There are many ways to improve your combat performance in God of War Ragnarok. Weapons can be upgraded with Frozen Flames and Chaos Flames, and Light and Heavy Runic Attacks can be used in battle to great effect. Heavy Runic Attacks will deal the most damage out of the two, but they are much harder to acquire.
It is important to note that this guide will explain when Heavy Runic Attacks will be obtained for the Leviathan Axe and the Blade of Chaos if players or progressing normally through the story. There are ways to get these attacks faster, but they require detours deep into the Realms of God of War Ragnarok. These Heavy Attacks are then ones players will acquire naturally as they move through the narrative of the game.
When do you get your first Heavy Runic Attack for the Leviathan Axe in God of War Ragnarok?
You can get your first Heavy Runic Attack for the Leviathan Axe in God of War when you reach Vanaheim. Accept the Favor Conscience for the Dead, where you have to kill Seidr Fanatics. At the end of this quest, you'll encounter a drawbridge giving you access back to Cliffside Ruins. Lower it using the chain, then have a fight.
Cross the drawbridge to the small chest, then look across the other side where you just came. You'll see a Legendary Chest with golden rocks blocking your path, with Red Fire Pots that you cannot hit with your axe. You need to use Chain Elements with Runic Magic to explode the pots. Use the image below to see where to place the Runes.
When placed, head to the other side of the drawbridge, aim at the rock the first Rune is on, Hold L2, then press R2. This will set off a Chain Element reaction to explode the golden rocks, allowing you to drop down and open the chest containing Mists of Helheim.
Where to find another Leviathan Axe Heavy Runic Attack in God of War Ragnarok?
You can get another Leviathan Axe Heavy Runic Attack from Midgard when undertaking the Sigrun's Curse Favor in The Derelict Outpost and opening the Legendary chest in this area for Ivaldi's Anvil.
Getting another Heavy Runic Attack for the Leviathan Axe will require players to progress about halfway through the game to the Forging Destiny main story quest when returning to Svartalfheim. While playing through this mission, keep an eye out for when Kratos needs to push a wooden cart aside to clear a pathway through a tunnel. Right after this, take a left and destroy the explosive barrel nearby to reveal the hidden Legendary Chest containing the Fog of Fimbulwinter Heavy Runic Attack.
Related: How to find a way across the broken bridge in Vanaheim in God of War Ragnarok
When do you get your first Heavy Runic Attack for the Blades of Chaos in God of War Ragnarok?
You can get your first Heavy Runic Attack for the Blades of Chaos in God of War by returning to Alfheim after Vanaheim. Head towards the Forbidden Sands, and complete the Song of Sands Favor. Upon releasing the binds of the second Hafgufa, head to the exit on the right, do not backtrack the way you came. Inside this room is a Legendary Chest and a fight. Kill the enemies that appear, and open the chest to get Nemean Crush.
Where to find another Blades of Chaos Runic Attack in God of War Ragnarok?
You can get a second Heavy Runic Attack for the Blades of Chaos along the path of the main story quest called Forging Destiny in Svartalfheim. Soon after emerging from the abandoned service tunnel, Brok will help Kratos complete a puzzle to lift a gate in their way. Right after this gate opens, keep an eye out for the Legendary Chest on the right side of a trail with the Atlas Eruption Heavy Runic Attack inside.
Interested in other helpful God of War Ragnarok guides and want to read more? Check out Where to find the three Runes for the Nornir Chest on Dragon Beach in God of War Ragnarok on Pro Game Guides!
CJ is a freelance writer with a passion for modern and retro video games, with an emphasis on RPGs and Pokemon games. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his cat and drinking way too much coffee.