God Of War Ragnarok: New Game Plus Guide & Best Gear
Hey guys! Ready to dive back into the epic world of God of War Ragnarok? If you're anything like me, you've probably already finished the main story and are itching for more. That's where New Game Plus (NG+) comes in, offering a fantastic opportunity to revisit the Norse realms with all your hard-earned gear and skills intact. But with NG+ comes the chance to chase even more powerful equipment and truly become a god among mortals. So, buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey to explore everything you need to know about God of War Ragnarok's New Game Plus and, most importantly, the best gear to grab to make Kratos an absolute powerhouse.
What is New Game Plus in God of War Ragnarok?
For those unfamiliar with the concept, New Game Plus allows you to replay the game after completing the main story, carrying over your progress from your previous playthrough. This includes your weapons, armor, skills, and resources. Essentially, you start a new game with a significant advantage, letting you experience the story again with a fully upgraded Kratos, ready to face any challenge. In God of War Ragnarok, NG+ provides a fresh experience with increased difficulty, new challenges, and, of course, the opportunity to obtain some seriously awesome gear that will make you feel like the ultimate warrior. The beauty of NG+ is that it lets you enjoy the game's story again without the grind of leveling up and finding resources. This time, it's all about experimenting with different builds, trying out new combat strategies, and dominating your enemies with your upgraded arsenal. It's like a victory lap, but with even bigger rewards!
God of War Ragnarok's NG+ also introduces new challenges and enemies that weren't present in the initial playthrough, which means you'll need to adapt your combat style and gear accordingly. The difficulty is scaled up, offering a much more challenging experience for seasoned players. Furthermore, you'll encounter new resources and upgrade materials specifically designed for NG+, encouraging you to hunt for better equipment and push your skills to the limit. The core gameplay remains the same, but the added layers of challenge and rewards make it feel like a completely fresh experience. This gives the game replayability that is through the roof. Plus, you get to relive those epic boss battles and emotional moments with the knowledge and power you've gained, making them even more satisfying.
Unlocking New Game Plus
So, how do you get your hands on this New Game Plus goodness? Simple! First, you need to complete the main story of God of War Ragnarok. Once the credits roll, you'll have the option to start a new game with your existing progress. The game will prompt you to save your completed game file, which you'll then use to start your NG+ journey. When you begin your NG+ playthrough, you'll retain all your weapons, armor, skills, resources, and upgrades from your previous game. You'll also keep your progress on side quests and favors. Be aware that some story-specific items or abilities might not be available right away, but you'll get them back as you progress through the story again. This ensures that the narrative unfolds as intended while keeping the powerful gear you've earned.
Make sure to take some time to review your inventory before starting NG+. Decide which weapons and armor sets you want to focus on upgrading in NG+, because you'll have access to new upgrade materials this time around. Consider what playstyle you enjoy most and plan accordingly. Are you a fan of close-quarters combat, or do you prefer to control the battlefield from a distance? Are you a runic attack enthusiast, or do you focus on buffing your stats to become a relentless tank? Knowing your preferred playstyle is essential for choosing the best gear in NG+.
Best Gear to Chase in God of War Ragnarok NG+
Now, for the main event: the best gear to seek out in God of War Ragnarok's New Game Plus. This is where things get really interesting, because NG+ introduces some exclusive equipment and upgrades that will make Kratos an absolute beast. Here's a breakdown of some of the must-have items:
Armor Sets
Ares Armor Set
The Ares Armor set is one of the top-tier sets in God of War Ragnarok's New Game Plus. It's all about offense, offense, offense! With this set, Kratos becomes a pure damage dealer. This armor set, consisting of the Cuirass of Ares, Bracers of Ares, and Waist Guard of Ares, significantly boosts your strength and other offensive stats. Its perks are designed to enhance your offensive capabilities. The set bonus usually involves something related to increasing the damage of your attacks or boosting your runic attacks.
Zeus Armor Set
If you're looking for a serious challenge and a glass cannon build, the Zeus Armor set is the way to go. This armor offers incredible strength and runic stat bonuses but with a significant drawback: it reduces your defense. You'll hit incredibly hard but will also be more susceptible to enemy attacks. The Zeus Armor will make you feel like a god, but also forces you to learn enemy attack patterns and play very strategically. This is the set you want if you are seeking a high-risk, high-reward playstyle.
Other Notable Armor Sets
Beyond the Ares and Zeus sets, many other armor sets are worth considering, depending on your preferred playstyle. The Surtr's Armor set offers bonuses to strength and defense, suitable for a balanced build. The Berserker Armor set, obtained by defeating the Berserker bosses, offers powerful bonuses at the cost of your health. The key is to find the set that complements your playstyle and optimizes your chosen stats. Remember to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect balance between offense, defense, and utility for your Kratos build.
Weapon Attachments
Blades of Chaos
- Blades of Chaos Pommels: Look for pommels that boost your runic attacks and status effects. Pommels like the Frenzied Flames Pommel are invaluable for applying burning to enemies. These can be equipped for powerful area-of-effect damage, making them great for crowd control and debuffing multiple enemies at once.
Leviathan Axe
- Leviathan Axe Pommels: Focus on pommels that enhance your frost damage and cooldown reduction. The Frozen Spear Pommel is a good choice to enhance your axe's damage and frost buildup. These pommels help you to control the battlefield, freezing and slowing down enemies.
Draupnir Spear
- Draupnir Spear Handles: Choose handles that enhance your spear's damage and status effects. Look for handles that provide bonuses to strength, runic, and cooldown. These attachments give you the versatility to deal with different combat situations.
Runic Attacks
- Runic Attacks: Upgrade your runic attacks to the highest level, as they are your most powerful offensive tools. Choose runic attacks that complement your playstyle, such as those that deal high damage, apply status effects, or provide area-of-effect control. In NG+, you'll find even more powerful versions of these attacks.
Tips for Optimizing Your NG+ Build
Alright, let's talk about some tips to maximize your God of War Ragnarok NG+ experience. First off, really think about your playstyle. Are you more of a brute-force attacker, a strategic counter-attacker, or a ranged specialist? Knowing this will help you choose the right gear and skills. Don't be afraid to try different combinations to find the perfect setup for you. Secondly, focus on upgrading your favorite weapons and armor first. This will give you the most significant boost to your power and survivability. Prioritize weapons and armor that complement your style. And lastly, keep an eye out for those new NG+ exclusive items and upgrades. They're what really set this mode apart and give you that extra edge in battle.
Conclusion: Embrace the Ragnarok
So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to conquering God of War Ragnarok's New Game Plus. With the right gear and a strategic approach, you'll be able to dominate your enemies, experience the story in a whole new light, and truly appreciate the incredible detail and depth of this game. Remember, NG+ is all about having fun, experimenting with builds, and pushing your skills to the limit. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the journey, and become the ultimate God of War! Go out there, grab those exclusive NG+ armors and weapons, and show Ragnarok what you're made of! Happy gaming, and I'll catch you in the realms!