You've just survived the "Wolf of Sparta" encounter. Your head is spinning from the family drama, and suddenly the game shifts gears. This is where Snake in the Grass AC Odyssey kicks in, and honestly, it’s the exact moment the game stops being a simple revenge story and starts being a massive conspiracy thriller.
Most players treat this quest as a quick waypoint. Go here, kill a guy, get the loot. But if you're rushing, you're missing the nuance. Elpenor isn't just some random jerk in a robe; he’s the first real thread you pull that unravels the entire Cult of Kosmos. It’s the pivot point. Before this, you're a mercenary. After this, you're the only thing standing between Greece and total puppet-mastery.
Finding Elpenor: The Phokis Runaround
Elpenor is a slippery one. After he basically asks you to murder your own mother—which, yeah, bold move—he vanishes from the Sanctuary of Delphi. You'll find yourself standing around the Temple of Apollo wondering where the hell he went.
The game points you toward the Valley of the Snake. It's a jagged, dry region in Phokis that feels appropriately ominous. Don't bother looking for him in the town centers or near the crowded temples. He’s hiding. He knows you're coming because, well, you’re a legendary misthios and he’s not an idiot.
The Decoy Strategy
Here’s the thing that trips people up: the Elpenor you find at the Temple of Apollo isn't the end of the quest. You'll likely encounter his guards first. The game uses a classic bait-and-switch. You might find a "fake" Elpenor or just his lackeys while the man himself is tucked away in the Snake Temple.
It’s located in the Grand Mount Parnassos area. Look for a cave entrance surrounded by cultists. If you see guys in dark robes and weird masks, you’re in the right place. Pro tip: use Ikaros. Seriously. Don't just run in. Tag everyone. There are more guards tucked into the shadows of that ravine than you’d expect for a "simple" assassination.
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Taking Down the Snake
When you finally corner Elpenor in the Snake Temple, it isn't a massive boss fight like the Medusa or the Minotaur encounters you'll hit later. It’s more of a narrative execution. But he’s got guards, and if you’re playing on Nightmare difficulty, they will absolutely wreck your day if you get surrounded.
I usually prefer the stealth approach here.
- Crouch in the tall grass (very thematic for Snake in the Grass AC Odyssey, right?)
- Whistle to draw out the peripheral guards.
- Hide the bodies. If a guard sees a corpse, the whole camp goes into high alert and Elpenor might make things difficult.
- Once he's isolated, a well-placed Hero Strike or a Critical Assassination usually does the trick.
The Loot is the Real Prize
Once Elpenor is dead, the quest doesn't just end with a "Quest Complete" banner. You have to loot him. This is mandatory. You get his robes and a mysterious triangular shard.
This shard is the most important item you've picked up so far. It triggers the next phase of the game where you infiltrate the Cult of Kosmos meeting. Without Elpenor's gear, you can't get through the door. It’s your golden ticket into the underworld of Greek politics.
Why This Quest Changes Everything
Until this point in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, you're mostly dealing with local problems. You're helping Markos with his debts or dealing with a crooked general. Snake in the Grass AC Odyssey elevates the stakes. It introduces the idea that there is a "shadow government" controlling the Peloponnesian War from both sides.
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Elpenor’s betrayal is personal, but it’s also systemic. He represents the Cult's philosophy: chaos is profitable. By killing him, you aren't just getting revenge for a bad contract. You're declaring war on an organization that has deep roots in every city-state you’re about to visit.
The Cultist Menu Unlocks
Shortly after finishing this, you'll get access to the "Cultists" tab in your menu. This is arguably the best part of the game. It turns the open world into a giant game of Guess Who? You’ll be hunting sages and henchmen across the Aegean, and it all started because Elpenor thought he could outsmart a Spartan.
Common Mistakes During Snake in the Grass
- Ignoring the Letter: When you find Elpenor’s house or his person, read the notes. They provide huge context for why he wanted your parents dead. It’s not just random cruelty; it’s about the prophecy you heard at Delphi.
- Underestimating the Poison: Some of the guards in this area use poison-tipped weapons. If your health bar starts turning green, back off. Use the "Second Wind" ability immediately. Poison in AC Odyssey doesn't just tick away health; it lowers your armor and damage output. It’s a debuff nightmare.
- Forgetting to Explore the Cave: The Snake Temple cave has some decent chests. Don't just kill Elpenor and fast-travel out. Grab the drachmae and the gear. Early game resources are scarce, and you'll need the leather and iron for your ship upgrades later.
The Narrative Weight of Phokis
Phokis is one of my favorite regions because of its verticality. You have these massive mountains and deep ravines. It feels claustrophobic and expansive at the same time. The Snake in the Grass AC Odyssey quest uses this geography perfectly. You feel like you're hunting a literal snake through the rocks.
Interestingly, the historical Elpenor wasn't a cult leader—he was a character in the Odyssey who died by falling off a roof. Ubisoft likes these little nods. It's a way of saying that in this version of history, the "fall" is much more literal and much more violent.
Technical Tips for Perfectionists
If you want the "cleanest" run of this quest, focus on your Assassin damage. At this stage of the game, you probably haven't specialized deeply into a build yet. However, putting points into the "Shadow Assassin" and "Critical Assassination" skills makes this quest significantly smoother.
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If you can't one-shot Elpenor with a stealth kill, you'll end up in a brawl. While Kassandra (or Alexios) is a beast in a fight, getting mobbed by four cultist guards while trying to dodge Elpenor’s attacks is messy.
Also, check your level. If you're under level 12, Phokis can be a bit prickly. The level scaling usually keeps things manageable, but if you've ignored side quests, you might find the guards hitting a bit harder than you're ready for.
Actionable Steps for Your Playthrough
To get the most out of your encounter with the "Snake," follow this specific progression:
- Complete "The Serpent's Lair" immediately after: Don't go off and do twenty side quests once Elpenor is dead. The narrative flow is much better if you go straight to the cult meeting while the adrenaline is still high.
- Upgrade your Spear: Taking Elpenor's fragment to the Forge (later on) is the only way to get stronger. View this quest as the first step in a long-term gear grind.
- Check the Message Board: In Phokis, there are often contracts to kill "Cultist Forces." Pick these up before heading to the Snake Temple. You’ll get extra gold and XP for kills you were going to make anyway.
- Keep the Cultist Robes: You’ll need them for the disguise, but even afterward, they’re a unique set of gear for that level.
Finish the job, take the shard, and get ready for the meeting under the temple. The real game is only just beginning.