There are five shields in God of War: Ragnarok that protect Kratos from incoming attacks and allow him to parry. The best ones come only in the latter part of the game, but some good options are available at the start.
This guide will provide you with a tier list of the best shields in God of War: Ragnarok, including tips on how to find and upgrade them.
S-Tier Shield
Onslaught Shield
- Defense: 85
- Runic: 17
Besides having the highest defense stat in the game, the Onslaught shield also has the best perk: Shield Rush. If enemies are standing at a distance, this move will allow you to rush to them with a heavy impact.
You can start using the Onslaught shield at Level 6. You can also upgrade it to Level 9 with the following materials:
- Level 7 (Defense: 100; Runic: 20): 11,000 Hacksilver, 4 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 8 (Defense: 115; Runic: 23): 15,000 Hacksilver, 6 Luminous Alloy, 25 Dust of Realms.
- Level 9 (Defense: 130; Runic: 26): 20,000 Hacksilver, 50 Dust of Realms, 3 Blazing Embers.
How to get the Onslaught Shield
First, you need to defeat Garm boss, who can be found in the Helheim region during the 12th story mission, “Reunion“. You then need to open a legendary chest at the location indicated on the map above, which contains the Onslaught Shield.
A-Tier Shield
Shatter Star Shield
- Defense: 40
- Runic: 8
Although Shatter Star isn’t as sturdy as the Onslaught shield, its perk Shield Punch is very useful. It allows you to punch enemies, and the longer you charge it, the harder it punches.
You can use it at Level 3, but it is also possible to upgrade it to Level 9, which requires the following materials:
- Level 4 (Defense: 55; Runic: 11): 3,000 Hacksilver, 3 Honed Metal.
- Level 5 (Defense: 70; Runic: 14): 5,000 Hacksilver, 6 Honed Metal.
- Level 6 (Defense: 85; Runic: 17): 7,500 Hacksilver, 2 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 7 (Defense: 100; Runic: 20): 11,000 Hacksilver, 4 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 8 (Defense: 115; Runic: 23): 15,000 Hacksilver, 6 Luminous Alloy, 25 Dust of Realms.
- Level 9 (Defense: 130; Runic: 26): 20,000 Hacksilver, 50 Dust of Realms, 3 Blazing Embers.
How to get the Shatter Star Shield
You can get the Shatter Star shield during the 6th story mission, “The Reckoning“. It can be found inside a legendary chest right in front of the bridge at the Abandoned Village.
B-Tier Shields
Guardian Shield
- Defense: 10
This is a starting shield of the game, and it’s good for what it is, but eventually, it gets broken. Later on, there is an opportunity for you to repair it.
Its perk Shield Check allows you to break the enemy’s guard, using a quick combo of blocking and quick attack.
Guardian shield doesn’t require any upgrades up until Level 5, where you can start improving it with the help of:
- Level 5 (Defense: 70): 5,000 Hacksilver, 6 Honed Metal.
- Level 6 (Defense: 85): 7,500 Hacksilver, 2 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 7 (Defense: 100): 11,000 Hacksilver, 4 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 8 (Defense: 115): 15,000 Hacksilver, 6 Luminous Alloy, 25 Dust of Realms.
- Level 9 (Defense: 130): 20,000 Hacksilver, 50 Dust of Realms, 3 Blazing Embers.
How to repair the Guardian Shield
You don’t need to do anything except follow the main storyline. During the 9th mission, “The Word of Fate“, Brok will present Kratos with a newly repaired Guardian shield during a cutscene.
Dauntless Shield / Stone Wall Shield
- Defense: 10
Both of these shields have exactly the same stats as the Guardian shield, and both can be crafted at the shop at the beginning of the game for free.
The only difference between the two shields is the perks: Dauntless has Shield Bash that produces high Stun damage, while Stone Wall has Shield Slam that absorbs incoming hits and launches them back at the enemies.
How to get the Dauntless Shield / Stone Wall Shield
Both shields are available automatically at the end of the “Surviving Fimbulwinter” quest during a cutscene. You can choose one for free, and the other one can be crafted and upgraded with the following materials:
- Level 1 (Defense: 10): 750 Hacksilver, 1 Slag Deposit.
- Level 2 (Defense: 25): 500 Hacksilver, 4 Slag Deposits.
- Level 3 (Defense: 40; Cooldown: 8): 1000 Hacksilver, 8 Slag Deposits.
- Level 4 (Defense: 55; Cooldown: 11): 3000 Hacksilver, 3 Honed Metal.
- Level 5 (Defense: 70; Cooldown: 14): 5000 Hacksilver, 6 Honed Metal.
- Level 6 (Defense: 85; Cooldown: 17): 7500 Hacksilver, 2 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 7 (Defense: 100; Cooldown: 20): 11000 Hacksilver, 4 Luminous Alloy.
- Level 8 (Defense: 115; Cooldown: 23): 15000 Hacksilver, 6 Luminous Alloy, 25 Dust of Realms.
- Level 9 (Defense: 130; Cooldown: 26): 20000 Hacksilver, 50 Dust of Realms, 3 Blazing Embers.
Those are the best shields in God of War: Ragnarok. For other locations guides, walkthroughs, and more, head over to our Ragnarok tips hub right here.
