This article is part of a directory: God of War Ragnarok: Complete Guide & Walkthrough
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Though nowhere near as challenging as a Souls-like game, combat in God of War Ragnarok can still be fairly challenging at times, particularly on some of the game's harder difficulties or when up against bosses or high-level foes. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can have serious consequences, with enemies able to tear through the player's health bar scarily quickly if ever they're given the chance.

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Much like in the previous God of War game, there are several different ways to heal after taking damage in God of War Ragnarok. Not all of them are available right away though and those which are can sometimes rely on players getting lucky with RNG. As a result, not getting hit will always be the best strategy for staying alive, but as that won't always be an option, players will need to learn how to heal in God of War Ragnarok in order to survive.

How to Heal in God of War Ragnarok

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The most common method for healing in God of War Ragnarok involves breaking Healthstones, which are the glowing green orbs that can sometimes be found on the ground. These are dropped randomly by certain enemies and can also be found by destroying pots, wooden boxes, and other items scattered around the game's world. They come in various different sizes, with larger ones restoring more of the player's health. To break a Healthstone, players simply need to approach it and then press the Circle button.

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Another great way of healing in God of War Ragnarok involves activating Spartan Rage by pressing L3 and R3 and then pummeling an enemy. Each blow will restore a fraction of the health bar, so it's usually a good idea to save Spartan Rage mode for when health is running low, particularly during boss battles. Players can fill the Spartan Rage meter by taking damage, punching enemies, using R3 finishers, or breaking the glowing red orbs that sometimes drop.

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Early on in Chapter 2 of God of War Ragnarok, players will unlock the ability to craft Resurrection Stones. As the name suggests, these special stones can be used after the health meter has been emptied by pressing the Square button. Depending on the type of stone, it will either provide players with a small amount of health, a large amount of health, or a full Spartan Rage meter. It's worth noting though that players can only carry one Resurrection Stone at a time.

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A little later on in the game, players will start to gain access to special armor, enchantments, and talismans with healing abilities. These are a lot more reliable than the aforementioned methods as they don't rely on RNG drops, players having a full Spartan Rage meter, or players dying. It's a good idea to keep an eye out for Nornir Chests too, as every odd-numbered chest that players open will reward them with Idunn Apples, which permanently increases their health bar as well as refilling it.

God of War Ragnarok is available now for PS4 and PS5.