Ultimate Tier List for Shields in God of War Ragnarok

In 2022, Santa Monica Studio redefined gameplay within the God of War franchise, introducing dynamic shield mechanics that enriched the combat experience. The latest installment allows Kratos to wield a retractable shield, enhancing his ability to block and parry effectively in battle. This iteration goes beyond previous versions by offering players three new shield options, with an additional shield unlocked in New Game+ (NG+), providing diverse strategic choices.

Each shield is tailored to suit various playstyles and skill levels, making the selection process crucial for optimizing performance during encounters. This tier list evaluates the shields based on their effectiveness while spotlighting the unique features that set them apart in God of War: Ragnarok.

S-Tier: Top Shields in God of War: Ragnarok

• Guardian Shield
• Stone Wall Shield

Among the most formidable equipment in the series, the Guardian Shield from God of War (2018) offers an exceptional balance between offensive and defensive capabilities. Renowned for its adeptness at blocking and parrying, this shield is a prime contender for the best in God of War: Ragnarok. The lore enhances its appeal, as it was a cherished gift from Kratos’ wife, Laufey. Players can retrieve this shield after completing The Word of Fate, as it was previously shattered in a clash with Thor.

Conversely, the Stone Wall Shield serves as an ideal alternative for those less experienced with parrying mechanics. This durable shield effectively blocks guard break attacks (identified by a yellow ring) with a simple action. Crafted by the Huldra Brothers, it features a unique Shield Slam attack, allowing players to create shockwaves by striking the ground, launching adversaries into the air.

A-Tier: Excellent Shields with Trade-offs

• Spartan Asp
• Dauntless Shield

The Spartan Aspis shield becomes accessible in NG+ after the main storyline concludes. It functions similarly to the Guardian Shield but introduces a higher risk/reward mechanic, offering aggressive parry counterattacks at the cost of a narrower margin for error. With designs harking back to Kratos’ Spartan heritage, it appeals to long-time fans of the saga.

On the other hand, the Dauntless Shield increases the stakes by allowing only parries as a defensive tactic. This shield resembles the challenging gameplay of FromSoftware titles, where mastering parries is essential. Successfully executing a riposte boosts the shield’s Shield Bash, enabling hefty stun damage against foes. This design necessitates swift reactions, making it a choice for experienced players ready to take on significant risk during combat.

B-Tier: Solid Choices for Unique Playstyles

• Onslaught Shield
• Shatter Star Shield

The Onslaught Shield caters to players focused on a defensive style that enables charging through adversaries. While it aligns with Kratos’ aggressive combat approach, it sacrifices some aesthetic appeal and utility when compared to superior shields.

In contrast, the Shatter Star Shield encourages evasive tactics. It requires players to avoid direct confrontations to charge its special ability while penalizing blocking actions by depleting its charge. Once fully charged, its Shield Punch ability can displace multiple foes, offering a unique long-range option. However, given its primary function as a shield—blockage and parrying—this option may rank lower in practical effectiveness compared to other alternatives in God of War: Ragnarok.

Ultimately, players should consider their individual fighting preferences when selecting a shield, as each option significantly influences gameplay dynamics.

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