God Of War Ragnarok has one of the most in-depth combat systems in the series. In this entry, Kratos begins the game with the Blades of Chaos and is able to greatly customize them right from the beginning of the game. Players get multiple customization options for the Blades, but advancing your weapons' abilities through Runic attacks is the most fun.
Runic attacks do have a cooldown, but they can cause incredible amounts of damage. There are a variety of Runic attacks in the game, and while all of them are powerful, some are much more efficient than others when fighting through the nine realms.
10 Helios Flame
The Helios flame does significant damage and burn, and when thrown, it can go much further than the blades' usual ranged attack. This range helps make the blades more viable in different situations, but it does fall off in comparison to other runic attacks.
Compared to the Leviathan Axe's ranged DPS, these runic attacks fall off if used as a recurring ranged attack. Its secondary explosion can help deal with grouped-up enemies, but the blades already specialize in that situation, and other Runic attacks do perform much better in such situations.
9 Hades Retribution
The Blades of Chaos excel in doing lighter damage to many enemies or those further away. This runic attack help branch out the weapons to deal high amounts of damage to a single enemy. The attack does not stun the enemy but deals with a significant burn effect.
This runic attack does suffer from its lack of uses, as it is best against single strong enemies. In those situations, the Axe is the better option, but this runic attack's damage makes it useful against stronger enemies.
8 Flames of Anguish
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The Flames of Anguish deal very high amounts of burn effect to a small area in front of Kratos. While the affected area is smaller, the effects of those caught within make it a worthwhile attack. Once fully upgraded, this will ignite most lower-tier enemies or require only a few more hits from the Blades' basic attack.
This attack is also great for beginning a combo, as enemies are knocked up into the air from the eruptions. The ones who get knocked up are then briefly juggled, making the attack more effective.
7 Nemean Crush
While heavy runic attacks have a long cooldown, the Nemean Crush makes it worthwhile. This attack does very great damage to the enemies immediately in front of Kratos. While the initial attack focuses on a small area, the resulting rocks from the explosion help it branch out for light AOE damage.
With upgrades, the rocks and the initial slams deal much more damage. This attack is best when targeting strong enemies but can also work with tight groups of weaker enemies, perfect for the war against the Norse Gods.
6 Meteoric Slam
Meteoric Slam goes in the opposite direction of Nemean Crush, dealing high amounts of damage to a wide area. Some fights can become crowded and complex, with several enemies using shields or heavy armor, requiring you to attack them from behind. Well, this attack is a winner in that regard.
Meteoric Slam is perfect for putting all enemies in the same boat and damaging them greatly. This attack also deals with a moderate burn status. A light runic attack or a few basic hits will leave most enemies ignited.
5 Atlus Eruption
Atlus Eruption is a heavy runic attack that deals heavy damage to a smaller area in front of Kratos. Each slam also knocks up an enemy or stuns them for the duration of the attacks. It also has a lower cooldown compared to other heavy runic attacks.
The continuous attacks after being upgraded make this the perfect attack to juggle enemies and end with a slight AOE attack for those around the initial target. This runic attack also has a fairly decent range, so Kratos can target enemies that are a little further.
4 Tartarus Rage
As for heavy runic attacks, this attack is very well-rounded for its damage, burn and stun. Its AOE damage is decent, and stun can be effective against crowds of enemies or most bosses. Without its upgrades, its single slam can be effective but underwhelming.
After being upgraded and reaching its fullest potential, this attack is perfect for knocking enemies back and following them to continue a combo. Even basic attacks have Kratos lunging toward a target, but this jump deals significantly more damage.
3 Tame The Beast
Tame The Beast not only deals great damage but has one of the highest burn effects of any runic attack. After being upgraded, the continuous slams are perfect for clearing out waves of enemies and finally knocking back any survivors to give you a chance to breathe.
This attack is held back by its long cooldown but is worth the wait. At level 3, it will leave most enemies ignited, and the number of slams means almost all nearby enemies will be affected.
2 Cyclone of Chaos
In the true fashion of the Blades of Chaos' incredible range, this runic attack is perfect for either a lot of enemies or those keeping their distance. This one triggers consistent bursts of long-range and high-damage attacks.
When upgraded, this attack has a high stun ability, which helps you control the enemies and the entire battlefield. Many battles will leave you surrounded by several enemies, and the ability to hit most enemies without aiming is priceless.
1 Rampage Of The Furies
While this one is a light runic attack, its damage capabilities are incredible. This attack decimates the enemies in front of Kratos, launching the attack in a straight line and damaging all foes that are caught up in it.
This attack has multiple swings and branches, making it incredible for groups of enemies and against bosses. This runic attack lands great damage accompanied by a burn effect, perfectly fitting into a combo at any point.