The Leviathan Axe is not just a weapon; it’s a symbol of Kratos’ evolution in the God of War series, particularly in the 2018 reboot. Departing from the fiery chaos of the Blades of Chaos, the Upgraded Leviathan Axe of Kratos From God of War brings a measured, tactical approach to combat. But what makes this weapon so powerful, and how does it stack up against other legendary armaments in the game? Here’s a detailed analysis of why the Leviathan Axe is considered one of the strongest weapons in Kratos’ arsenal.
1. The Power of the Leviathan Axe
The Leviathan Axe’s power is derived from multiple aspects: its elemental abilities, runic attacks, and its seamless integration with Kratos’ progression.
Runic Attacks: Destruction with Precision
The Leviathan Axe of Kratos From God of War features a variety of light and heavy runic attacks that can devastate enemies. Moves like Ivaldi’s Anvil release an icy shockwave that clears groups of foes, while attacks like the Fury of the Ice Troll unleash concentrated force on a single target. These runic abilities allow players to adapt their strategy to different enemy types, from swarms of weaker creatures to towering bosses.
Frost Element: More Than Just Cool
Harnessing frost magic, the Leviathan Axe can freeze enemies in place. This crowd-control feature becomes a crucial tactical tool, enabling Kratos to neutralize threats temporarily while dealing with others. In battles that require agility and quick thinking, this freezing mechanic allows for precision and efficiency.
Upgradability: Growing with the Player
The Axe evolves alongside Kratos, becoming stronger as you gather Frozen Flames throughout the game. These upgrades increase the weapon’s base damage and unlock additional slots for runic attacks and enchantments. This progression ensures that the Axe remains effective against increasingly challenging enemies, providing a satisfying sense of growth.
2. Versatility in Combat
The Leviathan Axe is more than a brute force weapon—it’s a versatile tool that adapts to various combat scenarios.
Throw and Recall: A Dynamic Mechanic
One of the Leviathan Axe’s standout features is its throw-and-recall mechanic, which mirrors the iconic Mjolnir from Norse mythology. Kratos can hurl the Axe at enemies with precision, striking distant foes or triggering environmental elements to his advantage. With a press of a button, the Axe returns to his hand, often damaging enemies on its path back.
Close-Quarters Dominance
In melee combat, the Leviathan Axe delivers heavy, deliberate strikes that stagger even the toughest opponents. Its attacks feel weighty and impactful, making it a satisfying weapon for players who prefer strategic, powerful blows.
Utility Beyond Battle
The Axe isn’t just for combat; it plays a key role in solving puzzles and navigating the environment. For instance, players can use it to freeze gears, activate switches, or manipulate objects from a distance, adding a layer of interactivity to exploration.
3. Leviathan Axe vs. Blades of Chaos
A frequent debate among fans revolves around the Leviathan Axe and the Blades of Chaos, Kratos’ fiery dual blades from his Spartan past. Both weapons have distinct strengths, catering to different playstyles.
| Feature | Leviathan Axe | Blades of Chaos |
|---|---|---|
| Element | Frost | Fire |
| Range | Medium to Long | Medium to Short |
| Strength | High single-target damage | Excellent crowd control |
| Versatility | Balanced melee and ranged combat | Fast-paced melee combat |
The Leviathan Axe excels in precise, tactical gameplay, delivering powerful single-target damage and enabling strategic crowd control with its frost abilities. In contrast, the Blades of Chaos are ideal for chaotic, large-scale battles, with their fast, sweeping attacks and fire-based area-of-effect damage.
4. Strategies to Maximize the Leviathan Axe’s Potential
As with most heavy melee weapons in the game, players must first gain levelling perks and fully understand how the Leviathan Axe works. Here are a few tips:
Equip Powerful Runes and Enchantments
The Axe’s runic slots can be filled with abilities tailored to your playstyle. Whether you prefer explosive area damage or quick precision strikes, choosing the right combination of light and heavy runic attacks is key.
Boost Stats with Armor Sets
Pair the Axe with armor sets that enhance runic power or strength stats. This synergy ensures your attacks hit harder and your runic abilities recharge faster.
Master the Recall Mechanic
Timing the Axe’s recall to strike enemies on its return adds an extra layer of strategy to combat. With practice, players can chain together combos that maximize damage and control.
5. Why the Leviathan Axe Stands Out
The Leviathan Axe represents a shift in the God of War series toward a more thoughtful, deliberate approach to combat. Its unique features make it a standout weapon:
- Elemental Versatility: Its frost abilities provide both offensive and defensive options.
- Combat Adaptability: Whether you’re fighting at a distance or up close, the Axe excels in both scenarios.
- Narrative Significance: Forged by the same dwarven brothers who created Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, the Axe ties Kratos’ story into Norse mythology while symbolizing his evolution as a father and warrior.
Conclusion
The Leviathan Axe is not just a weapon; it confines Kratos’ change and it proves how deep the God of War game is as well. Its combination of damage, mobility, and identifiable gimmicks put it firmly into the league of useful tools in the nine realms. Whether you are freezing enemies to solid ground while they are charged up, solving different environmental puzzles, or just plain taking down your foes with the fury of combinations, the Leviathan Axe is very strong and can be considered one of the signature tools of Kratos.