In the critically acclaimed game “God of War” (2018), Smoldering Ember is a highly sought-after resource essential for upgrading and crafting some of the best equipment for Kratos and Atreus. Obtaining Smoldering Ember requires specific actions within a particular area of the game. This guide will provide detailed steps on how to acquire Smoldering Ember, including strategies for maximizing your efforts.
Understanding Smoldering Ember
Smoldering Ember is a unique resource found exclusively in Muspelheim, one of the Nine Realms in Norse mythology. Muspelheim is characterized by its fiery landscapes and challenging trials, making it a fitting place to find such a valuable resource. This ember is crucial for crafting and upgrading high-level gear that can significantly boost Kratos’ abilities.
Unlocking Muspelheim
Before you can start collecting Smoldering Ember, you need to unlock Muspelheim. This requires gathering four Muspelheim Cipher pieces scattered throughout the game. These pieces are hidden in purple cipher chests, and here’s where you can typically find them:
- The River Pass: After encountering the World Serpent for the first time, head to the witch’s cave. There’s a chest containing a cipher piece.
- The Mountain: On your way to the summit, look for a cipher chest near the area where you fight the ogre.
- Cliffs of the Raven: Near the Lake of Nine, explore this area to find another chest with a cipher piece.
- Forgotten Caverns: After the water level drops a second time, you can access this area to find the final cipher piece.
Once you have all four pieces, you can access Muspelheim via the Realm Travel Room in Tyr’s Temple.
Trials of Muspelheim
Muspelheim is structured around a series of combat trials, each increasing in difficulty. Completing these trials is the primary way to earn Smoldering Ember. The trials are divided into five arenas, with each arena having a normal and hard difficulty trial. Here’s a breakdown of how to approach them:
Arena 1: Normal and Hard Trials
- Normal Trial: Defeat all enemies within the time limit.
- Hard Trial: Defeat enemies without taking damage.
Arena 2: Normal and Hard Trials
- Normal Trial: Defeat enemies within a time limit.
- Hard Trial: Enemies regenerate health quickly, so you must kill them swiftly.
Arena 3: Normal and Hard Trials
- Normal Trial: Defeat enemies to increase the timer. Keep the timer from running out.
- Hard Trial: Enemies resurrect if not killed within a specific time.
Arena 4: Normal and Hard Trials
- Normal Trial: Kill enemies within gold rings that move around the arena.
- Hard Trial: Survive for a certain amount of time without dying.
Arena 5: Normal and Hard Trials
- Normal Trial: Defeat a certain number of enemies.
- Hard Trial: Defeat enemies within a time limit, and the enemies become progressively harder.
Earning Smoldering Ember
To maximize your Smoldering Ember collection, follow these tips:
- Complete Normal Trials First: These are generally easier and help you understand the mechanics and enemy types you’ll face in hard trials.
- Upgrade Gear: Before attempting harder trials, ensure your gear is upgraded. Use resources from other realms to enhance your weapons and armor.
- Focus on Strategy: Each trial has specific requirements. Adapt your strategy based on whether you need to defeat enemies quickly, within certain areas, or without taking damage.
- Use Atreus Effectively: Atreus can provide support by stunning enemies, using runic summons, and distracting foes. Utilize his abilities to maintain control over the battlefield.
Smoldering Ember Usage
Once you’ve accumulated Smoldering Ember, head to Brok or Sindri’s shop to use it. Smoldering Ember is primarily used for:
- Crafting High-Level Armor: Some of the best armor sets in the game, such as the Valkyrie and Muspelheim sets, require Smoldering Ember.
- Upgrading Equipment: Improve the stats of your weapons and armor, increasing Kratos’ overall power and survivability.
- Enchantments: Enhance your gear with powerful enchantments that provide additional boosts to your abilities.
Additional Tips
- Explore Thoroughly: In Muspelheim, there are chests that contain additional resources. Make sure to explore the arenas between trials.
- Repeat Trials: Trials can be repeated for additional Smoldering Ember. Focus on the ones you find easiest or fastest to complete.
- Balance Time and Rewards: Some trials may offer more Smoldering Ember but are more challenging or time-consuming. Balance your efforts to maximize efficiency.
Obtaining Smoldering Ember in “God of War” is a rewarding endeavor that significantly enhances your gameplay experience. By unlocking Muspelheim, mastering its trials, and strategically using the Smoldering Ember you earn, you can craft and upgrade some of the best gear available in the game. Remember, the journey to collect Smoldering Ember is not just about the rewards but also about honing your skills and mastering the combat mechanics that make “God of War” such an engaging and immersive game.