Mastering the Frost Axe in God of War Ragnarok

The Leviathan Axe stands as Kratos’ iconic weapon in God of War Ragnarok, blending brutal melee power with ranged precision and elemental frost effects. Central to its dominance is the ability to build and unleash frost, culminating in devastating abilities like Frost Awaken. This guide explores upgrading the axe, activating frost mechanics, and executing advanced combat strategies to turn enemies into frozen statues ripe for shattering.

Understanding the Leviathan Axe’s Core Mechanics

The Leviathan Axe excels in versatility, allowing throws for crowd control, recalls for charged frost buildup, and close-quarters combos infused with ice. Frost accumulates naturally through successful hits, throws, and recalls, enabling status effects that slow or immobilize foes. At higher upgrade levels, this evolves into Frost Awaken, a realm-shifting ultimate that blankets areas in ice, freezing groups and amplifying damage.

Key to progression are Frozen Flames, rare resources that elevate the axe from level 1 to a maximum of 9. Each upgrade boosts base damage, frost application rate, and unlock new runic attacks, making it essential for tackling Ragnarok’s escalating challenges.

Gathering Frozen Flames: Path to Maximum Power

Frozen Flames drop primarily from major bosses and select side activities, with eight total available. The first five come naturally via the main storyline, rewarding progression without detours.

• Flame 1: Claimed after overcoming the Huntress during Surviving Fimbulwinter.
• Flame 2: Earned by defeating Alva in Groa’s Secret.
• Flame 3: Obtained upon freeing Freya in The Reckoning at Vanaheim.
• Flame 4: Dropped by the Hel-Traveller in Reunion.
• Flame 5: Gained from vanquishing the Flame Phantom in The Summoning.

These milestones align with story beats, ensuring your axe reaches level 6 organically. For levels 7-9, pursue favors and gravestones:

Flame #6: For Vanaheim! Favor

Initiate this by rescuing Freyr post-Creatures of Prophecy. Complete the chained Scent of Survival, navigating to Birgir’s flare. Battle through enemies, including the formidable Crimson Dread—a fiery drake with telegraphed lunges and aerial fire spits. Target it with Draupnir Spears to ground it, then dismantle with axe combos. Victory yields the flame, followed by escorting Birgir via Mystic Gateway.

Flame #7: Berserker Gravestone in Alfheim

Access requires completing Secret of the Sands to calm the Hafgufa and halt the Barrens’ sandstorm. Face three berserkers; balance damage while evading the frost-wielding one. Triumph grants the flame, honing your skills against elite foes.

Flame #8: Closing Hel Tears

Seal six scattered Hel Tears across realms, collecting Frozen Sparks that forge the final flame. Notable spots include Midgard’s Well of Urd—ascend from Lake of Nine, slip through a wall crack to the tear. Others hide in post-game areas, demanding exploration and precision.

Unlocking and Activating Frost Awaken

Frost Awaken activates at level 4 of the dedicated skill, transforming your axe into a frost nuke. It requires a full frost meter, built via throws, recalls, and hits. Hold Triangle post-recall to charge instantly if skilled.

Basic Activation: Fill the meter during combat, then unleash with the prompt. Enemies freeze, becoming vulnerable to shattering blows.

Instant Variant (Advanced): Execute Returning Whirlwind barehanded (L1 + R1), hold block, and light attack for phase-one entry. Requires precise timing and Frost Awaken IV.

This ability shines in mob control, halting advances and setting up executions. Pair with runics like Frozen Breach for dancing frost charges into R1 bursts.

Advanced Combat Techniques with the Frost Axe

Beyond basics, mastery involves fluid combos, movement, and cancels. The axe rewards aggressive recall play, charging frost on every throw-return cycle.

• Dash Attacks: Left stick forward + attack while sprinting; ideal for pursuing fleeing bosses.
• Heavy Frost Finisher: End light chains with R2 tap for icy explosions.
• Returning Whirlwind/Storm: Barehanded L1 + R1/R2 for rapid recalls from afar.
• Glacial Break Cancel: Dodge side, recall, punch (R1), then L2 + R1 hold for enhanced throws.

Practice runic cancels: Charge axe, R1 just before full animation for Frozen Breach extensions. These keep pressure relentless, weaving frost status into every exchange.

Optimal Runes and Attachments for Frost Builds

Enhance frost synergy with attachments boosting buildup and light damage. Top picks:

• Hind of the Nine Realms: Accelerates frost gain on light attacks.
• Grip of the Nine Realms: Melee frost application boost.

Runic attacks like Winter’s Bite or Ivaldi’s Anvil amplify area denial, freezing clusters before Awaken.

Strategies for Bosses and Elites

Against berserkers or valkyries, prioritize frost to interrupt patterns. Throw axe to build meter safely, recall for charges, then Awaken during openings. For Crimson Dread, spears stagger flights, enabling grounded freezes. In Valhalla DLC, Frost Awaken freezes waves, chaining into Sigrun encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Frozen Flames for max axe level?

Eight total; five from story, three from favors/Hel Tears.

What’s the fastest Frost Awaken?

Returning Whirlwind into block + light attack at level IV.

Can I upgrade early?

Story provides first five; side content unlocks the rest post key quests.

Best combos for frost buildup?

Light chains into R2 frost finisher, dash pursuits, runic cancels.

Where’s the toughest Frozen Flame?

Berserker trio in Alfheim or Hel Tears collection.