The Desert Door

Guide to completing The Desert Door favor in God of War Ragnarök, including how to find the keys and defeat the Gravel Belly Drake.

Alright, so you're looking to open up that big ol' Desert Door in The Forbidden Sands of Alfheim? This is a favor called 'The Desert Door,' and you can't even start it until you've finished up the 'Freyr's Gift' favor. Once that's done, you'll be able to find two keys scattered around the area. Head to the southwest part of The Forbidden Sands, and you'll find a crystal circle there – that's your first key. The second key is over to the east, just outside the canyon that leads to The Barrens, also at a crystal circle.

Once you've snagged both keys, just head back to the Desert Door itself, which is up in the northern section of The Forbidden Sands. Now, a heads-up: there will be a few enemies hanging around the door when you get there, so be ready to take them down first. After you open the door, the real fight begins immediately with a boss called the Gravel Belly drake. As soon as that door swings open, you'll want to make a run for it to avoid getting hit by its initial charge.

How to Open the Desert Door and Defeat the Gravel Belly Drake

The Gravel Belly drake is going to come at you hard right out of the gate with a charge attack. If you're not already a good distance away, be ready to dodge. If you're already far enough back, it might start with a ranged attack where it throws scales from its tail. You'll see its tail swipe to one side just before it does this, and your companion will usually give you a heads-up to move. Get familiar with this, as it's a common move.

There's another ranged tail swipe where it spits a glob of yellow gunk. This one's quicker, but you'll see its tail outstretched, giving you just enough time to dodge. Even when the projectile is in the air, you can still dodge it.

Then there's a melee tail swipe if you're too close to its tail. You'll see a yellow circle indicator appear, and the drake will raise its tail. You've got plenty of time to dodge this one if you're watching for the animation.

Gravel Belly Tail Swipe Attacks

Watch out for its tail swipes! It has a few variations:

• Ranged Scale Throw: The drake's tail swipes to the side, then it launches scales. Your companion will usually warn you.
• Yellow Gunk Spit: A quicker ranged attack where it spits a glob of yellow goo. Look for the outstretched tail.
• Melee Tail Swipe: If you're close, it'll raise its tail (indicated by a yellow circle) for a powerful swipe.

Gravel Belly Shockwave Attack

This one's pretty dramatic. The drake rears up on its hind legs and slams down, sending a shockwave your way. You'll usually see a red circle indicator, meaning it can't be blocked. Your best bet is to dodge left or right. If you're quick and have a Runic Attack or a Relic ready, you might be able to interrupt it before it hits.

Gravel Belly Charge Attack

This charge is a bit tricky because the drake pounds its front legs before it goes. The key here is to NOT dodge too early. Wait until it's almost on you before you dodge. If you dodge too soon, it'll change direction and catch you. Listen for your companion shouting