God of War New Game Plus – Unlocks, Builds & Gear Guide

God of War isn’t just a game—it’s an odyssey through Norse mythology, vengeance, and redemption. But for players who’ve already walked that path and still crave more, New Game Plus (NG+) delivers a deeper challenge and bolder rewards. If you’re gearing up for your second—or third—journey with Kratos and Atreus, this guide walks you through everything you need to know: what unlocks, how to prepare, the best NG+ builds, and how to get the most out of every axe swing.
Whether you’re looking for tighter combat mechanics or fresh gear opportunities, NG+ elevates your gameplay to something fierce and unforgettable.
What Is New Game Plus in God of War?
New Game Plus in God of War allows you to restart the entire story with all of your previously earned gear, enchantments, resources, and upgrades. It’s your chance to relive the narrative while taking on deadlier enemies, unlocking exclusive items, and customizing your build even further.
NG+ (or "ng mode" as some players call it) isn’t just about doing it all again—it’s doing it with style, efficiency, and mastery .
Key Features of NG+
Retain all previous gear and enchantments
Enemies have new attack patterns and higher difficulty
NG+ exclusive armor sets and enchantments
Skippable cutscenes for faster replay
Additional progression with higher-level upgrades
Unlock black and white render mode for a stylized replay experience
How to Unlock New Game Plus

To access NG+, you need to complete the main story once. This includes defeating Baldur in the final battle. Once the credits roll and you return to the world map, the NG+ option will be available from the main menu.
Steps to Access NG+:
Complete the main storyline.
Return to the title screen.
Select "New Game Plus."
Choose your previous save file.
Select difficulty and begin anew.
🛡️ Tip: NG+ is available across all god of war difficulty modes, including Give Me God of War. Choose wisely.
All NG+ Unlocks and Rewards
Starting NG+ doesn’t just give you stronger enemies—it also showers you with unique content. Here's what opens up:
Armor Sets Exclusive to NG+

| Armor Set | Bonus Effects | Ideal Playstyle |
|---|---|---|
| Zeus Armor | Massive damage boost, but increased damage taken | High-risk, high-reward warriors |
| Spartan Armor | Strips you to basic stats for challenge seekers | Hardcore purists |
| Ares Armor | Generates Rage bursts and health drops | Rage-heavy brawlers |
| Armor of the Black | Balanced mix of offense and defense with sleek aesthetics | Mid-game versatility |
NG+ Enchantments
Perfect Mark of the Ancients – Boosts runic attacks
Eye of the Outer Realm – General stat boost for all attributes
Mark of Elemental Strength – Increases elemental damage like Frost or Fire
New Talismans
Shattered Gauntlet of Ages (Enhanced) – Upgraded with slots for powerful enchantments
Gilded Coin – Increases rewards from chests and favors
The Best Builds for NG+
Your build in NG+ should reflect both power and survivability. Here's a breakdown of top-tier builds:
1. Runic God Build
Focuses on maximizing runic damage through cooldown reduction.
Core Gear:
Armor: Ivaldi’s Set (NG+ Enhanced)
Axe Pommel: Mistbourne
Blades Pommel: Deadly War Handles
Playstyle: Constant use of runic attacks to stagger enemies. Amplify your power level with high-tier enchantments.
2. Zeus Glass Cannon Build
For players who want massive damage with a one-hit death trade-off.
Core Gear:
Armor: Zeus Set
Talismans: Amulet of Kvasir
Playstyle: Hit hard and fast, use perfect parries. Dodge to avoid heavy fall damage .
3. Balanced Tank Build
Combines defense with steady offense.
Core Gear:
Armor: Ares Set
Axe Pommel: Grip of the Nine Realms
Talisman: Golden Talisman of Protection
Playstyle: Sustain through long fights with Rage and cooldowns. Use yggdrasil dew to increase max stats between battles.
Best Gear to Focus on in NG+
While NG+ offers many new gear options, some pieces shine above the rest:
Zeus Armor: For advanced players wanting to melt enemies.
Ares Set: Sustain with Rage-based play.
Spartan Armor: Ideal for those craving a challenge.
Draupnir Spear: A versatile weapon that works well with elite-tier enchantments.
Don’t forget to craft and upgrade your gear at Brok and Sindri’s shops. Resources like Skap Slag —exclusive to NG+—are essential for upgrades.
How to Efficiently Progress Through NG+
Progressing in NG+ is all about optimization. Here’s what helps:
Replay All Favors: They scale with NG+ difficulty and give better loot.
Focus on Valkyrie Fights: They now offer more enchantments and rewards.
Re-visit Realms: Niflheim and Muspelheim feature new modifiers.
Upgrade Runic Attacks Early: These scale dramatically in NG+
Collect Remnants of Asgard: These post-game encounters now offer platinum tiers of crafting material.
Tips for New Game Plus Success
Don’t rush – enemies are tougher; take your time.
Mix up your gear – experiment with enchantments.
Use Atreus – his arrows are more important than ever.
Keep armor sets upgraded – older gear doesn’t hold up.
Farm Niflheim Mist Echoes – unlocks chests with top-tier loot.
Open all nornir chests —they still offer stat upgrades like yggdrasil dew in NG+.
NG+ Bosses and Valkyries
All bosses in NG+ come with new moves, tighter reaction windows, and damage boosts. The Queen Valkyrie , Sigrun, is even more brutal. Make sure your build is tight and your reflexes sharper.
Use Runic attacks , parry mastery , and Atreus's summons to control the fight pace.
Should You Play NG+?
Absolutely. Whether for the exclusive gear or refined combat, NG+ is a must-play for any fan of God of War. It makes a great game legendary.
You’ll experience familiar battles in unfamiliar ways—requiring everything you’ve learned and more.
NG mode gives you another chance to appreciate the character arcs of Brok, Sindri, Angrboda, and Ingrid —adding layers to their legacy.
Final Thoughts
NG+ in God of War isn’t just a second lap—it’s a proving ground. With fresh gear, challenging foes, and deepened lore connections, the journey becomes as rewarding as it is relentless.
So sharpen the Leviathan Axe, upgrade the Blades of Chaos, and carve your name into Norse legend one parry at a time.
What carries over in NG+?
All gear, enchantments, resources, XP, and progression.
Can I change difficulty in NG+?
Yes, but certain trophies and milestones are locked to specific difficulties.
What is Skap Slag?
A special NG+ resource used for crafting the highest-tier upgrades.
Is there a trophy for completing NG+?
Yes. NG+ completion earns you exclusive in-game achievements.
How hard is NG+?
Enemies hit harder, have new moves, and require more precise timing. It's a true challenge, especially on harder difficulties.