles: If you prefer a more offensive approach, this armor set can enhance your DPS significantly as you rack up hits.

3. Lunda’s Lost Armor Set – Poison Enemies with Your Fists

How to Get Lunda’s Lost Armor Set?

Lunda’s Lost Armor Set is perfect for those who prefer an unorthodox fighting style, particularly if you want to inflict poison damage with your bare fists. While it may not be ideal for every situation, it can decimate enemies when used correctly.

To unlock it:

1. Vanaheim holds the key to this armor. Specifically, the Ruins of the Cliffs region.
2. Look for red chests scattered around this area. The pieces of the armor are hidden within these chests, so make sure to thoroughly explore the region.

Why It’s Great:

• Poison Damage: Each punch or attack you land will slowly poison enemies, dealing substantial damage over time.
• Unique Combat Style: This set encourages a more “hands-on” approach to combat, giving Kratos a chance to engage enemies up close and personal.

4. Steinbjörn’s Secret Armor – The Ultimate Defensive Armor

How to Unlock Steinbjörn’s Secret Armor?

This hidden armor is one of the most powerful in God of War Ragnarök and is essential for anyone looking to maximize Kratos’ defense. The Steinbjörn Armor is unique in that it allows you to reach maximum defense without needing to upgrade it all the way to level 9.

To unlock it:

1. Find the 4 Hidden Troll Statues scattered across the realms. These statues are only accessible after unlocking the Mystical Heirloom Relic.
2. After activating the statues using the Heirloom Relic, defeat the bosses guarding the statues to collect the drops that will be used to craft the Steinbjörn’s Secret Armor.

Why It’s Great:

• Maximum Defense: Unlike other armors that require extensive upgrades, this one allows Kratos to reach his highest defensive stats early on.
• Ideal for Survivability: If you prefer tanking through hits while dishing out powerful counterattacks, this armor is perfect for you.

5. Valkyrie Armor Set – A Perfect Balance of Offense and Defense

While not easily obtainable, the Valkyrie Armor Set is a fan-favorite for its well-rounded abilities. The armor enhances Kratos’ strength and defense, making it a versatile choice for nearly every battle in the game. It’s especially useful for players who want to stay agile while maintaining powerful offense.

To unlock it:

1. Defeat all 8 Valkyrie bosses scattered across the Nine Realms. After each victory, you’ll be able to craft parts of the Valkyrie Armor.
2. The final pieces of the set are unlocked after defeating Gna, the Valkyrie Queen, in a post-game battle.

Why It’s Great:

• Well-Rounded Stats: The Valkyrie Armor offers a balanced boost to both offense and defense, making it a fantastic all-around choice.
• Increased Luck and Resource Gains: It boosts Kratos' ability to find resources like Hacksilver and increase his luck, making it highly beneficial for resource management.

6. Freya's Armor Set – For the Ranged Fighter

Freya’s armor set is designed for players who rely on Kratos' ranged abilities. It enhances his effectiveness when using the Light and Heavy Ranged Attacks, making it a solid choice if you prefer to fight from a distance, taking advantage of Kratos’ Runic Attacks and elemental powers.

To unlock it:

1. Complete specific side quests involving Freya. These will appear as you progress through the story in the realms of Alfheim and Vanaheim.
2. The pieces are scattered in chests and after completing certain side activities, you'll be able to forge the armor.

Why It’s Great:

• Boosts Ranged Damage: Perfect for players who prefer to keep enemies at a distance, this armor increases the damage dealt from Kratos' ranged abilities.
• Better Runic Ability: Freya’s Armor can boost the effectiveness of your Runic Attacks, making them more powerful and quicker to recharge.

Conclusion: Equip Kratos for Every Fight

The best armor in God of War Ragnarök isn't just about defensive stats—it's about playing to your strengths and finding an armor set that complements your combat style. Whether you want automatic healing, increased offensive potential, or superior defense, the game offers a diverse range of armor sets that can be upgraded and crafted throughout your journey.

If you're looking to maximize Kratos' potential, these armor sets are a great place to start. Make sure to explore every corner of the Nine Realms to unlock the best gear, and get ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. Happy hunting!