The Return of the River favor in God of War Ragnarok is one of the most critical side quests in the game because it transforms the landscape of The Crater in Vanaheim. By completing this quest, players flood the dry canyons, unlocking new boat routes, hidden collectibles, and previously unreachable combat encounters. Understanding how to navigate the dam and solve its environmental puzzles ensures a smooth playthrough through this massive realm.
Reaching the Dam in The Jungle
To begin the favor, Kratos must first travel to the southern region of The Crater known as The Jungle. After entering the area, players will discover a massive dam built to hold back the river's flow. Ascending to the top of the dam requires climbing the scaffolding while dealing with local wildlife and hostile Nokken enemies.
Clearing the Vines and Unjamming the Wheel
Once at the top of the dam, players will notice the gate mechanism is blocked by thick red vines. To destroy these vines, Kratos must use Sigil Arrows combined with the Blades of Chaos to create an elemental chain explosion. Spacing the sigil bubbles carefully allows the flame to reach the far side of the dam structure and burn away the blockage.
Raising the Dam Gates and Flooding the Crater
With the red vines cleared, head to the large interactive wheel located on the dam platform. Interacting with the crank allows Kratos to turn the mechanism downward, lifting the floodgates and letting the water rush through. A brief scene will trigger, showcasing the water filling the dried riverbeds and restoring life across the entire zone.
Exploring New Pathways and Claiming Rewards
Flooding the region grants Kratos experience points and unlocks immediate access to boat docks throughout The Plains and The Sinkholes. Players can now take on additional favors like Casualty of War: The Stein and encounter rare enemies that were previously inaccessible. Returning to the river waterways provides a convenient way to achieve full completion across Vanaheim.
