GOW Ragnarok Secrets: Best Armor, Boss Fights & Collectibles Guide
Key Takeaways
- Best armor for late-game: The Steinbjörn set offers the highest defense (145 each piece) plus a 50% stagger resistance when upgraded to Level 9 — perfect for Berserker fights.
- Hidden boss weakness: The King Berserker Hrolf takes 40% more damage from Bifrost attacks after his first stun phase. Stack Bifrost gear (like the Lunda’s Lost set) to shred him.
- Missable collectible: The *Hilt of the Dainsleif* in Vanaheim (Crater area) requires completing the “Song of the Sands” favor before the final main quest — otherwise it locks out permanently.
- Build tip for Muspelheim trials: Equip the *Surtr’s Scorched Set* (bought from the dwarves after completing 9 trials) to increase Runic damage by 30% and reduce cooldowns by 15% — cuts trial times by half.
---
Best Armor Sets for Different Playstyles
Most guides just list the stats. Here’s what actually matters in Ragnarok’s endgame: stagger resistance and cooldown reduction. The difference between surviving a Berserker combo and getting flattened is often just one armor perk.
1. Steinbjörn Set (Tank Build)
- Where to get: Defeat the three Trolls (Bjarg, Golrab, and Skadi) in Midgard, Alfheim, and Vanaheim. Each drops a piece.
- Stats: 145 Defense per piece at Level 9, plus a 50% stagger chance when hit. This means you can tank a full yellow-ring attack without flinching.
- My take: Overkill for story mode, but for the Valkyrie Queen Gná on Give Me God of War difficulty, this set is a lifesaver. Pair with the *Rond of Fortification* shield for 20% extra block resistance.
2. Lunda’s Lost Set (Bifrost Build)
- Where to get: Complete all three “Favor of the Lost” quests in Vanaheim (requires finishing Chapter 6).
- Stats: Each piece adds 15% Bifrost damage on successful parries, and a full set bonus of 30% Bifrost buildup on heavy Runic attacks.
- Why it works: Bifrost stacks damage over time and amplifies incoming damage by 25% once triggered. For the King Berserker Hrolf (50,000 HP on Normal), a well-timed *Leviathan’s Wake* Runic can chunk him for 12,000 damage.
3. Surtr’s Scorched Set (Runic Build)
- Where to get: Complete 9 Muspelheim trials (you don’t need all 18 — just the first 9). Buy from Brok or Sindri for 15,000 Hacksilver total.
- Stats: +30% Runic damage, -15% cooldown, and a unique perk: each kill reduces all cooldowns by 5 seconds. In the “Onslaught” trial (kill 50 enemies), you can spam Runic attacks every 10 seconds.
Comparison Table:
| Armor Set | Best For | Key Perk | Difficulty to Obtain |
| ----------- | ---------- | ---------- | ---------------------- |
| Steinbjörn | Tanking bosses | 50% stagger resistance | Medium (3 troll fights) |
| Lunda’s Lost | Bifrost cheese | +30% Bifrost buildup | Hard (requires post-game) |
| Surtr’s Scorched | Speed runs | Cooldown on kill | Medium (9 trials) |
---
Boss Strategies: The Hardest Fights
King Berserker Hrolf (The Berserker King)
- HP: 50,000 (Normal), 65,000 (Give Me God of War)
- Weakness: Bifrost damage after his first stun animation (when he slams his sword into the ground). During this 5-second window, all damage is doubled.
- My method: Equip Lunda’s Lost set, use the *Hilt of the Dainsleif* (creates a Bifrost pool), and spam *Frost Awaken* (heavy Runic). You can stack 8 Bifrost stacks before he recovers. Each tick does 2,000 damage.
- Avoid: Don’t block his unblockable jump attack — it has a 90-degree tracking. Instead, dodge right at the last second (the hitbox is narrower on his left side).
Valkyrie Queen Gná
- HP: 40,000 (Normal)
- Key mechanic: She spawns a “Valhalla” attack every third combo — a purple circle that one-shots on GMGOW. Use the *Rond of Affliction* shield (from the Crater) to parry this attack and stun her for 3 seconds.
- Gear: Steinbjörn set + *Rond of Affliction*. The shield’s perk reduces her attack speed by 15% for 10 seconds after a successful parry.
- Pro tip: When she flies up for the “Valhalla” dive, throw the Leviathan Axe at her with a heavy throw (hold R1). It interrupts the dive and makes her land stunned for a full combo.
---
Complete Collectible Locations (No Spoilers Map)
1. Odin’s Ravens (48 total)
- Why care: Each Raven gives 1,000 XP and 500 Hacksilver. Killing 48 unlocks the *Raven Keeper* trophy and a Legendary chest containing the *Hilt of the Dainsleif* (see boss section).
- Missable: 3 Ravens in Vanaheim (Crater area) only appear *after* completing the “Song of the Sands” favor. If you finish the main story first, they’re gone.
- Quick check: When you enter a new area, listen for a 3-second chime — that’s a Raven flying nearby. They’re always within 50 meters of a Legendary chest.
2. Legendary Chests (50 total)
- Rewards: Include Runic attacks, armor pieces (like the *Steinbjörn* set), and enchantments.
- Hardest to find: In Alfheim, the chest behind the Barren Bridge requires you to break a root wall with the *Draupnir Spear* (unlocked in Chapter 8). Inside is the *Njord’s Tempest* Runic attack — a must for crowd control.
- Tip: Use the *Eyes of Odin* enchantment (bought from the dwarves after 12 Ravens) to highlight chests within 100 meters. Saves hours of backtracking.
3. Favors (Side Quests)
- Total: 32 favors, with 3 missable ones in Vanaheim (as noted).
- Best reward: The “In the Dead of Night” favor unlocks the *Rond of Obedience* shield (increases block damage by 30% after a perfect parry). This shield + Steinbjörn set is my go-to for the final boss.
---
Builds for Endgame
Build 1: The Unstoppable Tank
- Armor: Steinbjörn (all 3 pieces)
- Weapons: Leviathan Axe (Frost Awaken heavy Runic), Blades of Chaos (Rampage of the Furies)
- Shield: Rond of Fortification
- Runs: Cooldown + Defense enchantments. Use *Niflheim’s Justice* (reduces damage taken by 15% when health is below 30%).
- Use case: Berserker King, Valkyrie Queen, and any fight where you can’t dodge everything.
Build 2: The Bifrost Blaster
- Armor: Lunda’s Lost (all 3 pieces)
- Weapons: Leviathan Axe (Leviathan’s Wake), Blades of Chaos (Artemis’s Wrath)
- Shield: Rond of Affliction
- Runs: Bifrost damage + Runic damage. Use *Hilt of the Dainsleif* as the relic.
- Use case: King Hrolf, Muspelheim trials, and any boss with a predictable stun phase.
---
FAQ
How do I get the Steinbjörn armor set in God of War Ragnarok?
Defeat the three Trolls: Bjarg StormTroll (Midgard, near the Lake of Nine), Golrab (Alfheim, Barren Bridge area), and Skadi (Vanaheim, Crater region). Each drops a piece. The entire set costs 0 Hacksilver to craft — just collect the materials from the troll fights.
What’s the best armor for the Valkyrie Queen Gná?
Steinbjörn set for defense, paired with the *Rond of Affliction* shield. The stagger resistance lets you survive her Valhalla dive, and the shield’s parry stun gives you a 3-second window to unload heavy Runic attacks. For damage, equip *Leviathan’s Wake* (Runic attack) and *Rampage of the Furies* (Blades).
Can I miss collectibles in God of War Ragnarok?
Yes. 3 Odin’s Ravens in Vanaheim (Crater) and 2 Legendary chests in the same area lock out after the main story ends. Additionally, the “Song of the Sands” favor must be completed before the final chapter to access the *Hilt of the Dainsleif*. Always do the Vanaheim favors before the final mission.