In God of War, mastering combat isn’t just about Kratos’ raw strength it’s also about fine-tuning his gear for maximum effectiveness. One crucial yet sometimes overlooked customization is choosing the best axe pommel for the Leviathan Axe. Axe pommels not only change the appearance of the weapon, but they also offer powerful passive effects, stat boosts, and even unique abilities that can change the tide of battle. Selecting the right pommel can significantly impact Kratos’ efficiency in fights, especially when dealing with tougher enemies like Valkyries, trolls, and late-game bosses.
Understanding Axe Pommels in God of War
The Leviathan Axe, gifted to Kratos by his late wife Faye, is the primary weapon in God of War. Pommels are attachments that players can equip to the end of the axe’s handle. These items vary in stats such as Strength, Runic, Defense, Vitality, and Cooldown, and many come with passive abilities like health restoration, increased frost damage, or chance-based perks. Pommels can be upgraded using Hacksilver and crafting materials found throughout the game world.
Key Factors When Choosing a Pommel:
- Playstyle: Aggressive players may prefer Strength-focused pommels, while defensive or runic-build users might seek cooldown or vitality perks.
- Enemy Type: Some pommels are better suited for mobs, others for bosses like Valkyries.
- Upgrade Potential: Look for pommels that scale well when fully upgraded.
- Passive Effects: Perks like ‘low Perk activation chance to grant health’ can be game-changers during prolonged fights.
Best Axe Pommels in God of War
There are several standout pommels in God of War that cater to different builds and playstyles. While the definition of ‘best’ can vary, these axe pommels are consistently favored by experienced players for their utility and power.
1. Mistbourne (Legendary Pommel)
How to get it: Can be acquired from Niflheim’s Ivaldi’s Workshop by crafting it with Mist Echoes and Anchors of Fog.
Mistbourne is arguably one of the best axe pommels in the game due to its life-stealing effect. It offers a low Perk activation chance to grant a small amount of health on any successful hit. This perk becomes invaluable during long fights where health regeneration is limited. It also provides a strong mix of Strength and Defense stats, making Kratos more resilient in close combat.
2. Grip of the Maze (Rare Pommel)
How to get it: Found within the randomly generated maze in Niflheim.
While not as powerful as Mistbourne, Grip of the Maze is extremely useful for exploring Niflheim. It reduces the rate at which the deadly mist drains your health, allowing you to stay inside the maze longer. Its usefulness is more situational, but if you’re farming Mist Echoes, this is the best pommel for the job.
3. Grips of the Forgotten Flame (Epic Pommel)
How to get it: Reward from completing Muspelheim Trials.
This axe pommel caters to aggressive players. It has a chance to grant a boost of Strength and inflict Burn damage on enemies with heavy attacks. It’s especially effective against enemies weak to fire. When combined with other fire-based enchantments and armor from Muspelheim, it enhances Kratos’ raw offensive potential dramatically.
4. Grip of Tanngiost (Epic Pommel)
How to get it: Purchased from the dwarves once available after certain progression in the story.
The Grip of Tanngiost provides a solid balance of Strength and Runic stats and offers a moderate Perk activation chance to grant a Strength boost on any Runic attack kill. If you’re using a Runic-focused build, this pommel fits perfectly. The extra strength helps bridge the gap between Runic and melee power, creating a hybrid build with explosive potential.
5. Blightbringer (Epic Pommel)
How to get it: Dropped by certain powerful enemies later in the game, especially in post-game side quests or realms.
Blightbringer adds a poison effect to Kratos’ attacks, reducing enemy damage output and slowly draining their health. This axe pommel is effective against enemies with high health pools. It focuses more on strategic wear-down and less on brute force, so it’s ideal for players who prefer a methodical, calculated combat approach.
Choosing the Best Axe Pommel for Your Build
Not all players approach combat the same way. Some rely on Runic attacks and quick cooldowns, while others tank damage and return it in spades. To find the best axe pommel for your playstyle, consider how you fight and what challenges you’re facing in-game.
Best for Tank Builds:
- Mistbourne: Passive healing and high defense support sustained combat.
- Grip of the Nine Realms: Used in combination with Realm Shift armor builds.
Best for Runic Builds:
- Grip of Tanngiost: Runic synergy and Strength bonus from kills.
- Blightbringer: DoT effects enhance Runic pressure over time.
Best for Aggressive Melee Builds:
- Grips of the Forgotten Flame: Burn damage and Strength boost for heavy-hitters.
- Grip of the Maze: Helps farm gear and materials efficiently to power up melee stats.
Upgrading Axe Pommels
Once you’ve found your ideal pommel, it’s essential to upgrade it to unlock its full potential. Use Hacksilver, Dust of Realms, Mist Echoes, and other resources from late-game content to improve its stats and effect chances. A fully upgraded pommel will often double or triple in effectiveness, turning an average weapon into a powerful force of destruction.
To upgrade your pommel:
- Visit Brok or Sindri’s shop
- Go to the Upgrade tab and select the pommel
- Spend the required resources to increase its level
Some materials are locked behind specific side quests or realm activities, so exploration is just as important as combat when powering up Kratos’ gear.
The best axe pommel in God of War depends largely on how you play. For most players, Mistbourne stands out thanks to its life-stealing mechanic, but Grips of the Forgotten Flame or Blightbringer might be better for more offensive or elemental-focused builds. Experimentation is part of the fun try different pommels, see how they interact with your armor and enchantments, and tailor Kratos into a warrior that suits your strategy. No matter your path, a properly selected and upgraded pommel can make a huge difference in your journey across the Nine Realms.