She’s quick, she’s got two swords, and she’s beating your ass, probably. Learn how to beat Alva in God of War Ragnarok with this guide.

In God of War Ragnarok’s Gróa’s Secret, you will fight new enemies: the light elves. And (maybe) you’ll find out they’re not your cup of tea. As you walk through their land, Alfheim, you’ll overcome several puzzles by throwing the axe against magic crystals and face the elves again.

How to find Alva in God of War Ragnarok

Atreus has been on the verge of getting into trouble. But God of War: Ragnarok continues its story with some good news: Tyr seems to be willing to lend a hand. The next step is to head to Alfheim, the home of the elves. After all, to beat Alva in God of War Ragnarok, you first need to find her.

The way down is straightforward and cinematically gorgeous. Look for the edges where you can drop to lower platforms; there are several routes you can take here.

Then, suddenly, with a very sharp noise, an elf fiend descends from out of nowhere. Meet Alva, the self-anointed new guardian of the Temple of Light. You did choose the Dark side, so there’s no point in running now.

How to beat Alva in God of War Ragnarok: the Strategy

To learn how to beat Alva in God of War Ragnarok, you’ll need to master the art of patience. She is intimidating as heck. From minute zero, she just takes you completely by surprise. And not the good kind. Don’t even get me started on her ample moveset and new mechanics introduction.

The key to beating Alva in God of War Ragnarok is to be more reactive than active. Wait for her to perform an attack before jumping straight into the battle.

Alva is doing a melee-attack? She is vulnerable. Take advantage of the Leviathan Axe to deal as much damage as possible.

Is she stunned? Deal melee damage until the R3 promo appears to inflict major combo damage.

Oh, now she’s healing again. That’s because you didn’t react to the blue ring. Alva uses several blue attacks you need to break with your newly acquired ability: Shield Bash. Be sure to shield bash Alva as soon as a blue ring appears around her, or else she will heal herself.

If you spot a red indicator, dodge left or right, not backward.

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How to beat Alva in God of War Ragnarok: the Moveset

Make sure you block or parry the following attacks:

  • Twin Sword Slam: spins her blades, pounds the ground, and releases blinding shockwaves.
  • Lunging Slashes: performs two slashes, dealing long-range damage.
  • Spinning Rush: releases two spinning slashes your way.
  • Twinblade Sword Slam: slashes you three times and releases a shockwave after a slam.
  • Twinblade Throw: combines her blades and throws her towards you.

These are the only attacks you can dodge

  • Thrust and Slash: stabs you and spins her weapons around.
  • Cross Blade Shot: crosses her blades and launches a projectile towards you.

God of War Ragnarok is now available for PS5 and PS4,