Of all the realms you’ll explore in God of War Ragnarök, Svartalfheim stands out not just for its breathtaking scale and dwarven architecture, but for the sheer density of its puzzles. Chief among these is the central Althing Rig puzzle, a multi-layered, mechanical beast that guards the path to the realm’s fabled forge. Many a warrior, seasoned in combat, has found themselves stumped by its rotating cogs and elusive water wheels. Fear not, for this guide will provide a complete, step-by-step solution to conquer the Svartalfheim Forge puzzle.
Understanding the Puzzle’s Core Mechanics
Before we begin turning gears, it’s crucial to understand what you’re manipulating. The entire puzzle revolves around controlling the flow of water from a large reservoir to power three distinct water wheels. Each wheel is connected to a gear mechanism that, when fully operational, will extend a bridge to the forge. The puzzle is solved in three main phases, each corresponding to one of the three water wheels. You will be using three primary tools: your Leviathan Axe (to freeze water and mechanisms), the Blades of Chaos (to burn away Hel’s Bramble and turn crank wheels), and your companion’s sonic arrows (to shatter certain obstacles).
Phase 1: The First Water Wheel (Right Side)
Your journey begins at the main platform with the massive water reservoir.
- Initial Setup: From the dock where you arrive, look up and to the right. You’ll see a golden crank wheel covered in Hel’s Bramble. Use your Blades of Chaos to burn away the bramble and then interact with the crank. Turn it until the gate at the bottom of the reservoir closes, stopping the water flow. This will cause the water level to rise and flow out of a new channel on the left side.
- Directing the Flow: Now, look across the gap to your left. You’ll see a water channel with a gear mechanism blocking it. Throw your Leviathan Axe at this gear to freeze it in place. This ensures the water will be directed correctly.
- Powering the Wheel: Return to the golden crank. Turn it again, but this time in the opposite direction. This will reopen the gate you closed, but thanks to the frozen gear, the water will now be forced down the channel on the left. Follow the path of the water. It will flow down and power the first water wheel on the right side of the rig, causing its associated bridge segment to extend partway.
Phase 2: The Second Water Wheel (Left Side)
This phase is more complex and requires you to access a lower level of the rig.
- Descending: From the main platform, take the zipline down to the lower level. You’ll find yourself near the first water wheel you just activated.
- Clearing the Path: Look for a wooden crane-like structure with a hanging pallet of rocks. This pallet is blocking the water flow to the second wheel. To your left, you’ll see a cluster of yellow, glowing Hel’s Bramble. Have Atreus fire a sonic arrow at the bramble to destroy it, revealing a catch for your Blades of Chaos.
- Swinging the Obstacle: Latch your Blades onto the newly revealed catch and pull. This will swing the pallet of rocks out of the way, clearing the channel.
- Adjusting the Flow (Critical Step): Now, look back towards the central reservoir. You’ll see the same gear mechanism you froze earlier with your axe. Recall your axe. This will cause the water to stop flowing to the first wheel and instead rush down the newly cleared channel on the lower level, powering the second water wheel on the left side. This will extend another segment of the bridge.
Phase 3: The Third and Final Water Wheel (Center)
The bridge is almost complete, but a central gap remains. You must now power the central wheel.
- Raising the Gate: Return to the main platform via the zipline. Once again, interact with the golden crank. Turn it to close the gate at the bottom of the reservoir once more. The water level will rise, but this time it will flow over the top of a central gate, filling a secondary basin.
- The Central Channel: Look down into the center of the rig. You should see this new pool of water has filled, but its flow is blocked by a large, stone slab.
- The Final Obstacle: To your right, on a lower platform, you will spot another cluster of Hel’s Bramble. Have Atreus destroy it with a sonic arrow. Behind it is another catch for your Blades of Chaos.
- Releasing the Water: Latch your Blades onto this catch and pull. This will retract a chain, lifting the stone slab that was blocking the central channel. The water will now cascade down the center of the rig, powering the large central water wheel.
Completion and Aftermath
With all three water wheels spinning, the mechanical bridge will fully extend with a satisfying series of clunks and clangs. You can now cross over to the legendary forge of Svartalfheim. This area is not just a puzzle solution; it’s a major story beat where Brok and Sindri will craft a pivotal tool for your journey, the Draupnir Spear.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting:
- Recall Your Axe: The most common mistake is forgetting to recall the Leviathan Axe from the gear mechanism after completing Phase 1. This is essential to redirect water for Phase 2.
- Environmental Awareness: Take a moment to observe the entire structure. The game often provides visual and audio cues. The sound of rushing water changing direction is a key indicator you’re on the right track.
- Companion Commands: Don’t forget to use Atreus (or Freya) to destroy obstacles. Their sonic arrows are often the key to unlocking the next step.
Solving the Svartalfheim forge puzzle is a testament to Kratos’s growth from a pure destroyer to a strategic thinker. It’s a challenging yet immensely satisfying environmental puzzle that perfectly encapsulates God of War Ragnarök’s blend of brutal combat and intricate world-solving. With this guide, you can bypass the frustration and appreciate the brilliant design of this dwarven masterpiece. Now, go claim your reward.
