Upgrading skills is essential in order to make Kratos play like an unstoppable machine, and the best skills to upgrade first in God of War immediately impact his playstyle. The skill trees in God of War are limited when the game begins, but as players progress through the story they'll unlock more and more abilities for both Kratos and Atreus. Though Kratos has fewer weapons to work within God of War than he has in some previous titles, the skills that Atreus can have upgraded as well make the attack combinations as deadly as any other title.
In God of War, the Leviathan Axe, Guardians Shield, Spartan Rage, and Talon Bow are the only skill trees players can upgrade at first. Later on, the Blades of Chaos become available for use as well and receive their own skill trees, too. Additionally, the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, and Talon Bow skill trees all have two schools that players can upgrade.
Related: God of War: How Kratos Got From Greek To Norse Mythology In Canon
How God of War's Upgrades Work
To upgrade more skills in God of War, players will need to accomplish a couple of things beforehand like earning more XP, Hacksilver, and Frozen Flames. Experience points are actually a currency that players can use to unlock more skills specifically. With more Hacksilver, players can visit the brothers Brok and Sindri in God of War to upgrade the gear of both Atreus and Kratos, further improving their overall levels. Lastly, Frozen Flames are used specifically to upgrade the Leviathan Axe, further unlocking more skills to purchase in its skill trees.
Looking to farm XP and Hacksilver in order to get God of War's best upgrades fast? Check out the video guide on God of War XP farming from Pingbo97 on YouTube below for a great way to do just that!
Best Skills To Upgrade First In God Of War
God of War's best upgrades to get first are a mix of improvements for the Leviathan Axe, Guardian Shield, and Talon Bow, including some ranged and close combat options for the Leviathan Axe. Kratos has access to each of these upgrades in God of War relatively early, and their respective skills will serve him well throughout the entire journey across six of the nine realms. The Talon Bow tree specifically improves how effective Atreus can help Kratos in God of War. These are the best upgrades God of War players should get first:
Upgrade Name | Weapon | Description |
|---|---|---|
Freezing Throw | Leviathan Axe Ranged | Aim and use the heavy throw attack to freeze smaller enemies while damaging all enemies |
Freezing Burst | Leviathan Axe Ranged | Aim and hold the heavy throw attack for a charged throw that causes an explosion impact with Frost Damage |
Executioner’s Cleave | Leviathan Axe Close Combat | Hold the heavy attack for cleave attack for high damage |
Pride of the Frost | Leviathan Axe Close Combat | Use the light attack three times, then follow up with a heavy attack for a powerful attack combo |
Leviathan’s Fury | Leviathan Axe Close Combat | While sprinting, press heavy attack for a powerful overhead swing |
Block Break | Guardian Shield | Double-tap block to break an enemy's guard |
Teamwork | Talon Bow | Atreus will help when enemies are vulnerable |
Acrobatics | Talon Bow | Atreus can combo off of Kratos' attacks in God of War |
Each of these are one of the best upgrades in God of War to get early regardless of the difficulty chosen because they either require players to do nothing, extend attacks at a safe distance, or assist with close-quarter options. Additionally, with the ability to freeze smaller enemies, Kratos can focus on enemies one at a time more easily or multiple enemies at once.
