Unlocking Forbidden Sands Nornir Chests in God of War Ragnarök

The Forbidden Sands in Alfheim represents one of the most challenging and rewarding areas in God of War Ragnarök. This desolate region, plagued by sandstorms until you free the second Hafgufa during the Song of the Sands favor, hides two Nornir Chests. These chests offer vital upgrades: Idunn Apples to boost Kratos’ health or Horns of Blood Mead to expand his Spartan Rage meter. Accessing them demands precise use of the Leviathan Axe, Blades of Chaos, Sigil Arrows, and Sonic Arrows. This guide provides original strategies, tips for common pitfalls, and preparation advice to ensure success.

Preparing for Forbidden Sands Exploration

Before venturing into the Forbidden Sands, ensure you have progressed far enough in the main story. The area unlocks after your initial visit to Vanaheim and obtaining the Sigil Arrows upgrade from Sindri or Brok. Complete the Song of the Sands favor first—it clears the perpetual sandstorm, improving visibility for puzzle-solving.

• Essential Abilities: Leviathan Axe (for Twilight Stone and Hive Matter), Blades of Chaos (for remote ignition), Sigil Arrows (to chain explosions), Sonic Arrows (to reveal hidden elements).
• Recommended Gear: Fully upgraded axe and blades; armor with high strength and cooldown stats for easier arrow chaining.
• Region Access: Use the sled to traverse from The Barrens; watch for enemies like elves and wulvers.

With preparations complete, head to the two chest locations. The first is straightforward but benefits from clear weather; the second requires intricate arrow work in a hidden chamber.

First Nornir Chest: The Alcove Pillar Puzzle

Located in the southwestern corner of the Forbidden Sands, this chest sits in a tight alcove behind a movable golden pillar. Pull the pillar aside to reveal the chest and its three braziers (torches). Lighting them all unlocks the reward.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Brazier 1 (Inside Alcove): Grapple under the pillar or climb in directly. Light this brazier with Blades of Chaos—it’s right next to the chest.
2. Brazier 2 (Opposite Pillar): Exit the alcove and spot the brazier on a stone column across from the movable pillar. It’s out of direct reach, so chain Sigil Arrows: place one on the brazier, expand with additional arrows toward your position, then throw Blades of Chaos at the nearest Sigil to trigger a propagating explosion.
3. Brazier 3 (Nearby Wall): Turn around to find this one mounted high on the wall. A single Sigil Arrow chain or direct Blade throw suffices if angled correctly.

Pro Tip: If Sigils fizzle, reduce distance between charges—max chain length is limited. Post-unlock, dig nearby for an Across the Realms ingredient. Expect an Idunn Apple if under 30 chests opened total.

Second Nornir Chest: The Hidden Library Chamber

The trickier chest hides in the northeastern Forbidden Sands, beneath the Elven Library. Look for a grapple point above a destructible debris wall at the base—smash it with melee attacks to enter a Hive-clogged room with the chest. This puzzle tests all your ranged tools.

Clearing the Path and Initial Setup

First, destroy the yellow Hive Matter blocking the room. Aim the Leviathan Axe at the pink Twilight Stone upper-left of the chest. Position for a blue trajectory line—it cleaves all Hive in one shot.

Lighting the Three Braziers

1. Brazier 1 (Left Cliff Edge): Sigil Arrow on the brazier, chain toward the left-side campfire. Shoot the campfire with another Sigil to explode and light it.
2. Brazier 2 (Right Distance): Similar process: Sigil the distant brazier, chain to the right campfire, ignite the camp for propagation.
3. Brazier 3 (Hidden Above Right Campfire): Fire a Sonic Arrow at the Hive Matter patch above the right campfire to expose the torch. Quickly apply 2-3 Sigil Arrows to it, chain down the pillar to the second brazier, refresh Sonic on Hive, then shoot the second brazier to explode and light the third. Timing is critical—Hive Matter regrows fast.

Troubleshooting: If explosions fail, enlarge Sigils by layering (hold aim for bigger radius). Practice arrow economy; you get limited shots. Reward: Horn of Blood Mead or Idunn Apple based on collection progress.

Advanced Strategies and Rewards Breakdown

Nornir Chests are key to progression. Idunn Apples (health upgrade) alternate with Horns of Blood Mead (rage meter) every 30 chests. Track via the shop menu. Forbidden Sands chests contribute to Alfheim’s 100% completion, unlocking trophies and lore.

• Upgrade Priority: Health first for survivability, then rage for boss fights.
• Collectible Synergy: Chests overlap with Hafgufa favors and lore markers—clear the area fully.
• Difficulty Scaling: On higher modes like Give Me God of War, Hive regrows faster; use runic summons for distractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to complete Song of the Sands first?

Recommended but not mandatory—the first chest is doable in storm, but visibility hampers the second.

What if Sigil Arrows won’t chain?

Stay within 10-15 meters; layer arrows by shooting the same spot repeatedly.

Which reward will I get?

Under 30 chests: Idunn Apple. 30+: Horn of Blood Mead. Check progress in the mystic gateway menu.

Are there missables in Forbidden Sands?

No post-game return restrictions, but free Hafgufa early to avoid backtracking.

How many Nornir Chests total in Ragnarök?

35 across realms, with Alfheim hosting several.

Mastering Alfheim’s Challenges Beyond Chests

The Forbidden Sands isn’t just about Nornir—explore for Odin’s Ravens (perch on ruins), Legendary Chests (behind soundstone puzzles), and Yggdrasil Rifts. Pair chest runs with the Hafgufa favor for efficiency. Use Atreus’ sonic bark sparingly; companion abilities shine in open combat.

For replay value, New Game+ adds tougher variants, but core puzzles remain. Share your clears in communities—timing the third brazier often stumps players.