Wildwoods - God of War (2018) Guide - IGN (2024)

The Wildwoods is one of the main Regions in God of War. It is the first region you can explore in the game, and part of your main Journey.

The Wildwoods is a tutorial area that encompasses the protected home of Kratos and his family, though that peace won't last long. Most items can be found during your first exploration of the region - but you will have to come back later when the story allows you to explore other areas.

• For the main walkthrough of this area - see the page: The Marked Trees

Below you will find details on where to locate all of the collectibles in this area - but note that some may require you to come back later when you have the tools needed to get to certain areas.

Artifact Locations

• Sell Value Total - 3,000

There are 4 Artifacts to find in the Wildwoods, which are part of the Lost and Found Set.

These can all be found during your first visit at the start of the game, however if you do not grab them then, you'll have to wait until you can freely return here after completing The Sickness main story quest.

Lost and Found Artifact 1

Just to the right of the path leading to the main gate by your home is a glowing silver treasure known as an Artifact. This Doll is part of the Lost and Found set, and if you find all four in the Wildwoods, you’ll earn additional XP.

Lost and Found Artifact 2

Look along the path from your home to a set of stone steps to a bridge. To the left of the stone steps for another glowing icon that indicates another Artifact - the Boat is another part of the Lost and Found set.

Lost and Found Artifact 3

When you reach the crossroads after fighting your first Draugr, take a right to go past a frozen river and climb down a chain to the ice below.

After clearing out the wolves down in the ravine, look to the left to find the glowing icon where another Artifact lies. It is a Horse, part of the Lost and Found collection in this area.

Lost and Found Artifact 4

Once you enter the abandoned temple and head down the stairs to the main room with the closed gate, turn around to find an unlocked door at the opposite side leading to a plateau.

Look on the right side opposite the large chest to find a glowing icon indicating the last of the set of artifacts in this area. The Viking Toy is the last of the Lost and Found set, which will net you a good reward of experience.

Mystic Gateways

There are 2 Mystic Gateways located in the Wildwoods, but neither can be unlocked until later in the game.

Mystic Gateway 1

• Pre-requisite: Start The Sickness

The first gateway is part of the story - it automatically becomes available when Kratos returns to his home as part of the story. You can find it outside of the house on the right side of the front yard.

Mystic Gateway 2

• Pre-requisite: Complete The Sickness

The second gateway can be found at the Hidden Chamber of Odin, however it cannot be accessed until you unlock free Mysic Gateway travel after finishing The Sickness. It's located in the garden area after where you fought the very first Troll - between the big temple and the path back to the house.

Lore Locations

The 1 Lore Marker in the Wildwoods is not tracked by the map screen and thus not needed for 100% completion, however we have logged it here as it is still added to Atreus' Codex journal.

Wildwoods Lore Marker 1

This Jotnar Shrine is found after you exit the ruined temple by raising the gate with a chain and freezing it in place with the Leviathan Axe. When you exit, make a U-Turn to your left to find a yellow chain you can use to climb up and re-enter the building.

Here, go up the staircase directly ahead to find a wooden barricade. Smash it down as you see fit and spot the wooden wardrobe-looking object at the end of the corridor. Have Atreus open it up to reveal a mural depicting the legend of Skol and Hati.

Wildwoods Lore Marker 2

• Pre-requisite: Complete The Sickness

While this Lore Marker requires Thamur's Chisel to get to, you aren't able to access it until you complete The Sickness Mission. This unlocks the ability to travel to any Mystic Gateway from any other Mystic Gateway, allowing you to return to the Wildwoods and explore it at your leisure.

From the Mystic Gateway outside Kratos' house, slash the Hel's Bramble neaby with the blades and then climb up. Cross the clearing and drop down the next ledge, then turn left to find an ice seal you can break through with Thamur's Chisel.

Enter the Hidden Chamber of Odin and go down the lift to the Valkyrie arena... except the Valkyrie isn't there! Instead is a Realm Tear. In the corner to the far left of the Realm Tear is a scroll: have Atreus read it, and you'll learn why the Valkyrie isn't here.

Odin's Raven Location

While you do pick up Thamur's Chisel needed to enter the area this Raven is hid during The Magic Chisel, you're unable to freely explore the Wildwoods until you fully complete The Sickness.

• Pre-requisite: Complete The Sickness

The only one of Odin's Ravens in the Wildwoods is found within the Hidden Chamber of Odin, located past where you fought your first Troll. You'll need to open the chamber using the Magic Chisel, and once you take the lift down you'll find the raven circling above the main arena itself.

Nornir Chest Locations

During The Marked Trees on the Hunt With Atreus objective, you'll have the option to go off the path.

Back at the crossroad ruins, head straight instead of left where the deer went to find a big chest called a Nornir Chest. The chest however is locked, and requires you to find and break the three rune seals that match the ones on the large tomb.

You can find the “C” looking rune to the right of the tomb.

The “N” looking rune in a smaller coffin on the left.

If you turn around, look along the left wall to spot the “R” looking rune behind some rocks and bushes next to the stairs. Breaking them all will allow you to collect an Idunn Apple, which can increase your maximum health.increase your maximum health.

Realm Tear Encounter

• Pre-requisite: Complete The Sickness

While this Realm Tear is located within a Hidden Chamber of Odin, you cannot actually return here until you complete The Sickness and unlock full Mystic Gateway travel. Once you have, return to the Mystic Gateway outside Kratos' home and go to the backyard. Here, remove the Hel's Bramble and climb up the wall, then head forward and drop down the ledge. To your left will be the Hidden Chamber entrance.

Crack through the Take the lift down, and you'll find an arena with the Realm Tear (as opposed to the Valkyrie you were probably expecting).

• Realm Tear Enemies: One Level 8 Summoner Revenant, Two Level 3 Draugr (Speed and Explosive Heavy), Level 5 Nightmares (various).