Best Realm Shift Build in God of War Ragnarok

Discover the ultimate Realm Shift build in God of War Ragnarök. Learn about the best armor, relics, runic attacks, and enchantments to dominate combat with time-bending dodges.

This build focuses on mastering the Realm Shift mechanic in God of War Ragnarök, which slows down time around Kratos after a perfectly timed dodge. This allows for a brief window to attack enemies without taking damage. Success with this build hinges on learning enemy attack patterns to execute precise dodges.

Armor: For the wrists and waist, equip the Gauntlets and Belt of Radiance to extend the duration of the Realm Shift slow-down. The chest piece is flexible; while the Radiance chest offers a minor benefit, the Spiritual Shoulder Straps are recommended for their significant melee and ranged damage increase (up to 45%) when using Relics or Runic attacks, stacking up to three times.

Hilts and Shield Attachment: Equip "of the Nine Realms" on both weapons and the shield. This causes a Realm Shift every time you use your weapon gauge or parry with your shield.

Relic: The Hilt of Hofud is the primary choice, as it triggers a Realm Shift upon activation, though its long cooldown means it shouldn't be the sole reliance.

Runic Attacks (Draupnir Spear): For the Light Runic Attack, use Thrust of a Thousand Soldiers for rapid, multi-hits. For the Heavy Runic Attack, Vindsvalr's Windstorm is recommended for its ability to hit enemies multiple times with tornadoes. Using these Runic Attacks, along with Permafrost, Immolation, or Maelstrom, will trigger a Realm Shift.

Enchantments: Use one set of Alfheim enchantments to boost Strength on last-second dodges. The Niflheim set is a good choice for a melee damage increase based on Defense when above 75% health. Alternatively, the Jotunheim Set can provide extra Rage based on Vitality. For the remaining slots, include the Emblem of the Nine Realms for increased damage during Realm Shift and Momentous Stride for a chance to charge weapon gauges after a last-second dodge. The final slot is flexible; Celestial Panacea offers resistance to status effects, Eir's Armament is good for groups, and Emblem of Elusion aids evasion.

Companion (Freya): Equip her with the Mardoll Sword and the Seidr Exhale Runic Summon to increase status afflictions. Enhance her effectiveness further with the Sonic Attunement, Sigil Amplification, and Runic Potency accessories.

Gameplay Rotation: Use Runic attacks to build up Arcane Might stacks and charge weapon gauges. Utilize the Hilt of Hofud to control enemies while managing Runic Attacks and weapon gauges. Activating a full weapon gauge skill (Maelstrom, Permafrost, or Immolation) triggers a Realm Shift. Supplement these with Realm Shifts from last-second dodges and shield parries.

Equipment Details:

Weapon and Grip

Weapon	Stats (Max)	Grip
Draupnir Spear	Luck: +50	Hind of the Nine Realms: (Runic + 26, Vit +26, Cooldown + 26) Activating Violent Maelstrom triggers a Realm Shift.

Shield and Attachment

Shield	Stats (Max)	Description	Attachment
Dauntless Shield (or Guardian)	Defense: +130 Cooldown: +26	Shield Rush: Charge the enemy while blocking enemy attacks.	Rond of the Nine Realms - Riposte Realm Shift: Low Luck chance to grant a Realm Shift, temporarily slowing down enemies, when Parrying.

Armor

Name	Piece	Stats (Max)	Perk
Spiritual Shoulder Straps	Chest	Strength: + 68 Defense: + 54 Cooldown: + 68	Arcane Strength: Runic or Relic Attack hits stack a buff increasing Kratos’ Melee and Ranged damage by 15% with each stack. (Maximum 3 stacks).
Gauntlets of Radiance	Wrist	Strength: + 68	Realm Shift: A last-second evade activates Realm Shift, temporarily slowing down surrounding enemies (Up to 1.75 seconds).
Belt of Radiance	Waist	Defense: + 68	Realm Shift: A last-second evade activates Realm Shift, temporarily slowing down surrounding enemies (Up to 1.75 seconds).