God of War, the 2018 soft reboot of the iconic action-adventure series, is a game that prides itself on its challenging combat and formidable enemies. Among the most fearsome foes in the game are the Valkyries, a group of powerful female warriors who serve as the game’s toughest bosses. In this article, we’ll explore when you should fight the first Valkyrie, and provide valuable tips and strategies to help you emerge victorious.
Understanding the Valkyries
Before we dive into the specifics of fighting the first Valkyrie, it’s essential to understand these powerful enemies. The Valkyries are a group of nine female warriors who serve as the Choosers of the Slain, tasked with selecting which warriors will die in battle and be taken to Valhalla. In the game, each Valkyrie has her unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, making them formidable opponents.
Valkyrie Locations and Order
The Valkyries can be found in various locations throughout the game’s world, Midgard. While you can encounter them in any order, it’s recommended to follow a specific sequence to ensure you’re adequately prepared for each battle. The first Valkyrie, Gunnr, can be found in the River Pass region, which becomes accessible after completing the “A Realm Beyond” quest.
Why Fight the First Valkyrie Early?
Fighting the first Valkyrie, Gunnr, early in the game can be beneficial for several reasons:
- Experience and Skill Points: Defeating Gunnr rewards you with a significant amount of experience points and skill points, which can be used to upgrade Kratos’ abilities and equipment.
- Better Equipment: Gunnr drops a unique set of armor and a powerful enchantment, which can be used to enhance Kratos’ combat performance.
- Improved Combat Skills: Fighting Gunnr early on helps you develop essential combat skills, such as dodging, blocking, and parrying, which are crucial for success in later battles.
Preparing for the Battle
Before facing Gunnr, it’s essential to prepare Kratos for the battle ahead. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Upgrading Kratos’ Equipment
- Leviathan Axe: Upgrade the Leviathan Axe to at least level 3, which increases its damage output and adds new abilities.
- Armor: Equip Kratos with a balanced set of armor that provides a mix of defense, vitality, and cooldown reduction.
- Enchantments: Apply enchantments that enhance Kratos’ combat performance, such as increased damage output or improved defense.
Developing Essential Combat Skills
- Dodging: Master the art of dodging, which allows Kratos to avoid attacks and create openings for counterattacks.
- Blocking: Learn to block effectively, which helps Kratos conserve health and create opportunities for counterattacks.
- Parrying: Develop the skill of parrying, which allows Kratos to deflect attacks and create openings for devastating counterattacks.
Choosing the Right Runes
- Runic Attacks: Equip Kratos with runic attacks that complement his combat style, such as the “Frost Awakening” or “Blessing of the Frost” runes.
- Runic Summons: Choose runic summons that provide crowd control or damage output, such as the “Murder of Crows” or “Blessing of the Frost” summons.
Fighting the First Valkyrie: Gunnr
When facing Gunnr, keep the following strategies in mind:
Understanding Gunnr’s Abilities
- Wing Sweep: Gunnr’s wing sweep attack can be devastating, so be prepared to dodge or block it.
- Projectile Attacks: Gunnr can summon projectiles that can be deflected or dodged.
- Melee Attacks: Gunnr’s melee attacks are fast and deadly, so be prepared to block or parry them.
Exploiting Gunnr’s Weaknesses
- Weak Points: Gunnr’s weak points are her wings and her head, so focus on attacking these areas.
- Staggering: Use runic attacks or heavy melee attacks to stagger Gunnr, creating openings for devastating counterattacks.
Tips for Success
- Stay Mobile: Keep moving and use the environment to your advantage.
- Use Runic Attacks: Runic attacks can help you stagger Gunnr and create openings for counterattacks.
- Block and Parry: Master the art of blocking and parrying to conserve health and create opportunities for counterattacks.
Conclusion
Fighting the first Valkyrie, Gunnr, is a challenging but rewarding experience that can help you develop essential combat skills and upgrade Kratos’ equipment. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you’ll be well-prepared to face Gunnr and emerge victorious. Remember to stay mobile, use runic attacks, and master the art of blocking and parrying to succeed in this epic battle.
Additional Tips
- Save Frequently: Save your progress frequently to avoid losing progress in case you die.
- Experiment with Different Strategies: Don’t be afraid to try different strategies and approaches to find what works best for you.
- Stay Patient: Fighting the Valkyries requires patience and persistence, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed at first.
What is the recommended level for fighting the first Valkyrie in God of War?
The recommended level for fighting the first Valkyrie in God of War is around level 6 or 7. At this level, you should have a good balance of health, stamina, and abilities to take on the Valkyrie. However, it’s essential to note that the level requirement can vary depending on your playstyle and the difficulty level you’re playing on. If you’re playing on a higher difficulty level, you may want to consider leveling up further before attempting to fight the Valkyrie.
Additionally, it’s crucial to have a good understanding of the game mechanics and Kratos’ abilities before fighting the Valkyrie. Make sure you’ve mastered the basics of combat, such as dodging, blocking, and using your abilities effectively. You should also have a good set of equipment, including a strong axe and armor, to increase your chances of success.
What are the key strategies for defeating the first Valkyrie?
The key strategies for defeating the first Valkyrie involve using a combination of Kratos’ abilities and exploiting the Valkyrie’s weaknesses. One of the most effective strategies is to use Kratos’ dodge ability to avoid the Valkyrie’s attacks and then quickly counterattack with a strong axe swing. You should also use your abilities, such as the Leviathan Axe’s frost ability, to stun the Valkyrie and leave her open to attack.
Another essential strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. The Valkyrie arena has several pillars and obstacles that you can use to block the Valkyrie’s attacks or create distance between you and the enemy. You should also keep an eye on the Valkyrie’s health and use your most powerful attacks when she’s low on health to finish her off quickly.
What are the rewards for defeating the first Valkyrie?
Defeating the first Valkyrie rewards you with a significant amount of experience points, which can help you level up and upgrade your equipment. You’ll also receive a unique set of armor and a powerful enchantment that can be used to enhance your equipment. Additionally, defeating the Valkyrie will give you access to a new area of the game, which contains more challenges and rewards.
The rewards for defeating the Valkyrie also include a sense of accomplishment and bragging rights. The Valkyries are some of the toughest enemies in the game, and defeating them is a significant achievement. You’ll also unlock a new trophy or achievement, depending on your platform, which can be a great way to show off your skills to friends and other players.
Can I defeat the first Valkyrie without upgrading my equipment?
While it’s possible to defeat the first Valkyrie without upgrading your equipment, it’s not recommended. The Valkyrie is a formidable opponent, and you’ll need all the help you can get to take her down. Upgrading your equipment, especially your axe and armor, can make a significant difference in the fight. With upgraded equipment, you’ll have more health, stamina, and damage output, which can give you an edge in the battle.
That being said, if you’re confident in your abilities and have a good understanding of the game mechanics, you can try to defeat the Valkyrie without upgrading your equipment. However, be prepared for a challenging fight, and don’t be afraid to retreat and come back later if you need to. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and upgrade your equipment before attempting to fight the Valkyrie.
How do I access the first Valkyrie fight in God of War?
To access the first Valkyrie fight in God of War, you’ll need to progress through the game’s story until you reach the Lake of Nine area. From there, you can access the Valkyrie’s arena by taking a lift from the lake’s shore. The lift will take you to a separate area where you’ll find the Valkyrie waiting for you.
Alternatively, you can also access the Valkyrie fight by using the game’s fast travel system. Once you’ve unlocked the Lake of Nine area, you can fast travel to the Valkyrie’s arena from any other location in the game. This can be a convenient way to access the fight, especially if you’ve already progressed through the game’s story and want to go back and challenge the Valkyrie.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when fighting the first Valkyrie?
One of the most common mistakes to avoid when fighting the first Valkyrie is getting too aggressive and trying to take her down quickly. The Valkyrie is a formidable opponent, and rushing into the fight can lead to a quick defeat. Instead, take your time and focus on dodging her attacks and waiting for opportunities to counterattack.
Another common mistake is not using your abilities effectively. The Valkyrie has several weaknesses that can be exploited using Kratos’ abilities, such as the Leviathan Axe’s frost ability. Make sure you’re using your abilities regularly to stun the Valkyrie and leave her open to attack. Additionally, don’t forget to block and parry the Valkyrie’s attacks, as this can help you avoid taking damage and create opportunities for counterattacks.
Can I fight the first Valkyrie multiple times for more rewards?
Yes, you can fight the first Valkyrie multiple times for more rewards. Once you’ve defeated the Valkyrie, you can return to her arena and fight her again. Each time you defeat the Valkyrie, you’ll receive a reward, although the reward may not be as significant as the first time you defeat her.
However, it’s worth noting that fighting the Valkyrie multiple times can be challenging, especially if you’re playing on a higher difficulty level. The Valkyrie will retain her strength and abilities each time you fight her, so you’ll need to be prepared for a tough battle. Additionally, the rewards for defeating the Valkyrie multiple times may not be worth the effort, so it’s essential to weigh the risks and rewards before attempting to fight her again.