Draugr

Draugr are the most versatile enemy type in the game. Strategy varies depending on which version is encountered. In general, Draugr are vulnerable to being tripped or launched and have lower resistances to Stun and debuffs (Frost, Weaken, Shock).

Draugr

Draugr are the first enemy Kratos faces in the Wildwoods, and one of the more prevalent foes throughout Midgard. They lack attack variety and those attacks are heavily telegraphed, giving the player ample opportunity to evade or parry. These standard Draugr are easily stunned, easily tripped, and aren’t very fast. Barehanded attacks used with Atreus’ arrows work best here. After a trip, follow up with a launcher and a juggle combo to make short work of them. If range is your thing, they can be kited easily with axe throws. These foes cause problems for Kratos only if they appear in numbers large enough to swarm and surround.

In-Game Tips: “Draugr fight with dangerous weapons, but they aren’t very skilled with them. Not like Father and his axe. If we watch their movements, it should be easy to dodge or block their attacks.”

“These basic Draugr aren’t very fast or strong. We can dodge or block them, and take them down pretty easily.”

Heavy Draugr

The Heavy Draugr cannot be tripped or launched by normal means, and has attacks that are difficult to interrupt at low tiers. While Heavy Draugr boast higher defenses, they’re extremely slow-swinging, which makes them vulnerable to evades. Use Atreus to draw their attention, leaving them open to backside attacks. Beware, however; the Heavy Draugr can incapacitate Atreus if left unchecked.

When Kratos performs a stun grab on a Heavy Draugr, he picks the enemy up and runs before tossing it straight ahead. Use the Draugr as a shield and rush through other enemies before aiming the body at another target or at a wall for increased damage.

In-Game Tips: “It takes a beat for him to recover after swinging, if we dodge, he’ll be open to a counter-attack.”

“His attacks are so strong, it makes blocking them really hard. Father should probably just dodge them.”

Draugr (Shield)

Defensive specialists. A frontal assault doesn’t work against these Draugr. They can parry any melee attack and most ranged attacks (including Atreus’ arrows and some projectile-based specials!). Using the Block Break skill is the best way to deal with them up close, as it sends them reeling back, giving Kratos an opportunity to counterattack. At range, a light axe throw aimed at their legs can bypass their shields and send them to the ground.

In-Game Tips: “Swinging wildly won’t break his guard, but if Father uses his Block Break, he should be able to find an opening (Double Tap L1).”

“Parrying his attacks can also break his guard.”

Draugr (Dual Wield)

Relentless assault Draugr type. Their low health and resistances are similar to those of standard Draugr. Dual-Wield Draugr should always be your first focus if encountered in a group. Left unchecked, they can deal massive amounts of damage due to their combo potential. At higher tiers they can crush Kratos’ guard, and if you’re hit by their first attack, the second attack is guaranteed to land. They can be dealt with in the same manner as any other Draugr type, but with emphasis on avoiding or parrying their attack strings.

If possible, get the jump on the Draugr by tripping it up from distance. Keep an eye on the dangerous foes and evade their rush attacks.

In-Game Tips: “These Draugr really know how to use their weapons. We need to be ready for several attacks at once.”

“With two weapons, they like to combo their attacks, but we can disrupt their flow by parrying their attacks.”

Draugr Power-Ups

Draugr can power up their bodies, giving them access to devastating abilities. Any Draugr type can harness these abilities and can utilize more than one power-up. When encountered, powered-up Draugr should be Kratos’ top-priority targets.

Draugr (Projectile)

Arm power-up. This is the ranged-attack Draugr type, easy to identify by the orange glow of the free arm. Draugr with the Projectile enhancement can be fought in the same manner as any other Draugr. In most cases, their projectiles can be blocked or evaded easily, and the Countering Blast skill works well too, letting you parry their projectiles right back at them.

In-Game Tips: “They can attack from long range, but we should be safe if we dodge or block.”

“He has to create his projectile before launching it. If either of us can interrupt his attack, he’ll have to create it again.”

Draugr (Speed)

Leg power-up. Mobile and evasive Draugr, identified by the distinctive yellow glow of both legs. These foes zip in and out of melee range, making them difficult to pin down. After they’ve attacked, Draugr with the Speed enhancement can quickly retreat to safety if Kratos doesn’t immediately counter or parry. Atreus’ arrows are vital in dealing with this Draugr type. A well-timed arrow barrage interrupts their movement and pins them down long enough for Kratos to mount an assault. Their charge attack can also be parried.

In-Game Tips: “These speedy enemies can be hard to hit. Father should wait for them to rush him and parry their attacks.”

“I see them stomp their feet right before they charge. Should help us spot their incoming attacks.”

Draugr (Explosive)

Torso power-up. Think of this Draugr type as a bomb that can detonate repeatedly. Draugr with the Explosive enhancement feature a glowing midsection. They can leap from a distance and trigger an unblockable explosion of normal damage in a small radius around them; the explosion inflicts a Burning status effect that causes Kratos to take fire damage over time. The enhancement also makes these Draugr invulnerable to melee attacks when active. So, it’s best to attack from a distance in order to detonate them, which briefly deactivates the ability and leaves the Draugr momentarily defenseless.

Kratos and Atreus can also capitalize on the volatility of this enemy’s power-up for offensive purposes. An axe throw or an arrow causing the Draugr to explode inflicts damage on any other foes caught in the blast radius!

Their explosions are deadly, so always keep them in your sights and if their midsection glows, hit it with an axe throw or arrows. Be careful when going in for melee attack. If it raises its sword, steer clear until you have detonated it.

In-Game Tips: “We should avoid hitting them with melee attacks when they’re powered up; we’ll be knocked back by an explosion.”

“Father should throw his axe at them when they’re powered up. They’ll explode and damage all nearby enemies.”

Draugr (Power Weapon)

Weapon power-up. Identify these Draugr by the bright glow of the weapon-holding arm. The Power Weapon enhancement lets them set their swords ablaze to unleash an unblockable lava wave that inflicts a burning effect on Kratos if it hits. The deadly wave travels a good distance but is fairly narrow and easy to evade. It’s also the only attack these Draugr use, and has a long start-up. Take advantage of this by evading to the side or using an axe toss to interrupt the move.

In-Game Tips: “They power up their weapon and attack with a forward moving shockwave.”

“They have a strong attack, but if we dodge to the side we should be okay.”