Exploring the lush region of Vanaheim in God of War Ragnarok leads players to several complex optional side quests that significantly alter the environment. Among these quests, Return of the River stands out as one of the most important favors because it refloods the dried-up dam and reopens boat navigation throughout the Crater. Completing this task unlocks access to hidden areas, legendary chests, and additional favors across the region.
How to Access the Return of the River Favor
To begin this favor, players must first reach the Crater region in Vanaheim by completing the Scent of Survival quest. Once you reach the Jungle area within the Crater, head toward the massive dam structure located along the southern edge. Reading daily gaming news guides can help players track prerequisites and optimal questing routes in expansive action RPGs.
Approaching the dam automatically triggers the Return of the River quest in Kratos's journal. You will notice that the riverbed below is completely dry, preventing your boat from reaching lower waterways.
Ascending the Dam and Clearing the Obstruction
Make your way up the side of the dam by using the Draupnir Spear to create climbing posts on designated wooden points. Once at the top, clear out the hostile Grim and Seidr enemies patrolling the area to ensure safe puzzle solving. Locate the thick red vines blocking the dam's floodgates near the central control wheel.
Use Freya's Sigil Arrows combined with Kratos's Blades of Chaos to ignite the vines from a distance. Creating a chain of enlarged sigil circles makes it easy to detonate the growth and free the mechanism.
Opening the Floodgates and Restoring the Water
With the vines destroyed, interact with the interactive wheel standing on the main platform. Spin the wheel completely to lift the heavy wooden gates and release the trapped water reservoir behind the dam. A cutscene will trigger showing water flooding back into the dry river channels across the Crater.
Restoring the flow completely alters the geography of the Jungle and Plains zones. You can now use boats to navigate waterways, access previously unreachable islands, and hunt down hidden collectibles.
Rewards and Post-Quest Exploration
Completing Return of the River awards Kratos and Freya substantial experience points for upgrading skills and gear. Furthermore, it opens up new favors, including hunts for powerful dragons and elusive epic monsters residing in the wet riverbeds. Returning the water supply to Vanaheim stands as an essential milestone for players striving for full completion of the realm.
