You’re probably wandering around Vanaheim, specifically the Jungle area of the Crater, feeling like you’re going in circles. You see the footprints. You hear the heavy thud of something massive. But the dragon won't show up. It’s frustrating. The Path of Destruction God of War quest is one of those side missions that feels like a riddle wrapped in a combat encounter, and if you don’t do the steps in a very specific order, you’ll just be staring at an empty stone platform for twenty minutes.
I've been there.
The Crater in God of War Ragnarök is arguably the best part of the game because it’s basically a mini-open world tucked away inside Vanaheim. But it’s also where the game stops holding your hand. To trigger Path of Destruction, you have to be in the Jungle. Specifically, you need to have completed the "Return of the River" favor first. If the dam isn't open and the water isn't flowing, stop reading this and go do that. You can’t reach the Slag Horn’s lair without a boat.
Getting Into the Pit
Once the water is back, row your boat to the back of the Jungle. You’re looking for a narrow opening that leads to a big, circular arena with a massive hole in the middle. This is where the quest officially pops up on your screen. You’ll see some huge footprints that definitely don't belong to a bird.
Kratos and Atreus (or Freya, depending on when you’re doing this) will comment on the size of the beast. Drop down into that hole. This is the part where most players get stuck. You aren’t just looking for a boss; you’re setting a trap.
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Inside the pit, there’s a wooden cage elevator. Don’t just stand in it like a tourist. You need to use the elevator to lure the beast. The dragon you’re hunting, a Slag Horn named the Slag Horn (creative, I know), is hungry. It wants meat. And in this case, the meat comes in the form of those annoying little Gulons running around outside.
The Elevator Trick is a Total Pain
Okay, here is the exact sequence. If you mess this up, the boss won't spawn.
First, hit the gear to raise the elevator. Then, you have to freeze the gear with your Leviathan Axe while the cage is up. This lets you run out from under it. Now, look for the Gulons. They are those snarling, dog-like creatures that usually try to bite your ankles off. You need to bait them. Don't kill them. If you go full Spartan Rage and wipe them out, you’ve got to wait for a reset or reload.
Basically, you want to lead at least two of them into the elevator cage. Once they are inside, recall your axe. The cage will drop, trapping the Gulons inside. Then, you pull the chain to send the "meal" up to the surface.
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You’ll hear a very satisfying crunch and a roar. That’s your cue.
Fighting the Slag Horn
Now that you’ve rang the dinner bell, you have to get back up there. Take the path around and climb back to the arena where the hole was. The Slag Horn will be waiting for you.
This isn't a traditional flying dragon like the ones you fight in the "Burning Skies" quest. This is a drake. It stays on the ground, and it hits like a freight train. It’s heavily armored on its back and sides, so you’re looking for the soft spots.
Pro Tip: Watch its throat.
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The Slag Horn has an unblockable lunge that can shave off half your health bar if you're playing on "Give Me God of War" difficulty. You want to dodge to the side—not back. When it rears up, aim for the glowing spots on its legs or its underbelly. If you've been upgrading your Draupnir Spear, use it. Throwing spears at the beast's legs and detonating them is the fastest way to build up its stun meter.
Honestly, the fight isn't even the hardest part. It’s the setup. But once it’s dead, you get the "Tooth and Claw" enchantment and some Dragon Claws for your armor sets. It’s essential if you’re trying to max out the Dragon Scaled Armor, which is arguably one of the best mid-to-late game sets for a strength-build.
Why This Quest Matters for 100% Completion
You can't get the Platinum Trophy without finishing the Path of Destruction God of War favor. It's tied to the "Invasive Species" trophy, which requires you to kill all the big hunts in the Crater.
The Crater itself is a masterpiece of level design because of how interconnected it is. But the logic of "trap the dogs in the elevator" is one of the few times the game expects you to think like a hunter rather than just a god who smashes things.
If the dragon still isn't spawning, check your quest log. Make sure it says "Bait the Trap." If you killed the Gulons, run away from the area, use a Celestial Altar to change the time of day, and come back. That usually forces the enemies to respawn.
Actionable Next Steps for Success
- Check the Water: Ensure the "Return of the River" favor is complete. If you can't boat to the area, you're in the wrong spot.
- Keep the Axe Ready: Practice the "Throw-and-Freeze" mechanic on the elevator gear. It’s the only way to get out of the pit while keeping the cage elevated.
- Bait, Don't Slay: Lead the Gulons into the cage. Do not use area-of-effect attacks like the Runic Summons, or you'll kill your bait by accident.
- Target the Weak Points: During the Slag Horn fight, focus on the yellow-glowing points on its forelegs to stagger it quickly.
- Check Your Inventory: Ensure you have enough resources to upgrade the Dragon Scaled breastplate immediately after the fight, as the Slag Horn drops the final components many players are missing.