The Niflheim Realm in God of War (2018) is among the most difficult areas in the game, but it cannot be reached unless all four Cipher pieces are found. It's an optional realm in the game with a randomized labyrinth, but it also has the best armor in the game and the final upgrade for the Levithan Axe.
It also has its currency called Mist Echoes, which gamers must use to unlock the chests and Realm Tears in the middle chamber. Opening all of them will grant you the Darkness and Fog Trophy.
How to get to Niflheim in God of War?
Unfortunately, there is only one way to get to Niflheim in God of War and that is by finding 4 Niflheim Cipher Pieces over the course of the game. However, there are more than four chests that contain these Niflheim Cipher Pieces (a total of 7) but Kratos only needs four to assemble the cipher and get the Niflheim Travel Rune. Yet despite that, it is recommended to visit all 7 chests as they may contain other enchantments that make it worth the trip.
Where to find all the Niflheim Cipher Pieces
1. Ruins of the Ancient
The Ruins of the Ancient are located in the lake's northwest corner. There is a Soul Devourer Ancient here, who is likely the most powerful of the Ancient minibosses. Even then, it's relatively easy to defeat as by now Kratos has probably already defeated a few Ancients. Look for a pillar near the cliff after you defeat the Ancient as the chest next to it contains a Niflheim Cipher Piece.
2. Lookout Tower
This Cipher Chest can be found in the Lookout Tower area, which flanks the Vanamehim Tower, and is only accessible after the Lake of Nine's waters has been lowered a second time. With the axe, hit the orange spinner on the left to lower the row of spikes and clear out any Nightmares that appear. Once you've passed through the spikes, spin the wheel again to reveal a path to a Cipher chest containing a Niflheim Cipher Piece.
3. The Mountain Summit
It's difficult to miss this one because you have to walk right by it during the main story. When you return to the Summit after obtaining Thamur's Chisel, you will pass through the earlier ruins and ultimately arrive at a brand-new shop run by Sindri near the summit. On the summit, near Sindri's shop, you'll find a chest containing a cipher fragment.
4. The Council of Valkyries
Take a glance along the shore just below Alfheim Tower for a Realm Tear glistening along the upper pathway once the waters of the Lake of Nine have dropped twice.
Next to it is a collection of rubble that needs to be blown to smithereens. Head up the left ledge to avoid the rubble and look down to see shattered crystals on the back. Light Arrows can clear a path to a Cipher Chest, which contains one of the Niflheim Language Ciphers.
5 and 6. The Halls of Tyr
There will be a lift down below the Realm Travel Room once you enter Tyr's Hidden Chamber (not Tyr's Vault). This is where two chains hold the room together, one to the right and one to the left, with a path connecting them both. If Kratos follows the right path, he will eventually hit a room with chains he must break and a chest containing another key to the Niflheim Cipher. The second is down the left path, in a room similar to the first.
7. Inside the World Serpent
Possibly the easiest chest to overlook, but this shouldn't be the case because there are two chests hidden among the wreckage inside the Serpent's stomach. One of them contains Mimir's eye, while the other can hold a piece of Niflheim Cipher.
This can be found near some wreckage near the end of where Kratos can row the boat, next to the half-eaten statue of Thor. It’s fine even if one does miss this one as there are other chests around the Shores of Nine to get Niflheim Ciphers although if one does miss it, the chance is gone as Kratos only gets one chance to enter the World Serpent’s stomach.
How to Unlock the Niflheim Realm
Come back to the Bifrost at the top of Tyr's Temple once you've collected all of the pieces to enter the new realm. But be warned: Niflheim is a dangerous realm in which gamers must navigate a maze of trials, puzzles, and enemies against a time limit, including a tough Valkyrie boss. However, the effort is worthwhile because Kratos can obtain one of the best armors in Niflheim as well as the final upgrade for the Leviathan Axe.
FAQs
Q. Where can the Niflheim ciphers in the Lakes of Nine?
A. There are seven locations across where the Niflheim Cipher keys can be found but Kratos only needs to find four of them to unlock the realm and travel rune.
Q. Is it necessary to visit Niflheim to get the Platinum Trophy for God of War?
A. Yes it is as to visit Niflheim, Kratos needs to collect four Niflheim language ciphers which are needed for the Trilingual Trophy (alongside the other Language Ciphers). Plus, visiting the realm and completing certain tasks unlock the Darkness and Fog Trophy which is also necessary for Platinum.
