Hey guys! So, you're diving into the epic world of God of War Ragnarok and wondering how to make Kratos's arsenal even more fearsome? You've come to the right place! Upgrading your weapons in Ragnarok isn't just about making them shinier; it's about unlocking new abilities, increasing their raw power, and ultimately, helping Kratos carve his path through the Nine Realms. We're going to break down all the weapon upgrades you can get your hands on, from the Leviathan Axe to the Blades of Chaos and even the Draupnir Spear. It's a pretty involved system, but totally worth it to become the ultimate Norse god-slayer. So, grab your controller, and let's get ready to upgrade!

The Leviathan Axe: Frosty Power-Ups

Alright, let's start with the OG, the Leviathan Axe. This bad boy is Kratos's trusty sidekick for much of the game, and its upgrades are all about enhancing its frosty capabilities. You'll be collecting various upgrade materials throughout your journey, and each level of upgrade for the Leviathan Axe will require specific items. At the first few levels, you'll mainly need Hacksilver and Forged Iron, which are pretty common. As you push into the higher tiers, things get a bit more interesting. You'll start needing Tempered Forged Iron, and eventually, the coveted Steel Welded materials. These rarer items are usually found in tougher areas, dropped by more formidable enemies, or uncovered in high-level chests. Each upgrade tier doesn't just boost the axe's base stats like Strength and Runic, but it also unlocks new Perks. These Perks are crucial! For example, one upgrade might enhance the damage of your frost attacks, while another could increase the stun generated when you hit enemies. A really cool one adds a bonus effect when you recall the axe, making that signature move even more potent. It's essential to pay attention to the specific Perks each upgrade unlocks, as they can dramatically change your combat style and effectiveness against different enemy types. Don't neglect the axe, guys; it's your bread and butter for a good chunk of the game, and keeping it topped up will make those early-to-mid-game encounters much more manageable. Remember to explore thoroughly, complete those side quests, and smash every breakable object you see – you never know where that next crucial upgrade material is hiding!

Leveling Up the Leviathan Axe

So, how exactly do you level up the Leviathan Axe, you ask? It's tied to progression and exploration. As you advance through the main story, you'll naturally encounter opportunities to upgrade your axe. Certain bosses will drop rare materials needed for higher levels, and some areas are locked until you have specific gear or abilities, often leading you to valuable axe components. Beyond the story, exploration is key. The realms are packed with hidden chests, secret areas, and optional challenges. Many of these contain the Hacksilver, Forged Iron, Tempered Forged Iron, and Steel Welded that you'll need. Don't forget about the Mystic Gateways! Traveling between realms can sometimes reveal new pathways or areas that were previously inaccessible. Look for those glowing blue pickaxes indicating a crafting resource node – you might find some of the rarer materials there. The Hacksilver is pretty straightforward; you get it from almost every enemy and chest. Forged Iron becomes more common as you progress. Tempered Forged Iron starts appearing in mid-game areas, often guarded by tougher enemies or found in reward chests after mini-boss encounters. The truly rare Steel Welded is usually reserved for late-game areas, the hardest optional bosses, and specific Favors (side quests). Some Favors are particularly lucrative for crafting materials, so always keep an eye on the side quest objectives and rewards. Keep your eyes peeled for Lore items too, as sometimes completing a set or reaching a certain lore count can also net you some sweet upgrade materials as a bonus. It's a constant loop of fighting, exploring, and collecting, all to make that axe sing with icy fury. Remember, each level doesn't just increase stats; it often unlocks a new Perk Slot or a new Perk entirely, giving you more customization options for Kratos's playstyle.

The Blades of Chaos: Fiery Dominance

Next up, we have the Blades of Chaos. These iconic dual-wielding weapons return with a vengeance, and their upgrades focus on enhancing their Runic attacks, increasing their area-of-effect potential, and boosting Kratos's raw damage output. Similar to the Leviathan Axe, the Blades of Chaos require specific materials for each upgrade tier. You'll start with Hacksilver and Tempered Frost for the initial upgrades. As you progress, you'll need Tempered Fire and then the more advanced Grip of the Unknown and Bond of a Malice. These rarer materials are typically found in areas associated with fire-based enemies or in specific legendary chests. The Perks for the Blades of Chaos often revolve around increasing the burn damage they inflict, adding secondary effects to their Runic attacks (like causing enemies to stagger or deal splash damage), or improving their crowd-control capabilities. A key aspect of the Blades is their ability to hit multiple enemies at once, and many upgrades will amplify this, making them indispensable for clearing out swarms. Investing in the Blades of Chaos is crucial, especially when facing groups of enemies or foes resistant to frost. They offer a different but equally devastating playstyle, and maxing them out makes Kratos a whirlwind of fire and destruction. Keep an eye out for those fiery resources, guys!

Unlocking the Blades' Potential

To unlock the full potential of the Blades of Chaos, you’ll need to gather specific resources scattered across the Nine Realms. The early upgrades are relatively easy, mainly requiring Hacksilver and Tempered Frost, which you'll find in abundance as you start your journey. As you venture into more challenging territories and defeat tougher foes, you'll start encountering Tempered Fire. This material is often found in areas with a strong fire presence or dropped by enemies wielding fire-based attacks. The real hunt begins for the more advanced materials like Grip of the Unknown and Bond of a Malice. These are significantly rarer and typically found in late-game areas, chests guarded by powerful enemies, or as rewards for completing specific Favors, especially those tied to the more infernal realms. Some of the Dragon Hunts and specific Favors are particularly good sources for these rare upgrade components. Remember that the game doesn't just give these to you; you have to earn them through combat prowess and diligent exploration. The Perks associated with the Blades of Chaos are what truly set them apart. Upgrades might grant you increased Burn buildup, making enemies ignite more frequently, or enhance the range and impact of your Runic attacks, turning them into devastating AoE (Area of Effect) tools. Some Perks focus on improving the flow between attacks, allowing for smoother combos that keep enemies vulnerable and burning. It's all about finding the right combination of upgrades and Perks to match your preferred combat style. Are you a fan of relentless aggression, burning your foes to a crisp, or do you prefer to use the Blades for crowd control? The upgrade path lets you tailor them to your liking.

The Draupnir Spear: The Newcomer's Edge

Finally, let's talk about the Draupnir Spear. This is Kratos's newest weapon in Ragnarok, and it brings a unique combat style focused on precision, piercing damage, and creating explosive traps. Its upgrades are essential for unlocking its full potential, especially since it's introduced later in the game. You'll need Hacksilver and Gleaming Incendiary, and as you progress, Mantle of the Underworld and Eternal Frost. The materials for the Draupnir Spear are often found in more challenging optional areas and associated with specific enemy types, like the elemental golems or creatures found in the Underworld. The Perks for the spear are pretty cool; they often enhance its piercing capabilities, increase the number of Draupnir Rings you can plant on an enemy, or add explosive properties to your spear throws and charges. One notable Perk might allow your thrown spears to detonate multiple times, creating a chain reaction of damage. Another could increase the duration or damage of the spear's primary charged attack. Since the Spear is often used for precision strikes and setting up devastating combos, its upgrades are geared towards maximizing that burst damage and control. Mastering the Spear's upgrade path will make it a formidable force, capable of taking down even the toughest single targets with surgical precision. Don't underestimate this new weapon, guys; it's a game-changer!

Spearheading Your Upgrades

Getting the Draupnir Spear fully upgraded involves gathering materials that often require you to venture into some of the game's more dangerous and secret locations. Initial upgrades will cost Hacksilver and Gleaming Incendiary, which are somewhat easier to come by as you progress through the mid-to-late game. However, to truly unlock the spear's devastating capabilities, you'll need to find Mantle of the Underworld and Eternal Frost. These rarer materials are frequently located in challenging optional areas, such as the treacherous pits of Svartalfheim, the frozen wastes of Niflheim, or guarded by elite versions of certain enemies. Some of the Berserker Boss Fights and specific Favors that involve delving into dangerous ruins are excellent sources for these high-tier spear components. The Perks associated with the Draupnir Spear are where its true potential shines. You can upgrade it to increase the number of Draupnir Rings you can deploy on a target, leading to massive burst damage when detonated. Other upgrades might enhance the explosive radius of your spear throws, making them effective against groups, or improve the effectiveness of Kratos's signature spear charge, allowing him to vault across the battlefield and deliver a powerful, piercing blow. Some Perks even allow your thrown spears to chain-react with each other upon detonation, creating a cascade of explosions. The spear excels at breaking enemy guards and dealing significant single-target damage, so tailoring its upgrades towards these strengths will make it an invaluable asset, especially against heavily armored or agile opponents. It’s all about finding those hidden spots and taking down those tough optional challenges to get the best resources.

General Upgrade Tips and Tricks

Guys, no matter which weapon you're focusing on, there are some universal truths about upgrading in God of War Ragnarok. First off, always check your crafting menu at Brok and Sindri's shops. This is where you'll see exactly what materials you need for the next upgrade for each weapon and what Perks are unlocked. Don't just blindly collect; have a target in mind! Secondly, prioritize upgrades based on your playstyle. If you love Runic attacks, focus on those weapon perks. If you're a fan of raw melee, boost Strength and relevant Perks. Thirdly, exploration is your best friend. Seriously, smash every pot, open every chest, and complete every Favor you can. Many materials, especially the rarer ones, are hidden in plain sight or require a bit of detouring. Don't forget about the Berserker Souls you get from defeating the Berserker bosses; these can be exchanged at Huldra Brothers' shops for some very valuable upgrade materials. Also, keep an eye out for Mystic Echoes, which can lead you to powerful artifacts and sometimes essential crafting components. Remember to upgrade your armor and shield too, as they provide complementary benefits and often have Perks that synergize with your weapon choices. A well-rounded build is key to conquering the challenges Ragnarok throws at you. Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment! Ragnarok offers a lot of build diversity through its upgrade system and Perk choices. Try different combinations and see what works best for you. Happy hunting for those materials, and may your weapons strike true!

Maximizing Your Resources

To really make the most out of your upgrade materials in God of War Ragnarok, a few strategies can make a huge difference. Firstly, always keep track of your inventory and desired upgrades. Before heading out, open your menu and see what you need. This way, you're actively looking for specific items rather than just collecting randomly. Hacksilver is constantly flowing in, so don't worry too much about that, but the rarer items like Tempered Iron, Tempered Frost, Tempered Fire, Grip of the Unknown, Bond of a Malice, Gleaming Incendiary, Mantle of the Underworld, and Eternal Frost require a bit more planning. Secondly, focus on completing Favors. Many of these side quests offer significant amounts of rare crafting materials as rewards, often more than you'd find just exploring randomly. Some Favors even unlock new areas or provide access to unique items that indirectly help with resource gathering. Thirdly, tackle optional bosses and challenges. The Berserker encounters and Dragon Hunts are prime examples. Defeating these powerful foes not only grants you bragging rights but also nets you some of the rarest upgrade materials in the game, often essential for the final weapon upgrades. Don't forget about pulling Leviathans' teeth from certain creatures; these can also be traded for valuable resources. Lastly, utilize the shops. Brok and Sindri often have limited supplies of certain rare materials that you can purchase with Hacksilver or other specific items. While it might seem expensive, sometimes buying that one missing component is more efficient than spending hours searching for it. Always check their inventory, especially after major story beats or after completing significant side content, as their stock can refresh. Remember, a well-upgraded Kratos is a force to be reckoned with, and smart resource management is the key to achieving that god-like power.

Conclusion: Forge Your Legend

So there you have it, guys! We've covered the ins and outs of upgrading the Leviathan Axe, the Blades of Chaos, and the Draupnir Spear in God of War Ragnarok. Remember, each weapon has its own unique upgrade path and Perk system, allowing you to tailor Kratos's combat style to your preferences. Keep an eye on those upgrade materials, explore every nook and cranny of the Nine Realms, and don't shy away from those tough optional challenges. The journey to upgrade Kratos's arsenal is as epic as the story itself, and with each upgrade, you're not just increasing stats; you're unlocking new ways to unleash fury upon your enemies. Go forth, forge your legend, and show the Nine Realms what true power looks like! Happy gaming!