Top Skills to Complete First in GoW: Sons of Sparta

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We first encounter Kratos as an already deadly warrior with incredible strength. However, in God of War: Sons of Sparta, we learn that he was also quite formidable in his youth. Using a spear and special items from the gods, Kratos can perform unique moves that make him a serious threat to his enemies.

Many skills can be unlocked as you progress through the story. To help you get started, here’s a guide to the best skills you should prioritize unlocking first.

Best Skills to Unlock First

You’ll unlock many new skills along the way. Below are the ones we recommend focusing on early in the game.

Skill	Type	Blood Orbs Needed	Effect	Why It’s Useful
Vanguard II	Offensive	500	Slightly increases the damage of each impact.	This skill, especially when combined with Vanguard III, offers a balance of attack power and defense. When you deal damage, your opponent moves slightly away, giving you space to dodge or land another hit. Note: It’s less useful against bosses.
Spark Stinger II	Offensive	500	Creates sparks on the ground to extend your reach.	Since your offensive options are limited early on, increasing the range of Spark Stinger is a smart move to keep enemies at bay.
Nightfall I	Offensive	1,000	Press L1 + Square while in the air to perform a downward spear slam.	A good new attack that costs Spartan Spirit but serves as a solid finishing move against enemies.
Phalanx Splitter I	Offensive	1,000	Hold Square to charge, then release for a powerful strike.	Expanding your attack range is crucial; this move also inflicts significant damage.
Siege Tactic	Defensive	500	Dodge, then hold Left Stick forward and press Square to bash with the Spartan Dory.	Enhances your dodging and countering, especially when you’re far from enemies after a dodge, making it a great counter move.
Flank Maneuver	Defensive	500	Evade backwards while holding Left Stick back and press Square for a double strike.	Similar to Siege Tactic but enables you to create some space before attacking again.
Agile Evade II	Defensive	1,000	While R1 is held, move left or right with the left stick and press Circle for a rolling evade.	Allows for a longer roll, ideal for avoiding attacks from afar or slipping past enemies. If you’re saving Blood Orbs for a powerful skill, this is a good choice.
Laconian Revenge	Defensive	500	Parry melee attacks, then press Square to counter with the Spartan Aspis.	Mastering parries is tough but highly effective. This skill adds a shield counter after a successful parry, making it a top defensive move early on.