You’re wandering through the Jungles of Vanaheim, looking for a way forward, and everything just feels... stuck. It’s dry. The paths are blocked by massive roots. You can see areas you clearly should be able to reach, but there’s no way to get the boat there. This is where most players realize they've hit a wall in one of the game's most ambitious areas. Honestly, if you haven’t triggered the God of War Ragnarok Return of the River favor yet, you’re basically playing half a map.
It’s easily the most important side quest in the game. Without it, the Crater—a massive, optional endgame region—remains a series of disconnected canyons. Once you open the dam, the entire geography changes.
Why the Dam Matters More Than You Think
When Santa Monica Studio designed the Crater, they weren't just making a "desert level." They were building a puzzle on a continental scale. Most games use "metroidvania" elements where you find a double jump or a hook. Here, the "key" is a literal flood.
The quest starts when you enter the Jungle region of Vanaheim. You'll see a massive stone structure in the distance—the dam built by the Aesir. To get there, you have to follow a trail of footprints and logic that leads you upward. You’ll know you’re in the right spot when Mimir starts making comments about the lack of water. He’s right. The ecosystem is dying because Odin, in his typical "control everything" fashion, choked off the water supply to keep the locals in check.
Getting to the Top of the Dam
You can’t just walk up to the front door. You’ve got to find the lift.
Once you reach the dam’s platform, you’re going to run into some Seidr fanatics and maybe a few Gulons. Clear them out. The real trick isn't the combat; it's the Runic Arrows. You’ll see a bunch of Brambles choking the gears of the dam. You can’t reach them with your blades normally. You have to chain your Sigil arrows (the purple ones) so that an explosion at the bottom reaches the top.
I’ve seen people spend twenty minutes trying to aim a single arrow. Don't do that. Just stack three or four circles in a line. It’s much faster. Once the brambles are gone, use the Draupnir Spear. You’ll need to throw it into the cracks of the dam's mechanism.
💡 You might also like: How Orc Names in Skyrim Actually Work: It's All About the Bloodline
The Moment the Water Breaks
There is a specific mechanical feel to Kratos turning that crank. When the water starts rushing back into the valley, the game world literally transforms. This isn't just a cutscene. You’ll notice the audio design shifts immediately—the dry, cracking sound of the desert is replaced by the roar of the river.
Now, the boat becomes your primary mode of transport.
This opens up the "Sinkholes" and the "Plains" in ways that were previously impossible. You can now access the islands where the seasonal stags are hiding. You can reach the dragon hunts. Honestly, the boss density in this area is higher than almost anywhere else in the Nine Realms. If you’re hunting for the Platinum trophy, the God of War Ragnarok Return of the River quest is your gatekeeper.
Missable Details and Common Snags
A lot of players think they’ve finished the quest once the water starts flowing. They’re wrong. You actually have to take the boat back down and navigate the new channels to "complete" the favor in the quest log.
Wait.
Before you leave the dam area, look behind the crates. There’s a lore marker there that many people skip because they’re too excited to jump in the boat. It explains why the dam was built in the first place—Odin wanted to ensure the Vanir couldn't use the river to move troops.
📖 Related: God of War Saga Games: Why the Greek Era is Still the Best Part of Kratos’ Story
Also, keep an eye out for the Dreki. Now that the water is back, certain mini-bosses will spawn in the pools. If you aren’t prepared for a fight, don't just mindlessly paddle into the center of the larger lakes.
The Impact on Vanaheim’s Ecosystem
The Crater is essentially a scar on the world left by the battle between Faye (Kratos’ late wife) and Thor. You can see the frozen lightning bolt in the distance—a literal pillar of blue energy frozen in time. The water returning isn't just a gameplay mechanic; it’s a thematic restoration of Faye’s legacy. It feels personal.
By completing this favor, you unlock:
- Access to the "Wishing Well" (where you can trade those yellow crystals for high-end armor materials).
- The ability to complete the "Casualty of War" side quests.
- New paths to the Berserker gravestones.
- Entrance to the dragon dens for "The Burning Skies" and "The Sky's Terror."
How to Optimize Your Run
If you’re trying to be efficient, do not leave the Jungle until you’ve dealt with the Ogres throwing rocks at you from across the river. Now that the water is back, you can take the boat to their island and shut them up. It makes exploring the rest of the Crater significantly less annoying.
Also, check your armor. The Lunda’s Lost Armor set is great for this area because of the poison damage, but once the water is back and you’re fighting more agile enemies like the Nokken or the Wyverns, you might want something with higher defense or faster cooldowns.
Navigating the New Channels
The river doesn't just go in one direction. There are branching paths.
👉 See also: Florida Pick 5 Midday: Why Most Players Chase the Wrong Patterns
If you head right from the first dock, you’ll find a narrow passage leading to a Nornir chest. If you go left, you’re heading toward the Sinkholes. My advice? Go to the Sinkholes first. There’s a specific tunnel that leads to a hidden shop where you can upgrade your gear before tackling the harder dragon fights.
The water also allows you to reach the "mystic gateways" that were previously high up on cliffs. Drop the chains, kick the ladders down, and create a fast-travel network.
Actionable Steps for Completion
- Locate the Dam: Head to the southwestern edge of the Jungle. Follow the quest marker for "Return of the River" that triggers automatically when you get close.
- Clear the Debris: Use Sigil Arrows to burn the red vines. If you're having trouble with the reach, remember that Sigil bubbles can be enlarged by shooting the same spot three times.
- Break the Seal: Use the Draupnir Spear on the pressure points. Press "Triangle" to detonate them all at once.
- Crank the Wheel: This is the easy part. Just hold the interact button.
- Re-explore the Plains: Don't just stay in the Jungle. Go back to the main Crater entrance. You’ll find that half a dozen new "docking" icons have appeared on your map.
- Visit the Wishing Well: Take your gathered Crystalline Shards to the well located between the Sinkholes and the Plains. Throw them in. This is the only way to get some of the best late-game weapon attachments and armor sets like the Fallen Stars set.
The Crater is arguably the best "level" Santa Monica has ever built. It’s a game within a game. But without the water, it’s just a skeleton. Do the favor, flood the valley, and actually see what Vanaheim has to offer.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough
Once the water is flowing, head immediately to the Wishing Well. It’s located in the tunnels connecting the Sinkholes and the Plains. This is where you dump all those yellow crystals you’ve been smashing. It’s the fastest way to hit Level 8 or 9 before the final story missions. After that, look for the "Untamed Fury" hunt—a recurring stalker boss that only fully resolves once you have access to the entire watered map.