Exploring the expansive Norse realm in God of War yields numerous hidden locations packed with valuable resources and challenging encounters. One such destination is the mysterious Northri Stronghold, an optional area tucked away from the main story path. Accessing this location requires specific progression but rewards players with unique items and collectibles essential for achieving absolute completion.
How to Find and Access Northri Stronghold
The entrance to the Northri Gorge is situated at the northwest corner of the Lake of Nine. Players will find their path barred by a massive waterway gate that cannot be opened through standard exploration. To breach this barrier, you must first complete the Fafnir's Hoard favor for the blacksmith Sindri.
Completing Fafnir's initial quest grants you a special entry stone needed for the gate mechanism. Once obtained, return to the gorge, dock your boat on the right, and use the item to open the waterway. You can then row your boat directly into the stronghold to begin exploring the new zone.
Completing the Family Business Favor
Upon entering the stronghold, Sindri will immediately offer a subsequent quest titled Family Business. The main objective of this mission involves investigating a massive reaver ship deep within the cavern. Navigating the river requires solving minor environmental puzzles, including dropping a stone block lift by hitting it with your Leviathan Axe.
When you reach the reaver ship, you will trigger a difficult battle against a powerful Traveler enemy. Defeating this formidable opponent rewards players with the Shattered Gauntlet of Ages, an exceptionally strong talisman. You will also retrieve the whetstone Sindri requested to successfully conclude the favor.
Tracking Down Crucial Collectibles
Northri Stronghold contains several important items tracked on your regional map overview. Dedicated completionists can discover two of Odin's Ravens hidden within the wooden structures and open grates. Additionally, there are two distinct Lore Markers that fill out the game's Norse mythology codex.
The area also features a convenient Mystic Gateway near the entrance shop for easy fast travel later. Exploring the upper ledges reveals tree sap that Atreus can destroy using shock arrows. Blasting this obstruction grants access to hidden chests containing valuable crafting materials like World Serpent Scales.
