The Crater in Vanaheim stands out as one of the most expansive and rewarding hidden regions in God of War Ragnarok. At the heart of this fractured landscape lies The Plains, a massive sub-region filled with dangerous wildlife, environmental puzzles, and deep side quests. Navigating this optional territory allows players to uncover crucial upgrades, rare crafting materials, and unique narrative moments that enrich the overall experience.
How to Unlock and Locate The Plains
Accessing this vibrant but dangerous region requires players to progress significantly through the main story campaign in Vanaheim. After completing the primary objective involving the Creatures of Prophecy, a specific side quest titled Scent of Survival will trigger automatically. Following Helka the hound across the northern ridges will ultimately lead Kratos to a sky-high crash site where the gateway to The Crater is officially revealed.
Once you descend into the valley, you will find yourself in the eastern portion of The Plains, which serves as your primary hub. The layout changes dramatically depending on whether it is day or night, altering path availability and enemy patterns. Managing the celestial altar to swap times is essential for finding hidden pathways and fully mapping out the environment.
Navigating the Main Favours and Dragon Hunts
The Plains is home to an abundance of localized side activities, collectively referred to by the game as Favours and Dragon Hunts. One of the primary narrative quests in this area is For Vanaheim, which tasks Kratos with rescuing the brave warrior Birgir from a treacherous arena. This quest forces you to explore the northern structures and culminates in a brutal encounter with a powerful flying beast.
In addition to rescuing allies, players will naturally stumble upon multiple hunting grounds dedicated to prehistoric apex predators. Completing these hunts requires tracking footprints, clearing out lesser corrupted wildlife, and using your specialized weapons to crack open hidden dens. These encounters offer excellent tactical practice and provide foundational materials needed to max out high-tier armor sets.
Solving Environmental Obstacles and Time Puzzles
A major roadblock that many adventurers face while exploring this arid region is the lack of accessible waterways. To fix this geographic problem, players must venture south into the Jungle region to complete the Return of the River quest line. Flooding the valley opens up several boat docks across The Plains, granting access to previously unreachable shores and hidden red loot chests.
Furthermore, many pathways are heavily guarded by traveler mini-bosses and aggressive scorn poles that block your progression. Utilizing the Leviathan Axe to freeze poison emitters or switching the time of day allows you to bypass these dangerous blockades smoothly. Taking your time to investigate every corner ensures you leave no valuable resources behind in the dirt.