Unlocking the optional realms in God of War 2018 provides players with some of the greatest challenges and powerful armor sets available in the game. To gain access to the mist-shrouded realm of Niflheim, Kratos and Atreus must decipher an ancient language by locating hidden inscriptions scattered throughout the Norse wilderness. Tracking down these unique items requires exploring both the main story path and several optional areas across the Lake of Nine.
Understanding the Language Cipher System
The game features special purple chests adorned with a floating skull mask that contain the necessary language pieces. There are more potential chest locations available than required pieces, ensuring players will not be locked out of content. Once you decipher the script, Atreus will be able to read the travel rune at the Tyr Temple realm travel room.
Finding these chests relies heavily on your willingness to explore off the beaten path during major campaign milestones. While you can search for them at your own leisure, collecting them early allows you to gather endgame materials much sooner. Each successful discovery brings the duo closer to unlocking Ivaldi workshop gear and the deadly maze challenges.
Where to Find the First Two Chests
The earliest opportunity to claim a piece arises during the main quest line when you visit the beautiful realm of Alfheim. After repairing the light bridge, check the beach areas near the Alfheim Tower to discover a purple container sitting in plain sight. Opening this container safely secures your very first step toward deciphering the hidden language.
Another reliable chest can be discovered upon returning to Midgard and exploring the Lookout Tower beach area. You must manipulate the spikes using the Leviathan Axe to clear a safe path to the upper platforms. Reaching the summit rewards players with a magnificent view and another vital piece of the ancient puzzle.
Locating the Final Realm Pieces
The remaining inscriptions are located within advanced areas that become accessible as the water level drops in Midgard. Head over to the ruins of the ancient area near the iron cove to locate another hidden purple chest. This particular zone requires a bit of climbing but remains highly accessible during mid-game exploration phases.
The final piece can often be claimed inside the mountain area or during the second visit to the giant corpse region. Thoroughly scanning the surrounding cliffs during these primary missions ensures you will not miss the final chest. Once the fourth piece is collected, the language barrier disappears completely, allowing full realm travel.
Preparing for the Mist Challenges
With the completed script in hand, players can now freely choose Niflheim from the realm travel table inside Tyr Temple. Entering this realm introduces a unique survival mechanic where a deadly mist slowly drains Kratos health over time. You must learn to navigate the randomized maze efficiently to gather mist echoes and buy specialized safety gear.
Crafting the localized armor sets will drastically extend your survival time inside the outer rim of the workshop. Defeating the optional bosses hidden within the maze requires patience, high damage output, and excellent environmental awareness. Conquering this realm provides the ultimate test of preparation for dedicated completionists.