Facing The Unnerving in God of War is one of the most intense and strategic boss fights players encounter in the game. With overwhelming strength, deceptive movement patterns, and relentless aggression, this optional foe can quickly overpower unprepared warriors. Many players struggle not just with surviving the encounter but figuring out how to beat The Unnerving effectively. It requires mastering both Kratos’s abilities and a deep understanding of the enemy’s attack phases. This guide breaks down the entire fight, including preparation, tactics, and how to counter each move for a clean victory.
Where to Find The Unnerving
Location and Unlock Requirements
The Unnerving is found deep within the Hidden Chamber of the Forgotten Caverns. To access this location, players must unlock the chisel during the main story and return after gaining upgrades that allow for traversal of more dangerous terrain. This optional boss is meant for mid to late-game progression, so entering too early can result in a near-instant defeat.
Once inside the chamber, you’ll find a glowing rune lock that initiates the boss fight. Be sure to save beforehand, as you cannot escape once the battle begins unless defeated.
Recommended Level and Gear
Minimum Gear Requirements
Before fighting The Unnerving, ensure Kratos is at least level 6. Anything lower, and the damage difference becomes almost unmanageable. Here’s a quick list of recommended preparations:
- Armor Set: Valkyrie Set or Ivaldi’s Deadly Mist Armor for high resistance and cooldown boosts.
- Runes: Equip runes that grant healing or stun effects. Focus on cooldown reduction and elemental damage.
- Leviathan Axe: Upgrade it to level 5 or 6. Its frost attacks are vital against The Unnerving’s fiery phases.
- Talismans: Consider the Amulet of Kvasir for perfect dodge opportunities or Shattered Gauntlet of Ages with enhancements for extra burst damage.
Atreus’s Role
Make sure Atreus is equipped with shock arrows, which can stagger the boss and briefly interrupt charge attacks. His summon abilities can also provide breathing room when overwhelmed.
The Unnerving’s Combat Phases
Phase One: Testing the Waters
At the start, The Unnerving uses slow, sweeping melee attacks and sudden dashes. While this seems manageable, these are designed to bait players into aggressive attacks. Focus on dodging sideways and keeping medium range.
- Key attack: Double Axe Slam dodge twice to the side.
- Strategy: Attack only after the boss finishes a combo. Use light axe throws when at range to chip away safely.
Phase Two: Flame Awakening
At 70% HP, The Unnerving ignites his blades with fire, adding burn effects to most attacks. He also begins teleporting short distances mid-combo, making it hard to read movement patterns.
- Key attack: Flaming Dive Slash causes an explosion on impact.
- Strategy: Switch to the Blades of Chaos for ranged chains and keep a wide distance when his blades are glowing red. Use frost runes to counter the fire buildup.
During this phase, Atreus’s shock arrows become even more valuable. Use them to interrupt attack chains when The Unnerving begins winding up for major slashes.
Phase Three: Shadow Veil
Once the boss drops to 40% HP, the environment dims and The Unnerving cloaks himself in shadow. He becomes faster, with an increase in unblockable attacks. His combo patterns become less predictable, often chaining three different types of moves together.
- Key attack: Phantom Lunge appears behind Kratos for a surprise attack.
- Strategy: Equip the Talisman of the Realms to slow time when needed. Focus on dodging until the boss finishes his combos, then retaliate with runic attacks.
Tips for Surviving and Winning the Fight
Timing and Patience
The biggest mistake most players make is overcommitting to offense. The Unnerving punishes greed. Focus on dealing 12 hits after dodging, then back off. Watch for visual cues, especially the glow of his weapons and his stance before dashing or teleporting.
Runic Attack Rotation
Coordinate your runic attacks across both weapons. Start with an ice-based runic from the Leviathan Axe, then follow up with a stun or burn runic from the Blades of Chaos. This helps apply constant pressure while giving you time to reposition.
Use Spartan Rage Wisely
Save Spartan Rage for emergencies. Don’t activate it immediately wait until you’re at low health and need invincibility frames to heal or reset the momentum of the fight. Raging through Phase Three’s most chaotic moments can give you a window to survive and counterattack.
Environmental Awareness
The chamber contains energy crystals that reflect light. Occasionally, The Unnerving’s shadow veil reveals his true location through slight reflections. Use these environmental hints to anticipate ambush moves in the later phase.
Upgrade Atreus
Do not underestimate how much Atreus can help. Upgrade his shock arrows and summons before the fight. His utility is essential during the boss’s teleport phases and can break momentum when you’re under pressure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing heavy attacks: The boss is too fast. Light combos are safer.
- Not using Atreus actively: He can break the boss’s guard and interrupt key moves.
- Standing too close: The Unnerving’s AoE slam has a wide radius. Maintain spacing.
- Ignoring cooldowns: Always monitor your runic cooldowns. Having all abilities on cooldown during Phase Three is a huge disadvantage.
What You Get for Winning
Defeating The Unnerving grants you a powerful enchantment Mark of the Echo, which increases Kratos’s evasion and stagger resistance. You also receive high-tier crafting materials and a substantial XP reward for both Kratos and Atreus.
More importantly, you unlock access to a sealed lore tablet detailing hidden knowledge about the past conflicts among the Norse gods, shedding light on The Unnerving’s origins and ties to other hidden bosses in the game.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Beating The Unnerving in God of War requires more than brute force it demands strategy, timing, and awareness. With the right gear setup, proper use of Atreus, and careful observation of attack patterns, even this fearsome boss can be brought down. Don’t rush into the fight without preparation, and remember that patience often makes the difference between victory and defeat.
If you’re stuck, take a break, upgrade your gear, and come back stronger. Every detail of the boss’s movement is a clue, and with time, you’ll learn how to read and react. Mastering this fight is not only rewarding but also sharpens your skills for future challenges in the world of God of War.