When Kratos leaped PS4 and the Norse Mythology in 2018’s God of War, he was brought to the scene with his son, Atreus. Atreus had a fun move set in God of War, which allowed him to assist Kratos in battle without getting in the way or being at risk of injury. Part of Atreus’ skill set was Runic Summons, a set of abilities that returns for God of War: Ragnarok for not only Atreus, but a new companion to join Kratos in his conquest against the Aesir Gods, and the fight against Fimbulwinter.
Runic Summons is great for gameplay and bringing the fight to the enemies of God of War: Ragnarok. These Runic Summons are acquired by Legendary Chests or through different quests and boss fights. Each Runic Summon is unique and harbors a great power that benefits Kratos and his ally as they take on the Aesir Gods.
8 Falcon’s Dive (Atreus)
Falcon’s Dive is an interesting Runic Summon, as whatever arrow Atreus has equipped, will be the arrow that is used for the summoning. This means that players can choose the elemental damage of Sonic or Sigil, both have their unique benefits, as the former presents stun and the latter adds an increase to elemental damage from Kratos’ fire and ice attacks, both of which, can be upgraded.
Falcon’s Dive also comes into play when a nest of spectral falcons circle the area and will harass and distract enemies before swooping down to the ground to deal area damage. Falcon’s Dive is a good way to build elemental damage but isn’t the best of the bunch.
7 Bitter Squirrel (Atreus)
In the first Norse God of War game, Atreus could use the Bitter Squirrel spectral summon. This brings forth a green hue squirrel and a rather vulgar one at that. This squirrel is rude and will say curse words as it enters the battlefield in search of a Healthstone.
This foul-mouthed runic animal is the projection of Ratatoskr, the guardian of the World Tree of Yggdrasil. Bitter Squirrel is an important Runic Summon for players that are always in need of a health boost. Combat can be challenging in God of War: Ragnarok, so having health at request is beneficial to all.
6 Rampaging Ibex (Atreus)
Carnage may unleash with the Rampaging Ibex, which is a Runic Summon that brings forth a spectral ibex. Atreus will ride this ibex into battle, which will repeatedly charge into enemies and build up their stun meter so that Atreus or Kratos can click in R3 for maximum damage.
Charging toward enemies makes Atreus immune to damage, as it stuns and locks enemies into place. Building a stun meter is also greatly important because it allows for better damage, as the R3 ability is not only fun for a brutal animation, but it grants a quicker kill, during which players are immune.
5 Wrath of The Wolf (Atreus)
Through firing his arrows, Atreus will unleash a barrage of wolves, which will pounce and charge at the enemies that they are fired at. These spectral wolves will be a great threat to enemies and will increase damage and stun thanks to this Runic Summon in God of War: Ragnarok.
This is a great Runic Summon, and it helps to stun enemies and keep them off of Kratos’ back whilst he battles the variety of enemies in God of War: Ragnarok. Players may have to wait awhile to unlock this Runic Summon, as it is found in Helheim.
4 Seidr Exhale (Freya)
Seidr Exhale can disrupt the battlefield somewhat, as Freya will use her magic to summon forth a poison gas cloud. Kratos does not have to worry about the gas cloud, as he is immune to its effects. The gas cloud will target and seek out an enemy, and disrupt their combat.
The gas cloud can be good for keeping enemies somewhat at bay and stopping them from being unrelenting in their efforts to kill Kratos. The disruption of war can help, but the damage provided is not astronomical.
3 Steel Harmony (Freya)
Steel Harmony can provide Kratos with an advantage on the battlefield, as Freya will unleash swift and precise ranged attacks with her sword. Through these attacks, Freya’s sword will slash from a distance at the enemy that is targeted, and the spectral blades that she uses will cause a decent amount of damage.
The damage of the swords is dependent on what sword Freya is using. The Bifrost ability is a great one, as it does permanent damage, with a tad extra if Kratos is to continue on the offensive to those that are wounded with Steel Harmony.
2 Invoke The Storm (Freya)
Building up a large area of effect spell, Freya will unleash Invoke the Storm which will discharge a set of small electric explosions. These explosions will build stun, and temporarily keep the enemies of Kratos in place, ready to be hacked and slashed with the might of the Leviathan axe and the Blades of Chaos.
Invoke the Storm can be a great Runic Summon in God of War: Ragnarok, as long as the player can survive the patience required to activate it. It may not be as fast-acting as the other summons, but it can help the player take a breather even just for a brief moment.
1 The Queen’s Roar (Freya)
Considering that Freya is the Queen of the Valkyries, it is no surprise that her best summon would involve her Valkyrie wings and that proud warrior spirit. Freya brings forth her Valkyrie wings, in their stunning gold, and flies upwards. With an intimidating roar, Freya will slam back down into the ground, damaging the area around her.
Not only is this a beautiful animation and attack to show Freya’s rage and grief for her son, Baldur, but it’s a brilliant attack for when players feel overwhelmed, or just want to cause a nice bit of damage to a certain boss enemy. The Queen’s Roar harbors the rage that makes Freya a great ally to Kratos.
God of War Ragnarok is available now for PS4 and PS5.