Kratos wielding Army of Sparta, Claws of Hades, and Draupnir Spear in God of War

The God of War video game series follows Kratos, a ruthless and powerful Spartan general who travels across the ancient world, slaying gods, titans, mythical creatures, and more. In the original game series, Kratos took on the Greek pantheon, while the soft reboot pitted him against the creatures and gods of Norse Mythology.


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In his vengeful quest against his enemies, Kratos needs the proper weaponry to get the job done. Each main game in the series introduces at least one new weapon that creates a fun new way to play and freshens up the franchise for long-time fans.

10 The Blades Of Chaos Are Unforgettable Classics

First Appearance: God Of War (2005)

Kratos using the Blades of Chaos God of War

At the start of the series, Kratos is equipped with the legendary Blades of Chaos, a pair of short swords chained to his wrists. These blades were granted to Kratos when he vowed to become the servant of Ares, and they have become a staple of the entire franchise, accompanying Kratos during his toughest battles.

The Blades of Chaos are unlike most weapons found in hack-and-slash games due to their versatility. In battle, Kratos can use them to pull enemies toward him, swing foes around in circles and toss them like rag-dolls, and stab opponents multiple times in close-range combat.

9 The Leviathan Axe Is A Worthy Successor To The Blades Of Chaos

First Appearance: God Of War (2018)

Kratos using the Leviathan Axe God of War

In the soft reboot of the series, Kratos leaves Ancient Greece and the Blades of Chaos behind and heads into Midgard, where he acquires a new weapon known as the Leviathan Axe. This enchanted weapon was created by the dwarves Brok and Sindri, and it made its way to Kratos after his wife Faye passes away.

Many were skeptical about the iconic Blades of Chaos being replaced, but the Leviathan Axe proved to be the perfect successor. Imbued with ice magic, it can be used for both close- and long-range combat, and when it is thrown, Kratos can magically summon it back to his hand. Throughout the game, Kratos also utilizes it to complete puzzles and open new pathways.

8 The Blade Of Artemis Is Classic Hack-&-Slash Fun

First Appearance: God Of War (2005)

Kratos using the Blade of Artemis God of War

In the first God of War game, Kratos acquires the Blade of Artemis from the legendary Greek Goddess of the Hunt to aid him on his neverending quest for revenge. Players have the option of switching between this weapon and the Blades of Chaos depending on the given situation, adding additional variety to the gameplay.

This heavy-duty blade has a much shorter range and versatility than the Blades of Chaos, but it’s incredibly satisfying to use when fighting the waves of undead soldiers that Kratos encounters in various areas. Fans of traditional hack and slashers will love using the Blade of Artemis to carve through enemies and watch their limbs go flying.

7 The World Weapons Allow For Improvisation

First Appearance: God Of War: Ascension (2013)

Kratos using the Sword God of War Ascension

One of the mechanics introduced in God of War: Ascension was the ability for Kratos to pick up weapons throughout the world or those dropped by enemies. These weapons include a sword, spear, shield, sling, and flail, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

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God of War: Ascension doesn’t have other special weaponry for Kratos to use besides his Blades of Chaos, but the “world weapons” almost make up for it. In the middle of battle, players can choose to keep fighting with their Blades or fists, or they can mix things up and pick up a discarded weapon for a change of pace.

6 Sometimes, Kratos Needs To Use His Own Fists

First Appearance: God Of War: Ascension (2013)

Kratos using his fists God of War

Kratos primarily fights with one of his many weapons, but in some instances, he just needs to his fists to defeat his enemies. In the earlier games, players could occasionally fight hand-to-hand but only for very brief spurts. It wasn’t until 2013’s God of War: Ascension that players were able to consistently fight bare-handed.

One of the best parts of any hack and slash is the actual hacking and slashing. However, there is something so satisfying and cathartic about using Kratos’ fists to pummel opponents, especially when he has to take on Baldur.

5 Freezing Enemies With Medusa’s Head Is Fun

First Appearance: God Of War (2005)

Kratos using the Medusa Head God of War

After Kratos defeats the legendary Medusa in battle, he decides to take her head not as a trophy, but as a weapon. Throughout the game, Kratos can use Medusa’s notorious gaze to turn enemies into stone, which he can then smash into pieces. In the following game, although Kratos loses Medusa’s head, he now possesses the slightly more powerful Euryale head.

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There may be times when players don’t feel like going through the typical hack-and-slash with the blades in Kratos’ arsenal. That’s when they can easily turn their enemies to stone and defeat them with a single swipe, courtesy of Medusa’s head.

4 The Nemean Cestus Were Truly Unique

First Appearance: God Of War III (2010)

Kratos using the Nemean Cestus God of War 3

Not all of Kratos’ weapons were blades or magic spells. The Nemean Cestus were a pair of enchanted gauntlets that were originally wielded by Hercules but were promptly taken by Kratos upon his defeat. The Cestus allowed for powerful short-range attacks, and Kratos could also use them to break through certain materials or create detrimental shockwaves.

A majority of the weapons that Kratos acquires are blades, so having the use of the Nemean Cestus as an option adds some fresh variety to the gameplay. Unfortunately, like many of the secondary weapons Kratos picks up on his journeys, the Cestus only stick around for one game.

3 The Draupnir Spear Is Underutilized

First Appearance: God Of War: Ragnarök (2022)

Kratos using the Draupnir Spear God of War Ragnarok

Toward the climax of God of War: Ragnarok, Kratos receives the Draupnir Spear, a magical weapon with various abilities, such as replicating itself and even killing a god. Kratos uses this spear primarily to aid him in his battle against Heimdall and Odin, but it also proves useful in his adventures for traversing various terrain and reaching previously inaccessible areas.

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The Draupnir Spear is such a fun weapon to use, but it unfortunately does not get as much attention as it deserves in the main storyline. Similar to God of War‘s Blade of Olympus, its main purpose is to defeat a god, except the Spear easily bests the Blade due to its variety and impact on gameplay.

2 The Claws Of Hades Had Some Cool Abilities

First Appearance: God Of War III (2010)

Kratos Claws of Hades God of War 3

After Kratos defeats the Greek God of Death, Hades, he takes from him his signature weapon: the Claws of Hades. What makes the Claws stand out is that they give the wielder the ability to summon the souls of the dead to help in battle. As the game progresses, the player can upgrade the Claws and their magic to make them a very powerful aide.

The Claws of Hades are similar to the Blades of Chaos, although admittedly with a little less power. However, what they lack in strength, they make up for with their magical capabilities. Whenever the player is dealing with low-level grunts and wants to spice up the fight, the Claws come in handy.

1 The Army Of Sparta Is Always Ready To Defend Kratos

First Appearance: God Of War III (2010)

Kratos using the Army of Sparta God of War 3

Kratos receives the Blades of Exile (an alternative form of the Blades of Chaos) in God of War III. Even though the Blades are hardly different from their predecessors, they come with an interesting magic attack known as the Army of Sparta. With this move, Kratos can summon the spirits of his fallen Spartan soldiers to surround him in a protective phalanx.

The Army of Sparta is different from the similar Claws of Hades soul-summoning attack because, in addition to offering protection, it also protects Kratos, which can be a lifesaver in the heat of battle. Once the attack is fully upgraded, a shower of arrows comes down to inflict extra damage to surrounding opponents.

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