In God of War Ragnarok, there are plenty of things to do in Vanaheim. For Vanaheim is the first side quest players will encounter on their journey within The Crater portion of Vanaheim - this quest will also be the key to getting to the dragon boss fight later on. For Vanaheim is one of 47 favors (or side quests) players will come across during gameplay. This quest deals with an NPC named Birgir, who needs to be rescued from a dragon and taken to the nearest Mystic Gateway.
For players to access The Crater region in Vanaheim, players must previously complete another favor, called the Scent of Survival Favor to be able to unlock The Crater area. The primary objectives of this favor go as follows: get to Birgir's location, defeat the dragon, help rescue Birgir, and help send Birgir into the nearest Mystic Gateway. Throughout this guide, we will be delving into these primary objectives and how to complete For Vanaheim.
Celestial Altar
This particular portion of the quest is specifically for players who are currently playing the game during the day (in-game). This quest needs to be done at nighttime because various areas of the map will be blocked off and progressing the quest and going through the route will be impassable. Because of this, Kratos will need to visit a Celestial Altar to make it nighttime if it isn't already. Skip down to Route to Birgir below if it is already nighttime.
The quest will begin with Kratos at the Crater Entrance, next to one of the Mystic Gateways. Climb the wall ahead and move through into the large plain. Take a sharp right, and there will be a pathway with purple mist and poisonous plants - there will also be enemies nearby. Subdue the plants with the Leviathan Axe, kill off any enemies in the area, and move forward. Down the path there's another wall, climb up the wall and continue forward.
Take a left, following the torches against the bridge, and drop underneath the arch of the bridge. Take a left and climb the wall - once on top, keep going straight past the lit torch, then once players have reached some stairs to the left, go up. Above is an arena-like area with many enemies ready to ambush Kratos - defeat them and then take a left. Up the small steps, and around the pillars, there is a Celestial Altar that changes the time of day in-game. Keep in mind, players need to make sure it is nighttime. Interact with the altar by pressing X.
Route to Birgir
Now, use the fast travel point below and go back to the Crater Entrance, next to the closest Mystic Gateway. Like before, climb up the wall ahead and into the plain, but this time, take a left instead of a right. Follow the next two torches, climb the next wall ahead, and take a slight left to an open area. In this open area, there are wreaths and an ogre to watch out for. We recommend isolating each of the enemies, so players don't get caught up in the middle of an ambush between enemies.
After defeating the enemies, there is a gate ahead with two lit torches on each side - open the gate and continue. Some enemies will be waiting on the other side, so keep an eye out. Take a left after entering the gate, follow the torch ahead and take a right. Next, players will stumble into a crossroads. To the left, there's an aggressive traveler with loot, to the right is the continuation of the quest and the route to get to Birgir.
The Crimson Dread Dragon
If players stuck with the quest at hand, go ahead and slide through the narrow walls. After coming out, The Crimson Dread Dragon will be in the open area. Whenever the dragon is flying through the sky, throw the Leviathan Axe at it to stagger it, forcing it to drop while inflicting damage. While the dragon is lying on the ground upon hitting it with the axe, try to deal as much damage as possible to it while it can't fight back. Throughout the fight, the dragon will engulf the area in flames and attempt to grab Kratos from behind with its claws.
Completion and Rewards
After defeating and looting the dragon's corpse, climb up the rounded wall in the arena. Birgir will be at the top - interact with him to progress the quest further. After the strings of dialogue have wrapped up, go ahead and take a right and interact with the Mystic Gateway and then, the quest will come to a finish. Upon completion, players will be rewarded 3000 XP for Kratos, 750 XP for Atreus, 75 Whispering Slabs, and Rond of the Nine Realms.
