The Serpent's Lair — Assassin's Creed Odyssey Walkthrough

The Serpent's Lair

Welcome, Misthios! "The Serpent's Lair" is a pivotal quest in your journey through Ancient Greece, as it directly introduces you to the shadowy Cult of Kosmos and sets you on the path to dismantling their insidious network. This quest serves as your initiation into the core mechanic of hunting down and eliminating cultists, requiring keen observation, strategic stealth, and decisive action.

Quest Overview

Your primary objective in "The Serpent's Lair" is to identify and eliminate your very first Cultist of Kosmos. This isn't a direct confrontation from the start; instead, you'll need to gather crucial clues and follow leads to unmask your target. Stealth is not just recommended, it's often the most efficient and safest approach, especially when dealing with cultists who are frequently surrounded by guards or other cult members. Always utilize Ikaros to scout ahead, mark enemies, and identify potential points of interest or hidden pathways.

Walkthrough: Unmasking Elpenor

The quest begins after your fateful encounter with Elpenor in Megaris, where he reveals his true colors and involvement with the Cult. Your immediate task is to track him down and uncover his secrets.

1. Return to Phokis: Your first step is to travel back to Phokis, specifically to the region of the Grand Mount Parnassos. Elpenor's villa is located in the northern part of this region, nestled in the mountains.
2. Infiltrate Elpenor's Hideout:
   • Location: Elpenor's Hideout is a fortified villa, typically guarded by several soldiers and sometimes even a few elite enemies.
   • Approach: Use Ikaros to survey the area. Identify patrol routes, guard positions, and potential entry points. The villa often has multiple entrances, including unguarded sections of the wall or elevated positions that allow for stealthy entry.
   • Stealth is Key: Engaging all guards head-on can be challenging, especially early in the game. Prioritize stealth takedowns (Assassinate ability) on isolated enemies. Use bushes and cover to your advantage.
   • Objective: Your goal inside the hideout is to find clues related to Elpenor and the Cult. These clues are usually marked with a glowing objective icon.
   • Clue Locations:
     • Letter on a Table: Often found in the main building or a prominent tent.
     • Chest with Documents: Look for a chest containing incriminating papers.
     • Interacting with Objects: Sometimes, simply interacting with a specific item (like a scroll or a map) will yield a clue.
   • What you'll find: The clues will reveal that Elpenor has been using a double, and the real Elpenor has fled, leaving behind a trail that leads to the Snake Temple.
3. Travel to the Snake Temple:
   • Location: The Snake Temple is also in Phokis, located in the Valley of the Snake, southwest of Elpenor's Hideout.
   • Temple Layout: This is a significant cultist stronghold, heavily guarded. Expect a higher concentration of elite enemies, including Brutes and Shieldbearers.
   • Recommended Strategy:
     • Scout with Ikaros: Identify the main cultist target and all surrounding guards.
     • Prioritize Ranged: Archers on elevated platforms can be a nuisance. Take them out with your bow from a distance.
     • Stealth Takedowns: Work your way through the temple, using bushes and pillars for cover. Focus on isolating and assassinating enemies.
     • Environmental Hazards: Look for braziers or oil jars that can be shot to create explosions and eliminate groups of enemies.
     • The Cultist: The cultist you encounter here is not the real Elpenor, but his body double. However, eliminating him is a crucial step. He will be marked with a unique Cultist icon.
   • Looting the Body: After defeating the body double, loot his body. This will provide the final clue needed to reveal the true identity of the first Cultist of Kosmos: Elpenor himself!

Identifying Your First Cultist: Elpenor

Once you've gathered all the clues, the Cultist menu will update, revealing Elpenor as the first member of the Eyes of Kosmos branch. His identity will be fully unmasked, allowing you to track him directly.

Common Pitfalls & Tips:

• Don't Rush: This quest encourages a methodical approach. Rushing into combat, especially at the Snake Temple, can quickly lead to being overwhelmed.
• Upgrade Your Gear: Before tackling the Snake Temple, ensure your weapons and armor are up to par. Focus on upgrading your primary weapon and a few key armor pieces.
• Ability Focus:
  • Rush Assassinate: Invaluable for quickly closing distances and taking down multiple enemies.
  • Hero Strike: Excellent for dealing massive damage to a single, tough enemy.
  • Second Wind: Essential for healing during combat.
• Use Fire/Poison: If you have abilities or weapons that apply fire or poison, they can be highly effective against tougher enemies, as they deal damage over time.
• Check for Mercenaries: Be aware that during your infiltration, a mercenary might be drawn to the area if you cause too much commotion. If one appears, prioritize taking them out or fleeing to reset their pursuit.

Rewards for "The Serpent's Lair"

Completing this quest marks a significant milestone in your journey. While the immediate rewards might not be legendary gear, the true reward is the unlocking of the Cultist system, which will be a core part of your gameplay experience for the rest of Odyssey.

With Elpenor unmasked, your hunt for the Cult of Kosmos truly begins. Prepare for a long and dangerous journey, Misthios!