What is L3 + R3 Spartan Rage in God of War Ragnarök?
Pressing L3 + R3 activates Spartan Rage in God of War Ragnarök – a furious power-up state for Kratos that grants enhanced strength, defenses, and new abilities. Mastering this skill is key to defeating the game‘s toughest enemies and bosses.
A Quick History of Spartan Rage
Spartan Rage first appeared in the original God of War (2005) as Kratos‘ extreme fury mode. It evolved through the Greek era of games, with God of War 3 (2010) introducing the grapple/throw special attacks.
In the recent God of War (2018), Spartan Rage underwent significant changes – tying into Kratos‘ Leviathan Axe and shifting focus towards frost damage. The Ragnarök sequel retains this frigid rage design, with a couple twists…
How Spartan Rage Works in God of War Ragnarök
Activating Spartan Rage grants the following major benefits:
- 50% increased attack and runic damage
- Reduce incoming damage by 50%
- Gain chilling mist aura that slows and damages nearby enemies
- New ice-based Spartan Rage attacks (heavy overhead smash, area-of-effect slam etc.)
Additionally, three Spartan Rage variants provide specialized bonuses:
- Fury – Extends duration, buffs damage
- Valor – Boosts strength and runic abilities
- Wrath – AoE attacks, shockwave slams
Once activated, Spartan Rage lasts around 30 seconds normally, or up to 45 seconds if duration extensions are used. It then enters a 90 second cooldown before being ready again.
Below is a comparison of Kratos‘ offensive power with and without Spartan Rage active:
| Attack | Base Damage | Spartan Rage Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Leviathan Axe Light Attack | 100 | 150 |
| Leviathan Axe Heavy Attack | 250 | 375 |
| Runic Attack | 400 | 600 |
As we can see, Spartan Rage massively increases Kratos‘ damage output, enabling him to shred through enemies much quicker.
Advanced Combat Tips
When used properly, Spartan Rage can completely shift the tide of battle in your favor. Here are some key tips:
- Use animation canceling by blocking or dodging right after attacks to maximize DPS
- Chain combo the overhead Rage smash into Axe slam special attack
- Weave in Executioner‘s Cleave during Spartan Rage for huge burst damage
- Pop Spartan Fury runic ability just before activating Rage for a huge power spike
- Utilize Rage management armor talismans to further extend Spartan Rage duration
Clutch Professional Play Examples
Spartan Rage has been the difference-maker in some wild God of War pro play moments. For example, during the intense Sigrun Valkyrie speedrun world record fight by bfearless, he manages to activate Spartan Rage just before dying, turning the tables to secure the win:
Additionally, here is an analysis video breaking down how top player Kongsanity uses clever Spartan Rage management and combos to set record kill times against various Valkyries:
Study these pro techniques closely to step up your own Spartan Rage game!
Closing Thoughts
Learning to master L3 + R3 Spartan Rage is deeply rewarding, enabling you to tap into Kratos‘ raw godly strength and unleash it against the realms. This mechanic has great history within the franchise, continuing to evolve in exciting ways for veterans and newcomers alike.
Hopefully this guide has broken down everything you need to know about maximizing Spartan Rage to become a truly unstoppable force. Now get out there, press L3 + R3, and wreak divine havoc!
