God of War Ragnarok features a massive array of side quests that expand the lore of the Norse realms, and few are as enchanting as the hunt for the seasonal stags. Found exclusively within Vanaheim's mysterious hidden area known as The Crater, these four magical beasts represent the changing seasons. Tracking down each stag requires players to navigate complex environmental puzzles and overcome regional challenges, making it a true test of exploration.
Initiating the Hunt at Sindri's House
Before you can begin gathering the majestic creatures, you must officially kick off the quest line. This favor becomes available after completing the main story event in Vanaheim and interacting with a spectral stag. To make tangible progress, you must head back to Sindri's House and strike the chime to speak with Ratatoskr, who provides the special feed needed to guide the stags back home.
Without this key item in your inventory, finding the creatures will not yield any results. Once equipped with the feed, you can teleport back to the Crater Entrance Mystic Gateway to start your exploration across the three main sub-regions.
Tracking the Stags of Autumn and Winter
The Stag of Autumn is arguably the easiest to locate once you arrive in The Sinkholes. By utilizing the local Mystic Gateway positioned directly at the entrance of this cavernous zone, you can spot the creature standing just a few feet away. If you have not unlocked this fast travel spot yet, sliding down the zipline from the main path will lead you straight into the area.
Meanwhile, the Stag of Winter requires you to venture deep into the frozen remnants of The Plains. This creature is locked behind the progression of a specific local quest line called For Vanaheim, which involves tracking down a dangerous dragon boss. Once you navigate the rocky corridors and open the gated arena, you will locate this seasonal beast resting near the exit path.
Reaching the Spring and Summer Stags
Locating the Stag of Spring requires a trip to the mystical Wishing Well, a hidden sanctuary that connects different parts of the map. You will find this creature resting peacefully inside the primary cave structure where players deposit crystalline shards. The tranquil nature of this cavern makes it one of the safest encounters during your journey.
The Stag of Summer presents the most complex environmental puzzle, as it resides in the southern portion of The Jungle. To reach it, players must first complete the regional favor to flood the dry riverbed, which grants boat access to the southern altars. After changing the time of day from night to day at the Celestial Altar, a massive root bridge will form, allowing you to cross the river and claim your final target.
Claiming Your Legendary Rewards
After using the special feed on all four creatures, the final objective requires a final trip back to the World Tree. Speak with Ratatoskr once more to watch the stags return to their rightful branches and officially conclude the side quest. This effort rewards players with substantial experience points for both Kratos and Freya, alongside valuable crafting components.
Specifically, you will receive a large bundle of Whispering Slabs used for upgrading high-tier armor pieces. Additionally, the unique Rond of Disruption shield attachment is granted, providing an excellent defensive boost for late-game combat challenges.
