Midgard is a mess. By the time Kratos and Atreus get back to the Lake of Nine in God of War Ragnarok, Fimbulwinter has done a number on the place. It's frozen. It's desolate. Honestly, it’s a bit depressing compared to the vibrant hub it was in the 2018 game. But for those of us obsessed with hitting that 100% completion mark, the God of War Ragnarok Lake of Nine artifacts are the real reason to brave the snow. You aren't just looking for junk; you’re looking for "Stolen Treasures," a specific collection that tells the story of cultures from other lands.
It’s easy to get turned around. The Tyr’s Temple we used to navigate by is now just a giant, icy landmark sitting in a sea of slush. You can’t just boat around anymore. You’ve got the sled and the wolves now, which is cool, but it changes how you perceive the scale of the map.
If you’re hunting these down, you’re likely looking for the Kvasir’s Poems too, but those are separate. The Lake of Nine specifically holds the Stolen Treasures set. There are six in total scattered around the Midgard map, mostly concentrated in and around the Lake. Finding them isn't just about the trophy; selling them to Lunda or Sindri nets you a decent chunk of Hacksilver, which you’re going to need if you plan on maxing out the Steinbjorn armor or the Lunda’s Lost set.
Where the God of War Ragnarok Lake of Nine artifacts are actually hiding
Let's get into the dirt—or the snow, I guess. Most people miss the first one because they’re too busy following the main quest line with Freya. Don't do that. Slow down.
The Maya Kila
You’ll find this one near the center of the lake, tucked away by Tyr’s Temple. Look for a corpse under a bridge-like structure. It’s a small, circular jade-like carving. It’s an obvious nod to Mayan culture. It’s right there in the open, yet surprisingly easy to glide past if you’re pushing the wolves to top speed. Grab it early. It’s basically free money.
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The Kila
This one is over by the Raider Stronghold. If you’re doing the "Animal Instincts" favor—which you should, because the wolves deserve a win—you’ll stumble across this. It’s up some stairs. It looks like a curved dagger. The flavor text suggests it’s from a land far to the east. The cool thing about these God of War Ragnarok Lake of Nine artifacts is how they hint at the broader world Kratos has ignored for centuries.
The Janbiya
You have to go to the Canyons for this. Well, technically it's the area leading toward the Elven Sanctum, but it counts for the Midgard collection. Look for a breakable wall. Use your blades to clear the way. It’s a curved blade, another piece of history just sitting in the frost.
Why the Lake of Nine feels so different this time
In the previous game, the Lake was the heart of everything. Now? It feels like a graveyard. That shift is intentional. The developers at Santa Monica Studio used the environment to tell a story of decay. When you're searching for these artifacts, you’re literally digging up the past of a world that’s currently ending.
There’s a specific kind of frustration that comes with the verticality of the new Lake of Nine. You see a glowing purple item, but it’s behind a block of "Sound Stone" or a "Hex" puzzle. You’ve got to use the environment. Use the spear if you’ve unlocked it yet. If you haven't got the Draupnir Spear, some of these are going to be frustratingly out of reach.
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Actually, that’s a pro tip: don’t try to full-clear the Lake of Nine the second you arrive. You can’t. The game gates you. It’s better to wait until after the "Forging Destiny" quest. Once you have the spear, the map opens up. You can hit those wind-vents, create new paths, and grab the artifacts that were previously just teasing you from high ledges.
The remaining treasures and the "Stolen" mystery
The artifacts in Midgard are called "Stolen Treasures" for a reason. They aren't Norse. You’ve got the Fertility Figurine, which is tucked away in a corner of the map that requires some light platforming. It’s near the Oarsmen. Speaking of the Oarsmen, that area is a goldmine for loot, but it’s also crawling with enemies. Clear the area first. There’s nothing worse than trying to read artifact lore while a Hel-Reaver is trying to take your head off.
- The Ankh: Found in the Treasury. This requires a bit of a puzzle involving a massive shield. You have to move the shield of the Tyr statue to gain access to the right areas. It’s a classic God of War environmental puzzle. Not too hard, but easy to overthink.
- The Lyre: This is located in The Derelict Outpost. This area is optional, but honestly, it’s one of the best designed spots in Midgard. You’ll need to use the cranes to swing across gaps. The Lyre is sitting there, a reminder of a Greek-like culture that Kratos knows all too well, though he keeps his mouth shut about it.
It’s interesting. Kratos sees an Ankh or a Lyre and says nothing. Mimir might chime in with some "Smartest Man Alive" commentary, but the silence from Kratos speaks volumes. He’s seen these things before. He’s probably destroyed things like them before.
Making the most of your haul
Once you have the God of War Ragnarok Lake of Nine artifacts, don't just let them sit in your inventory. Go to a shop.
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When you sell them, you don't lose the "entry" in your journal. You keep the lore. You just get the cash. And Midgard is expensive. If you’re trying to upgrade your pommels or shields to Level 7 or 8, you’re going to be burning through Hacksilver like crazy. Selling the full set of Stolen Treasures provides a massive boost.
Practical Steps for the Hunt:
- Get the Spear first: Seriously. Don't waste an hour trying to climb a cliff that requires a Draupnir vent.
- Check the map icons: If a region says "1/2 Artifacts," you're missing something. Look for the purple glow.
- Listen to Mimir: Sometimes the dialogue triggers when you're near a point of interest.
- Look Up: Santa Monica Studio loves hiding things on ledges that require you to knock down a bucket or a chain.
- Sell often: There’s no bonus for holding onto them. Turn those relics into gear upgrades immediately.
Midgard isn't just a snowy wasteland. It's a museum. Finding every God of War Ragnarok Lake of Nine artifact turns Kratos from a god of war into a reluctant archaeologist. It’s worth the detour.
To finish your collection, head to the Oarsmen area and complete the "Sigrun's Curse" favor. This path naturally leads you past several high-value collectibles and ensures you don't leave the Lake of Nine with any nagging "???" marks on your map. Once the artifacts are sold, focus your resources on upgrading the "Vitality" and "Defense" stats of your chest armor to survive the late-game Berserker fights.