God of War: Mastering Laufis’s Air‑Juggle Tactics in Combat

If you’ve spent any time wandering the snowy cliffs of Midgard, you’ve probably noticed a new, almost theatrical flourish in Kratos’s arsenal – a move that lets you send enemies soaring and then rain down blows while they’re helpless in the air. That’s the air‑juggle mechanic introduced with Laufis, the witch‑like figure who pops up during the later chapters of God of War Ragnarok.

At first glance it feels like a neat visual trick, but dig a little deeper and you’ll see why it’s actually a game‑changer. By lofting a foe into the sky you buy precious seconds, break their combo chain, and open them up for damage multipliers that stack with Runic attacks. In short, you turn a regular skirmish into a high‑impact showcase.

So, how does the juggle actually work? First, you need to lock onto an enemy with the standard target system. Once you’re locked, press the L1 button (or its console equivalent) to activate Laufis’s signature “Storm Pull” ability. If the enemy is within a moderate range—roughly three to four meters—Kratos will yank them upward with a gust of magical wind. The animation is slick: the foe’s eyes widen, they’re lifted, and a faint blue aura surrounds them.

While the target hangs in the air, the combat menu briefly expands, offering a handful of follow‑up options. You can unleash a quick Leviathan Axe swing, fire a quick burst of the Light of Kvasir, or even throw a chain‑linked attack to keep them tethered. Each successive hit while the enemy is airborne adds a small “air‑time” bonus, stacking up to a maximum of four hits before the target drops back to the ground.

Now, here’s the part where the learning curve appears. The window for a second hit is razor‑thin—roughly 0.6 seconds—so you’ll need to time your inputs with the same precision you’d use when parrying a heavy attack. A common mistake beginners make is to rush the first follow‑up, only to find the enemy slamming back down before they can land the next blow. Patience is key. Let the initial lift settle, watch the wind swirl, and then commit to your second strike just as the enemy reaches the apex of their arc.

Why bother with this extra step when a solid combo can already knock foes out? The answer lies in the damage multiplier and the strategic advantage. Enemies caught in the air cannot block or dodge, meaning any runic or elemental strike lands unmitigated. Moreover, certain boss phases—especially those that rely on heavy melee blocks—are drastically weakened when you keep them suspended. It forces them to reset their stance, breaking their rhythm and opening you up for critical hits.

Here are three practical tips to make the most of Laufis’s air‑juggle:

1. Pair it with Runic Attacks. The Light of Kvasir and Frost Rune work best because they apply lingering effects that continue to damage the enemy even after they land.
2. Use the Shield Bash while airborne. If you have the Shield equipped, a quick tap of the block button during the juggle will emit a shockwave that adds an extra stun.
3. Watch the enemy’s weight. Heavier foes like the Iron Golem take a second or two longer to reach the peak of their lift, giving you a slightly larger timing window. Light enemies, on the other hand, snap back faster, so practice with both types.

Don’t forget to upgrade Laufis’s ability in the skill tree. The “Extended Pull” upgrade adds an extra second to the lift duration, which is a lifesaver during frantic boss battles where you’re juggling multiple enemies at once. The “Chain Reaction” upgrade also allows the juggle to bounce to a nearby foe if you land a charged attack while the first enemy is still airborne—essentially a cheap multi‑target crowd control.

Of course, like any mechanic, it can be abused. If you spam the ability without regard for stamina, you’ll quickly find yourself winded, especially on higher difficulty settings where stamina regen is slower. Balance is essential; use the juggle strategically rather than as a crutch.

In summary, Laufis’s air‑juggle is more than a flashy visual; it’s a tactical tool that, when timed right, can swing the tide of battle. Master the timing, pair it with the right runes, and don’t neglect the skill upgrades. Before long, you’ll be sending enemies sky‑high and reaping the rewards, all while feeling like a true god of war.