How To Use Relics In God Of War Ragnarok

Alright, gather 'round, ye brave warriors and button-mashers! Let's talk about Relics in God of War Ragnarok. Forget your fancy swords for a minute (okay, maybe just a minute – those things are pretty sweet). We're diving into the wacky, wonderful world of Relics, those little trinkets that can turn a challenging boss fight into a hilarious victory dance. Think of them as your "Oh Crap!" button, but instead of ejecting from a burning spaceship, you're unleashing some seriously stylish mayhem.
Imagine this: You're squaring off against a Dreki that's spitting venom like it's going out of style. You're dodging, weaving, maybe accidentally rolling into a pile of rocks (we've all been there). Your health bar is looking thinner than a supermodel's patience. Then, BAM! You remember you have a Relic. You smash that L1 + Circle button like you're trying to win a prize at an arcade, and suddenly... BOOM! The Dreki's eating dirt, and you're feeling like a total god (pun intended, naturally).
What ARE Relics, Anyway? (Besides Awesome)
So, what exactly ARE these Relics? Well, they're essentially special items that Kratos can equip. Think of them like a super-charged move that has a cooldown. They're not your bread-and-butter attacks, but when used strategically, they can be absolute game-changers. We're talking massive damage, temporary invincibility, or even just a good ol' fashioned beatdown that'll make your enemies wish they'd stayed in Helheim. Honestly, some of these Relics are so powerful, they make you wonder why Kratos doesn't just use them all the time. Story purposes, I guess. Dramatic tension and all that jazz.
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Finding These Shiny Baubles: A Relic Hunting 101
Now, the million-dollar question: how do you get your hands on these magnificent marvels? They're not just lying around in the dirt (although, wouldn't that be convenient?). You'll need to put in a little bit of work, but trust me, it's worth it. Here's the lowdown:
- Explore, Explore, EXPLORE! Seriously, get off the main path. Poke around in those side areas. Talk to every NPC you can find, even the ones that look like they're having a bad day. You never know when someone's going to offer you a quest that leads to a sweet Relic. Think of it like spring cleaning, but instead of finding your lost socks, you find weapons of mass destruction.
- Complete Favors (Side Quests): These are your best friend. Many Relics are rewards for completing Favors, so don't ignore those little requests for help. Remember that time someone asked you to collect mushrooms? Yeah, that might lead to a Relic! (Okay, probably not, but you get the point.)
- Beat Bosses and Mini-Bosses: Naturally, some of the tougher enemies are guarding some of the best loot. So, strap on your axe, sharpen your blades, and get ready for a rumble! The bigger the monster, the shinier the reward... usually.
- Check those Coffins (Nornir Chests, Legendary Chests): These chests are scattered throughout the realms, and they often contain valuable items, including Relics. Solving those Nornir chest puzzles can be a bit of a head-scratcher, but hey, a little brainpower never hurt anyone. Except maybe the enemies who are about to get obliterated by your newly acquired Relic.
Equipping Your Relic: Because Fashion Matters (Even for Gods)
Okay, you've found your Relic! Congratulations! Now, how do you actually USE the darn thing? It's simple, really. Just head to the Equipment menu and navigate to the Relic slot. Select the Relic you want to equip, and BAM! You're ready to rumble. Note that you can only equip ONE Relic at a time, so choose wisely! It's like picking your favorite ice cream flavor, except instead of brain freeze, you're inflicting pain on mythical beasts.

Relic Rundown: Some Standout Options (and Why They're Awesome)
Alright, let's talk about some of the coolest Relics in the game. Remember, this is just a small sampling – there are plenty of others out there, so experiment and find what works best for your playstyle. (And don't be afraid to look up a guide if you're totally stumped. No shame in that game!)
Hilt of Hofud: The Time-Bending Badass
This Relic is all about controlling time. When activated, it creates a realm shift, slowing down enemies and giving you a precious few seconds to unleash a flurry of attacks. Think of it like your own personal "Matrix" moment. Perfect for those situations where you're surrounded by enemies or need to dodge a particularly nasty attack.

Hilt of Tyrfing: The Sacrifice for Power
This one's a bit riskier, but the reward is HUGE. When activated, it sacrifices a portion of Kratos's health to deal massive damage to enemies. Basically, you're trading HP for raw power. Not for the faint of heart, but if you're feeling confident (or desperate), this Relic can be a game-changer. Just make sure you have some healing items handy!
Hilt of Skofnung: The Berserker Unleashed
Unleash the fury! The Hilt of Skofnung summons a spectral warrior to fight alongside you for a short period. It's like having a temporary bodyguard that can dish out some serious damage. Great for overwhelming enemies or distracting a tough boss.
Hilt of Gram: The Sword of Kings (and Giant Slayers)
This Relic unleashes a powerful shockwave that deals damage and stuns enemies. It's a great all-around Relic that can be used in a variety of situations. Plus, who doesn't love a good shockwave? It just feels satisfying.

Relic Upgrades: Making Good Things Even Better
Just like your weapons and armor, Relics can be upgraded! Head to the blacksmith (Brok and Sindri, or Lunda if you're feeling particularly adventurous) and spend some resources to improve your Relic's stats. Upgrading can increase the damage, reduce the cooldown, or add new effects. So, don't neglect those Relics! They're an investment in your butt-kicking future.
When upgrading Relics, pay attention to what the stats are. Some Relics scale of Strength, others scale of Runes. Be sure to use the right amulets to make your Relics as powerful as possible.

Pro Tips for Relic Mastery: From Novice to Norse God
Want to become a true Relic master? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Experiment! Don't be afraid to try out different Relics and see what works best for you. Each Relic has its own strengths and weaknesses, so find the ones that complement your playstyle.
- Pay attention to the cooldown. Relics have a cooldown period after each use, so don't waste them! Use them strategically, not just whenever you feel like it. A wasted Relic is a missed opportunity for a devastating attack.
- Combine Relics with other abilities. Relics can be even more effective when used in conjunction with other attacks and abilities. For example, use a Relic to stun an enemy, then follow up with a powerful runic attack.
- Don't forget to upgrade! Seriously, upgrading your Relics makes a HUGE difference. A fully upgraded Relic can be the difference between victory and defeat.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about using Relics in God of War Ragnarok. Now go forth, find those Relics, and unleash your inner god! Just remember to have fun and don't take yourself too seriously. After all, it's just a game… a really, really awesome game with epic battles and powerful Relics.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Dreki to go obliterate. Wish me luck!
