The Most Overpowered Weapons In The God of War Franchise, Ranked

Summary

Thera’s Bane upgrades Blades of Athena with powerful fire abilities and enhanced combat features.
Guardian Shield offers defensive abilities and enhances combat skills, adding versatility to Kratos’s arsenal.
Draupnir Spear provides ranged and close-range combat options with unique abilities like wind affinity and duplication.

As a devoted fan of the God of War series, I’ve come to eagerly anticipate and appreciate its hallmarks: brutal combat, poignant storytelling woven with vengeance, and the thrill of mastering powerful weaponry. It’s the weaponry in particular that often sparks excitement among us fans, with certain over-the-top items being the highlight for many.

In this compilation, we’ll primarily highlight weapons, excluding magical spells or items such as the Medusa Head. Weapon modifications like enchantments won’t be featured either, so you won’t find runes or boosts on our list. With these guidelines established, let me share with you why these are standout weapons in God of War.

19. Thera’s Bane

Engulf The Blades Of Athena In Flames

In the game God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Thera’s Bane isn’t just an “ability,” it behaves more like a new weapon for the character Kratos. He obtains this powerful tool from the chest of the Titan, Thera, whom he liberates in Atlantis’ depths. Once acquired, Kratos can unleash primal fire that envelops his Blades of Athena in an intense blaze.

Functionally speaking, enhancing the Blades of Athena not only amplifies their strength and speed, but it also equips Kratos with new abilities. He can now embed explosive magma into his foes, causing significant damage, and he finds it simpler to breach the armor and defenses of other beasts as well. Additionally, Thera’s Bane imbues the Blades of Athena with a menacing black and red color scheme, symbolizing Kratos’s unrelenting fury more powerfully.

18. Guardian Shield

An Effective Retractable Shield

As a devoted fan, I acquired the remarkable Guardian Shield during my epic journey through the events of God of War. Initially, it took form as a part of Kratos’ left gauntlet, where it appeared as a compact disc encircled by a swirling plate resembling a wrench, with two longer plates beneath. Upon activation, this shield transforms into a protective buckler, granting Kratos the ability to deflect incoming attacks. In combat, I’ve found that the Guardian Shield can be skillfully utilized in combination with Kratos’ fists, the Blades of Chaos, and the Leviathan Axe.

Using the Guardian Shield, it’s clear that the once-mighty God of War Kratos hasn’t lost his fighting prowess in battle. With the shield, Kratos gains an arsenal of abilities: breaking through an adversary’s defense and even bouncing attacks back at them. He can charge at opponents while striking, and swiftly transition between stances to land rapid attacks.

17. Draupnir Spear

The Second Official Norse Weapon In Kratos’s Hands

Together with the Leviathan Axe, the Draupnir Spear is another significant Norse weapon that Kratos obtains in God of War Ragnarok. In its original form, it was a magical ring capable of creating copies of itself. However, Kratos was tasked to deliver the ring to the Forge Lady for her help in transforming it into a spear. Following the Norse mythology’s description, the transformation occurred, and Kratos planned to employ this spear against Heimdall to prevent his destiny of slaying his son Atreus during Ragnarok.

In the game, Draupnir serves a twofold role: it can strike adversaries from any distance and has an innate connection to wind that pulls foes closer before exploding them at a distance. Additionally, its magical ring origin allows Kratos to generate numerous replicas of Draupnir for various uses, like hurling them at enemies, creating stepping stones for movement, or detonating massive blasts by slamming the replicas onto the ground.

16. Blades Of Athena

The Most Iconic Upgrade

Although Kratos’ iconic weapons, the Blades of Chaos, are well-known, the Blades of Athena might be the most notable upgrades across the series. These blades were bestowed by Athena herself and served the same function as the Blades of Chaos. However, the Blades of Athena held more divine power, as evidenced by the red-glowing engravings and the golden aura that surrounded them when Kratos wielded them as the God of War.

Due to their divine origin, Athena’s Blades held extraordinary power whenever wielded by Kratos. A move known as Divine Reckoning is initiated when Kratos thrusts the blades into the ground, resulting in a whirlwind that swirls around him, obliterating any foes who dared approach.

15. Blade of Artemis

The Perfect Blade Against Ares

In comparison to his well-known Blades of Chaos, the Blade of Artemis was a vast, curved blade that perfectly suited Kratos’s towering physique. This blade was bestowed upon him by Artemis for his battle against Ares. Unlike the swift and free-flowing Blades of Chaos, the Blade of Artemis adopts a more deliberate yet devastating style in combat, making it a unique tool in Kratos’s arsenal.

The Blade of Artemis is truly a spectacle due to its legendary history. As told by Artemis, the Goddess of Hunting, she employed this very blade to vanquish a Titan. Its ability to penetrate armor might be indicative of its inherent power. If Kratos had thought about utilizing it in his future endeavors, he would’ve found himself on equal footing with ancient Titans with surprising ease.

14. Gauntlet Of Zeus

Gauntlets That Fought Titans

Regardless of its immense dimensions, Kratos surprisingly handled the Gauntlet of Zeus and harnessed its devastating force to slay beings such as Persephone. Although Kratos would later forfeit this artifact to its true owner, Zeus, shortly after plundering it from its sanctuary, the Gauntlet of Zeus remained incredibly potent.

Essentially, Zeus commissioned Hephaestus to craft the Gauntlet, a powerful artifact designed to bind the Titans in the abyss of Tartarus. Due to its immense scale, it was intended for use by Zeus in his colossal divine form. When used correctly, the Gauntlet of Zeus grants its bearer extraordinary physical might and enables summoning diverse types of lightning, symbolizing Zeus’s dominion over the elements. Eventually, Kratos acquired armor endowing him with the ability to fully harness the Gauntlet’s potency.

13. Army Of Hades

Wield The Dead In Any Fight

Even though not technically a weapon, the Army of Hades was a formidable power that Hades bestowed upon Kratos following his defeat of Pandora’s Guardian. In later games, different versions of the Army of Hades appear when Kratos overpowers Hades or one of his powers.

Instead of other gods showcasing their power through destructive forces, the Army of Hades stood out as a testament to the divine might of the gods. In employing this power, Kratos commands the legions of the deceased, enabling him to conjure various undead combatants to battle for him. These beings start off as ordinary souls armed with swords, eventually wielding diverse weapons like axes and falchions – a demonstration of Kratos’ increasing ability to summon stronger souls from the depths of the Underworld, reflecting his growing power.

12. Blade Of The Gods

A God-Killing Sword

In the initial God of War game, wandering players would come across an unusual-looking bridge linking the Statue of Athena with the Suicide Bluffs, shaped like a sword. What appeared to be just a bridge design was actually a functional sword, crafted from metal. Known as the Blade of the Gods, the protagonist, Kratos, would later wield this sword during his battle against Ares, after Pandora’s Box amplified his size to godly proportions.

In a manner reminiscent of a true weapon, the Sword of the Divine functioned effectively, allowing Kratos to fully utilize his strength in its handling. This was the blade he employed to deal the fatal strike against Ares and ascend as the new God of War, imbuing it with an unforgettable legacy that could even slay deities.

11. Bow of Apollo

The Bow With The Power Of The Sun

In terms of its classification among tools, the Bow of Apollo possesses greater might compared to other weapons in the same utility group. Similar to Typhon’s Bane from God of War 2, it excels particularly in managing crowds.

In simpler terms, the Bow of Apollo stands out for its superiority in maintaining combo sequences compared to other weapons. This bow shares its resource bar with other tools, enabling it to disrupt attack patterns and break down groups of foes more effectively. Despite being the least powerful weapon on this list, its unique ability to keep combos going and immobilize smaller enemies makes it a valuable asset.

10. Artemius Blade

An Upgraded Form Of Artemis’ Glory

Initially, during the initial stages of ‘God of War’, Athena bestows players with a purplish scimitar-like blade. Though effective at the outset, many gamers tend to discard this weapon shortly after they begin using it.

When completely enhanced, the Artemius blade exhibits a substantial punch, capable of felling weaker adversaries with just a handful of strikes. On the downside, its move set remains quite monotonous compared to other weapons, as it doesn’t acquire new moves during the level-up process; instead, it merely increases in power. Despite this, the Artemius blade is straightforward and potent, and it glows red when fully charged, which serves as the only obvious distinction.

9. Spear of Destiny

Bestow A Destiny Of Being Air-Juggled

The Spear of Destiny possesses features that the Artemius Blade lacked, such as power, versatility, and an expansive combat arsenal. Following Kratos’ victory against a griffin rider using the spear, he subsequently rediscovers it on the slain griffin’s body. This elongated spear, crafted from shimmering purple crystal, effortlessly wipes out hordes of opponents.

This spear boasts an impressive skill set, including the capability to keep a target aloft through air juggling for quite some time, and it can even trigger crystal explosions. Additionally, due to its double-edged design, it can attack from two sides simultaneously. The Spear of Destiny reappears in the multiplayer mode of God of War Ascension.

8. Nemesis Whip

Insane Combo Potential At One’s Fingertips

The chains adorned by claws, bestowed by the divine blacksmith Hephaestus Smith, unleash electrifying combinations upon those who master them skillfully. Nemesis Whips, while sharing a similar move set with the Blades of Chaos, are noticeably faster but lack their strength, deterring some players from utilizing them effectively.

In challenging levels, this weapon’s ability to create long combos is more manageable compared to many other types of weapons. Moreover, during battles, it can produce orbs thanks to its stun locks and swift attacks. For novice players, they are still effective for producing high combos due to their area-of-effect electric attributes. They remain fun to utilize, but the Blades of Chaos outshine them in many aspects.

7. Claws of Hades

Hook Around The Battlefield

From the same game comes another set of chain weapons, but these are known as the Claws of the Underworld. These claws hold their own against fan-favorites in terms of lethality. In contrast to the Nemesis Whip, the Claws of the Underworld are more deadly due to a far greater reason. They confine countless souls within them, giving the impression that they move autonomously.

Chains equipped with the unique capability to wrap around combat areas or adversaries offer a distinct experience compared to other chain weapons. This special trait enables players to extract enemy souls, and as these chains are upgraded, they grant Kratos the power to summon distinctive souls such as Medusa or Centaurs. The more potent the claws become, the more souls the player can conjure. If the Claws of Hades were the main weapon in the God of War games instead of the Blades of Chaos, they might have had an equivalent cultural resonance.

6. Nemean Cestus

Bash Every Enemy To Pieces

Following a tough struggle, Kratos manages to grab hold of these colossal gauntlets previously belonging to Hercules. These massive lion-headed weapons are among the most devastating ever wielded in any game, offering a level of raw power unmatched by other weapons in the God of War series. Unlike most weapons in these games, which are typically ranged, the Nemean Cestus is all about close combat. With each strike, it delivers an intense impact that makes the screen tremble with every punch and ground pound.

These gauntlets are essential for shattering Onyx, a rock that was once thought unbreakable. But when it was found out they can break stone, players soon understood these tools aren’t just for smashing rocks, they pulverize every enemy as well. Without a shadow of a doubt, these weapons have become a favorite among the fans, and for a very brutal reason.

5. Arms of Sparta

Relive Being A Spartan

In “Ghost of Sparta,” upon my return to Sparta, I reacquired the set of weapons I once wielded as its general. Throughout the game, my primary ranged weapon was a formidable spear and shield combo, proving particularly effective in one-on-one battles, much like the Spear of Destiny.

Using this weapon, players can experience the essence of a Spartan like never before, with its powerful shield bashes and long-range attacks. The more it’s enhanced, the more formidable it becomes. In their final journey together, even the mighty Kratos bestows these weapons upon his brother Deimos as a parting gift.

4. Barbarian Hammer

Originally Wielded By The King Of The Barbarians

Originally, the colossal hammer known as the Barbarian Hammer was in possession of King Alrik, a barbarian ruler. Prior to the storyline in God of War, Alrik and Kratos were adversaries, both followers of Hades and Ares, and both commanding formidable armies. In his encounter with Kratos, Alrik met his end. However, through an extraordinary turn of events, he arose from death after vanquishing numerous guards of the Underworld. Upon rebirth, he emerged with an imposing physique to match the immense size of his hammer.

In simpler terms, the Barbarian Hammer, a weapon wielded by Kratos, is adorned with sharp spikes along its length and is covered in bandages, giving it a bloodied appearance. This tool, when used by Kratos, can conjure Cursed Souls to assist him in battles against numerous adversaries. Despite its slower attacks, the Barbarian Hammer packs quite a punch, capable of pulverizing petrified enemies with just a few strikes. Notably, the Barbarian Hammer holds immense combat power, being the second most powerful weapon in God of War 2, surpassed only by the Blade of Olympus, but its potency is limited by its speed.

3. Blade of Olympus

Become The One True God

The Blade of Olympus, the weapon that ended the Great War, is bestowed upon Kratos following his ascension to the new God of War by Zeus. By draining his power into the blade, Zeus imbued it with a godly might capable of taking lives, including those of Athena, Kronos, and even Zeus himself.

In God of War 2 and God of War 3, this particular weapon, when used independently or connected with the rage mechanic, is consistently powerful – and for good reason. Given that only gods can handle it, its whereabouts are unknown now. It’s speculated that the blade might reappear in future games, considering its significant narrative impact beforehand.

2. Leviathan Axe

The True Second Weapon

In the latest installment of God of War, Kratos embarks on a trek to reach the realm of Norse deities. Since his departure from Greece, he has acquired the formidable Leviathan Axe. Crafted by the same dwarves who forged Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer, this weapon is incredibly frosty in its destructive power. Unlike other games, runes embedded into this weapon amplify its might and allow for additional customizations.

This item freezes foes solid and, similar to Mjolnir, it returns to its wielder’s grasp. This weapon seamlessly complements the close-quarters, gritty combat style of the latest God of War game. The developers have announced that this weapon is a permanent addition to the series, and its power and legacy will expand over time.

1. The Blades of Exile

Boasts The Game’s Largest Moveset

When it comes to selecting among Athena’s Blade, Chaos Blade, and Exile Blade, it ultimately boils down to personal taste. In our case, we opted for the Exile Blade because of the advancements the other two blades have made in enhancing combat and the sheer power displayed by the third God of War game’s Blade. These weapons offer the largest move set and overall, provide the most impactful gameplay experience. In essence, they embody the pinnacle of what years of God of War have evolved into.

In the world of God of War, both the Blades of Exile and the Leviathan Axe are top-tier weapons, but over the course of five games, the Blades have become more significant in terms of storyline and gameplay, serving as the main weapon. Interestingly, in the latest God of War, the Leviathan Axe made a surprising reappearance as a secondary weapon, leaving longtime fans pleasantly surprised.

2025-01-06 13:15