God of War: Ragnarok unveils upgraded combat, supercharging Kratos and Atreus’s divine powers

God of War: Ragnarok unveils upgraded combat, supercharging Kratos and Atreus’s divine powers

Get Ready to Smash the Gods — God of War Ragnarok Is Back!

Santa Monica Studio is burning the midnight oil, and by Nov 9 they’re ready to drop the world‑ending fury of God of War Ragnarok on PS4 and PS5. If you’re wondering what’s fresh this year, Game Informer’s latest feature pulls no punches and gives us a sneak peek into the next chapter of Kratos and Atreus’ saga.

What Makes the Combat So Epic?

Lead combat designers Mihir Sheth and Denny Yeh filled us in on how they’re pushing the boundaries set by the 2018 reboot:

  • Keep it Fun & Playful: Kratos “uses his food” to smash enemies, but the team wants even more hijinks. That means new tricks, more tactics, and a freedom to switch between offense and defense at a snap.
  • New “Toys” for the Gods: If you’re wielding the Leviathan Axe, the Triangle button gives you “Frost Awakens.” Keep the Blades of Chaos in your hand, and you unlock “Whiplash.” These elemental jabs pack extra punch.
  • Shield‑tastic Revamp: Two brand‑new shields make the fight feel even more alive:
    • Dauntless – Love a good parry? Hit the block tap, then charge it into a smash that stuns and sends foes flying.
    • Stonewall – For the battle‑hardened, soak up damage then unleash a pulse that knocks enemies back.

These gadgets aren’t just cool to look at—they’re here to make every encounter feel fresh. Unlock more options and the combat gets even more engaging.

Balancing the Gods’ Wrath

With difficulty in gear, enemies get snappier and deadlier. Even the easiest setups demand smart fighting: looping back to cleared zones throws in new monsters, and those optional side‑quests aren’t just fluff—they’re ripe with danger.

All of this builds on the incredible mechanics from the first act. If anyone can raise the bar, it’s the folks at Santa Monica Studio.

Mark Your Calendars

  • Release Date: Nov 9
  • Platforms: PS4 & PS5

So strap in, lock those blades, and get ready to tell the gods three times over, “Get ready for Ragnarok.” Enjoy the thunder, you’ll need it!