Since the franchise's reboot in 2018, God of War has featured shields front and center in its combat. This trend continues with God of War Ragnarok, as Kratos' shield remains a vital part of his equipment loadout. In fact, Ragnarok significantly expands on the shield mechanic, adding four new shield types for Kratos to use and experiment with. This guide will show players how to get all five shields in God of War Ragnarok, and fully explain how they work.
God of War Ragnarok: All Hilts and Relics (& How to Get Them)
How to collect all 14 Sword Hilts and Relics in God of War Ragnarok
All Shields in God of War Ragnarok
God of War Ragnarok features five shield types, each with its own unique perks. Kratos will not begin the game with access to all five shields, instead unlocking them through story progress and exploration. The five shield types in Ragnarok are:
- Dauntless Shield
- Stone Wall Shield
- Guardian Shield
- Shatter Star Shield
- Onslaught Shield
Each shield is meant to bolster a specific playstyle, and can serve as a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Upgrading Shields:
Just like most gear in Ragnarok, Kratos can upgrade his shields. Each shield has different stats, and will improve with every upgrade level. To upgrade the shield, head to any Shop in the Nine Realms when you have the upgrade materials.
Shield Customization:
Shields can be customized with various Rond items. The best shield Ronds in God of War Ragnarok can make a massive difference in combat, so make sure to explore and experiment with every new Rond you acquire.
Early in God of War Ragnarok, Kratos loses his Guardian Shield and is forced to choose between the Dauntless Shield and the Stone Wall Shield. Do not worry too much about the choice, as you will be able to get the shield you didn't pick very quickly. The best guide here is this: choose the Dauntless if you are an aggressive player who uses parries, choose the Stone Wall Shield if you are new, or prefer to play cautiously.
How to Get the Dauntless Shield
The Dauntless Shield is one of two possible starting shields for Kratos. He can either pick it up then, or purchase it from the Shop at any time. The Dauntless is great for players looking to push the attack and for those who aim for perfect parries.
- Dauntless Description: A shield fit for high risk and high reward parries.
- Special Skill - Shield Bash: Double Tap L1 to Shield Bash for high Stun damage.
|
Upgrade Level |
Stat |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Defense: 10 |
|
2 |
Defense: 25 |
|
3 |
Defense: 40 Cooldown: 8 |
|
4 |
Defense: 55 Cooldown: 11 |
|
5 |
Defense: 55 Cooldown: 14 |
|
6 |
Defense: 85 Cooldown: 17 |
|
7` |
Defense: 100 Cooldown: 20 |
|
8 |
Defense: 115 Cooldown: 23 |
|
9 |
Defense: 130 Cooldown: 26 |
How to Get the Stone Wall Shield
Kratos can either pick the Stone Wall Shiel d when presented the choice early in the game, or purchase it from the Shop at any point after. Players looking for a shield that can stop a train should look no further. Any player needing the ultimate protection can use the Stone Wall Shield from start to finish.
- Stone Wall Shield Description: A shield fit for absorbing attacks and striking back.
- Special Skill - Shield Slam: Double Tap L1 to Shield Slam, launching enemies when fully charged. Black attacks to absorb the hit and build up charge.
- Yellow Ring attacks can be blocked with Stone Wall Shield.
|
Upgrade Level |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
1 |
Defense:10 |
|
2 |
Defense: 25 |
|
3 |
Defense: 40 Vitality: 8 |
|
4 |
Defense: 55 Vitality : : 11 |
|
5 |
Defense: 70 Vitality: 14 |
|
6 |
Defense: 85 Vitality: 17 |
|
7 |
Defense: 100 Vitality: 20 |
|
8 |
Defense: 115 Vitality: 23 |
|
9 |
Defense: 130 Vitality: 126 |
How to Get the Guardian Shield
Kratos will automatically get his Guardian Shield back from Brok and Sindri and the beginning of "The Word of Fate" main-story mission. This will occur not too far into the game, when Kratos seeks out the Norns. The Guardian shield is extremely well-rounded, with a perfect mix of aggressive parries and protection.
- In NG+. Kratos can unlock the Spartan Aspis at the Shop. It is essentially the same as the Guardian Shield, but it has a tighter parry window and a more powerful counter.
When you get the Guardian Shield back, it is already upgraded to Level 4.
- Guardian Shield Description: A shield fit for a balance of defensive options.
- Special Skill - Shield Check: Double Tap L1 to quickly Shield Check an enemy and break their guard.
|
Upgrade Level |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
4 |
Defense: 55 |
|
5 |
Defense: 70 |
|
6 |
Defense: 85 |
|
7 |
Defense: 100 |
|
8 |
Defense: 115 |
|
9 |
Defense: 130 |
How to Get the Shatter Star Shield
The Shatter Star Shield is the first shield that Kratos can find during exploration. To find this shield, you'll need to head to the Abandoned Village in Vanaheim.
- Shatter Star Shield Description: A shield fit for staying mobile and charging up.
- Special Skill - Shield Punch: Double Tap L1 to Shield Punch and blow enemies backward, increasing in power when fully charged. Hold L1 to charge up your shield. Blocking an attack depletes some charge.
- Shield Punch right before an attack hits you to absorb it and gain a burst of charge.
|
Upgrade Level |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
3 |
Defense: 40 Runic: 8 |
|
4 |
Defense: 55 Runic: 11 |
|
5 |
Defense: 70 Runic: 14 |
|
6 |
Defense: 85 Runic: 17 |
|
7 |
Defense: 100 Runic: 20 |
|
8 |
Defense: 115 Runic: 23 |
|
9 |
Defense: 130 Runic: 26 |
How to Get the Onslaught Shield
The final shield is also found during exploration. Players will encounter the Onslaught Shield in Helheim, found in a Legendary Chest just after the fight with Garm. If you happen to miss the shield while in Helheim, you will not be able to go back. You will still be able to purchase the onslaught Shield later in the game from the Shop.
- Onslaught Shield Description: A shield fit for safely advancing on enemies.
- Special Skill - Shield Rush: Double Tap L1 to Shield Rush into an enemy while Blocking incoming attacks.
- Use from a greater distance to Launch enemies on impact.
|
Upgrade Level |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
6 |
Defense: 85 Luck: 17 |
|
7 |
Defense: 100 Luck: 20 |
|
8 |
Defense: 115 Luck: 23 |
|
9 |
Defense: 130 Luck: 26 |
Collecting every Shield in God of War Ragnarok to unlock the "Phalanx" trophy/achievement.
God of War Ragnarok
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- November 9, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
WHERE TO PLAY
- Franchise
- God of War
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
