How to beat Garm in God of War Ragnarök

If there's one thing to be said about God of War Ragnarök, it's how the writers blend their own fiction with classic Norse mythology. One such brilliant example is the Hound of Hel, Garm. After being freed by a well-intentioned Atreus and Thrud, it falls to Kratos and Atreus to find a way to stop the overgrown pooch from devouring reality. Spoilers, it involves an awesome boss fight.

How to defeat Garm in Helheim in God of War Ragnarök

Garm is one of those utterly breathtaking fights in God of War Ragnarök. It's when the game is firing on all cylinders, and it truly feels epic. Here's an angry dad fighting an oversized dog in the frozen equivalent of Hell. It's brilliant. The fight is broken up into three very cinematic sequences. Let's walk you through each.

Related: Who is The Lady in God of War Ragnarök?

First Phase

The first round of this fight, like many others in Ragnarök, is all about time and patience. Garm keeps his distance, for the most part, so you'll need to wait for him to get close to bring the pain. The pooch will stomp and send shockwaves of ice toward Kratos. These can either be blocked or dodged. Garm will then leap forward with a telegraphed attack to take a bite out of Kratos. Take the opportunity to parry him and then lay into that big snout.

Garm will also attack with his chain. Typically on the third swing, it will get embedded in the ground. Freeze it in place with a throw from the Leviathan Axe and then grab the chain to pull him down for another attack. Finally, Garm will jump to the edges of the arena and launch balls of ice. Dodge out of the way and keep at him.

Second Phase

Once Garm has you pinned in the hallway, use the Draupnir Spear to hit the shackle on his leg. After doing enough damage, you'll be able to proceed.

Third Phase

The third and final phase is much like the second one, except that Garm now has two weak spots. Hit him in the leg and on the collar around his neck to stun him and go to town with your Spartan Rage and Runic Attacks. Dodge his attacks like before, and you'll have this fight done with patience.

For more God of War goodies, check out Should you upgrade Mardöll or Thrungva in God of War Ragnarök? on Pro Game Guides.