Learn how to upgrade the Leviathan Axe in God of War Ragnarök. Find all Frozen Flame locations and discover the best skills and Runic Attacks for Kratos' iconic weapon.
Forged by the Huldra Brothers, the Leviathan Axe is Kratos' iconic weapon in God of War Ragnarök, available from the start of the game. Unlike in the previous installment, several skills are unlocked by default, including The River of Knives, which unleashes a wave of frost damage. The game introduces new skills and combos, enhancing the axe's versatility. This guide details how to upgrade the Leviathan Axe, find all necessary upgrade materials, and explore its various skills and Runic Attacks.
How to Upgrade the Leviathan Axe
To upgrade the Leviathan Axe to its maximum level (9), you need to collect all 8 Frozen Flames. These can be found throughout the game, with most obtained by progressing through the main story quests. Some are rewards for defeating specific bosses, including those encountered during side quests. Once you have the required Frozen Flames, visit any Blacksmith Shop to speak with Brok, Sindri, or Lunda to perform the upgrade.
Frozen Flame Locations
| Sparks / Flame | Location |
| 1 | Defeat The Huntress boss in the Upper Wildwoods of Midgard during the Surviving Fimbulwinter main quest. |
| 2 | Defeat Alva in the Temple of Light of Alfheim during the Groa’s Secret main quest. |
| 3 | Defeat Nidhogg, a boss encountered in Vanaheim during The Reckoning main quest. |
| 4 | Defeat the Hel-Traveller encountered in Helheim during the Reunion main quest. |
| 5 | Defeat the Flame Phantom encountered in Muspelheim during the Summoning Ragnarok main quest. |
| 6 | Defeat The Crimson Dread dragon located in The Crater region of Vanaheim, part of the For Vanaheim! favor. |
| 7 | Defeat the Sisters of Illska and Svipdagr the Cold Berserker Boss fight in Alfheim. |
| 8 | Close all 6 Hel Tears; each tear provides a Frozen Spark, and 6 Sparks combine to form a Frozen Flame. |
Leviathan Axe Skills
There are a total of 28 skills for the Leviathan Axe, divided into three categories: 11 Technique skills, 7 Ranged skills, and 10 Melee skills. All skills can be unlocked by level 6 with sufficient XP. Skills primarily focus on enhancing Frost damage, but some also boost Stun damage. The Extinguish Flames skill is particularly useful against Frost-weak enemies like Draugr. Inflicting Frost damage can slow or freeze enemies, making them more vulnerable.
Technique Axe Skills
| Skill | Effect | Level | Cost |
| Frost Awaken I | Hold to imbue the Leviathan Axe with ice and power up the next Melee or Ranged Attack with high Frost. | 1 | N/A |
| Frozen Breach | Press during Frost Awaken to do a wide swing and apply Frost to nearby enemies. | 1 | N/A |
| Frozen Spike | Aim and Press during Frost Awaken to quickly throw the Leviathan Axe and create a Frost Explosion on impact. | 1 | N/A |
| Extinguish Flames | Axe Melee Attacks against Burning enemies deal bonus damage. | 1 | 250 XP |
| Permafrost | Perform Melee Attacks in quick succession without sustaining damage to power up the Leviathan Axe and inflict Frost damage on every hit. Bonus to Luck and Runic stats when active. | 2 | 500 XP |
| Frozen Ascent | Press during Frost Awaken to slash upwards with a chilling wave to launch enemies in an area and apply high Frost. | 2 | 750 XP |
| Frozen Lance | Aim and press during Frost Awaken to throw the Leviathan Axe with extreme force, knocking the target backwards. Deals very high damage and Frost, and can break an enemy’s guard. | 3 | 1000 XP |
| Glacial Permafrost | While Permafrost is full, press + to consume the meter and activate. Enhances all Leviathan Axe Melee Attacks with far reaching waves of Frost for a duration. | 3 | 1500 XP |
| Frost Awaken II | Hold while sprinting to activate Frost Awaken quickly. | 4 | 1500 XP |
| Frost Awaken III | Hold while recalling the Axe to quickly activate Frost Awaken. | 5 | 3000 XP |
| Frost Awaken IV | Fro | 5 | 3000 XP |
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