Exploring the vast realm of Alfheim in God of War Ragnarok reveals numerous optional favors that yield valuable resources and unique crafting components. Among these side quests, The Desert Door stands out as a particularly rewarding endeavor hidden within the arid expanse of The Forbidden Sands. To successfully resolve this quest, players must track down two missing key halves before opening a massive sealed doorway to face a formidable boss encounter.
Prerequisites and Unlocking the Side Quest
Before you can begin hunting for the required keys, you must first clear the active sandstorm blinding the desert region. Completing the Song of the Sands favor grants clear visibility across the map and makes hidden objects accessible.
Additionally, players should finish the Freyr's Gift favor located in the northern sector of the zone. Fulfilling these regional requirements causes distinct blue crystal sand swirls to spawn across the desert floor, which hold the necessary quest items.
Finding Both Key Halves in The Forbidden Sands
The first key half lies near a glowing blue sand swirl toward the southern border of The Forbidden Sands. Inspecting the glowing ground near the rocky outcroppings allows Kratos to retrieve the initial key fragment.
The second key half is located further north toward the entrance of the underground Burrows. Interacting with this second glowing crystal swirl recombines the key into a complete object and updates your active map markers.
Locating and Opening the Sealed Desert Door
With the recombined key safely in hand, navigate toward the northern perimeter of The Forbidden Sands. You will find a large cliffside structure situated just east of Freyr's Statue with a cracked stone wall blocking direct entry.
Grapple onto the nearby pillar and launch Kratos through the cracked wall to reach the upper ledge. Clear out the host of aggressive Light Elves guarding the courtyard, then approach the massive door to unlock it.
Defeating Gravel Belly and Claiming Quest Rewards
Unlocking the door immediately triggers an intense battle against Gravel Belly, a massive drake boss. Watch out for its unblockable tail swipes and charge attacks while utilizing your runic abilities to break its guard.
Once the beast is slain, collect the dropped Skirnir's Gambanteinn resource alongside rare dragon crafting materials. Finishing this combat encounter grants generous XP rewards for both Kratos and Freya, officially completing the favor.
