Santa Monica Studio introduced a new dynamic to the God of War franchise by encouraging players to incorporate shields into the overall experience when the most recent installment of their popular IP launched in 2022. In the first installment, Kratos perpetually sports a retractable shield in battle with the ability to block and parry some attacks. However, the developer took it up a notch by incorporating three new shields, with a fourth one available upon commencement of an NG+ (New Game+) run.
With multiple shield options available, each catering to different playstyles and skill levels, choosing the right one can significantly impact a player’s experience and performance in battle. This tier list ranks them based on their effectiveness and will highlight what makes each shield in God of War Ragnarok unique.
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S-Tier: The Best Blockers in God of War: Ragnarok
- Guardian Shield
- Stone Wall Shield
Kratos' Guardian Shield from God of War (2018) is one of the most iconic pieces of equipment in the series. Famous for providing a well-rounded balance of offense and defense with blocking and parrying mechanisms that ease combat, it's an easy choice for the ranks of the best performing shields in God of War Ragnarok.
Beyond its trusty usage, the lore behind the shield is also one of its main selling points. It was a gift to Kratos from his loving wife Laufey, adding an extra layer of sentiment. The shield becomes accessible in Ragnarok after completing The Word of Fate, as it was previously destroyed during a fight with Thor.
The Stone Wall Shield, on the other hand, is an alternative for players unfamiliar with parry mechanics or who prefer to play through without worrying about parry timings. This tank of a shield allows players to even block guard break attacks (indicated by the yellow ring) at the press of a button. Crafted by the Huldra Brothers' Workshop, the Stone Wall Shield also comes with a Shield Slam attack, which activates by slamming it into the ground to create shockwaves to launch enemies.
A-Tier: Great Value At A Cost
- Spartan Aspis
- Dauntless Shield
Spartan Aspis is a shield available for unlock in the New Game+ run after completing the story. It operates similarly to the Guardian Shield but with a little more risk/reward ratio, featuring a tighter margin of error for parries in exchange for more powerful and aggressive parry counterattacks. It sports designs from Kratos’ Spartan past, making it ideal for nostalgic long-time fans of the franchise.
The Dauntless Shield, on the other hand, takes away the dependency of blocking attacks (players can only block once), leaving parries as the only method of defense. This mechanic makes it a good shield for fans of FromSoftware titles. Following a successful riposte, the Dauntless Shield receives a charge to its Shield Bash ability, used to deal a significant amount of stun damage to opponents.
This high-risk, high-reward approach is not for the faint of heart, as it requires a fast input that leaves Kratos exposed when mistimed. These two shields can be found at the Huldra Brothers’ Workshop during the first playthrough and will make for good alternatives for the period players are without the Guardian Shield.
B-Tier: Decent Offerings For Players With Unique Styles
- Onslaught Shield
- Shatter Star Shield
The Onslaught shield is better suited to defensive specialists who employ its requisite ability to charge right through opponents. It stays true to Kratos’ aggressive fighting style, but it's less aesthetically pleasing in battle while also slightly less functional than other shields.
Finally, the Shatter Star Shield requires players to avoid head-on collisions to charge its special ability, and even punishes blocking attacks by depleting charge. However, once fully charged, the Shield Punch ability can blow back hordes of enemies. It offers a long-range combat option for players interested in an evasive playstyle, but considering the main function of a shield is to parry and block, it's one of the lesser options in God of War: Ragnarok.
God of War Ragnarok
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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
Embark on an epic and heartfelt journey as Kratos and Atreus struggle with holding on and letting go
From Santa Monica Studio comes the sequel to the critically acclaimed God of War (2018). Fimbulwinter is well underway. Kratos and Atreus must journey to each of the Nine Realms in search of answers as Asgardian forces prepare for a prophesied battle that will end the world. Along the way they will explore stunning, mythical landscapes, and face fearsome enemies in the form of Norse gods and monsters. The threat of Ragnarök grows ever closer. Kratos and Atreus must choose between their own safety and the safety of the realms.
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- God of War
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- PC Release Date
- September 19, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- November 9, 2022
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- How Long To Beat
- 26 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
