Primary Location: The Kweiden Region (Snow Mountains)
Key Unlocks: Cold-Weather Gear, Advanced Climbing Tools, Level 2 Axiom Force, White Wolf Mount.
Hazard Warning: The "Freezing" status effect will drain your stamina and health. Avalanches act as environmental hazards on the main trail.
1. Preparing for the Ascent
Before heading into Kweiden from the northern Demeniss border, you must prepare. If you attempt to climb the mountain in standard armor, Kliff will freeze to death within 10 minutes of gameplay.
-
1
Acquire the Bear-Pelt Mantle & Climbing Pitons
Stop at the Border Outpost. Speak to the huntsman, Torald. He will ask for 3x Dire Wolf Pelts. Hunt them in the nearby forest to receive your first cold-weather gear. Important: Buy at least 15x Iron Pitons from his shop. You will need them to rest mid-climb.
-
2
Craft "Spicy Crimson Stew"
Use the campfire near Torald to cook. Combine 1x Boar Meat + 1x Fire Pepper + 1x Spring Water. This stew grants 30 minutes of complete immunity to the Freezing status, giving you a massive advantage during exploration.
Tactical Tip: Best Companion for Kweiden
Leave the heavily armored mercenaries at the camp. Bring Yann (The Archer) with you. His passive ability "Campfire Tales" makes your Freezing immunity buffs last 15 minutes longer, and his Fire Arrows are devastating against the Ice Trolls in the caves.
2. The Avalanche Pass & The Ice Caves
The climb to the Dragon's peak is treacherous. You will need to rely heavily on the climbing mechanics and your stamina management.
-
1
Surviving the Avalanche Zone
As you ascend the "Widow's Trail", the screen will shake. When you hear the deep rumble, an avalanche is coming. Immediately sprint to the large black boulders and press crouch to take cover. If the snow hits you, you will be swept to the bottom of the mountain.
Halfway up the mountain, the main bridge is destroyed. You must navigate the Ice Caves underneath to cross the chasm.
- The Slippery Floor: Running on ice causes Kliff to slide uncontrollably. Use the crouch/stealth button to walk carefully over slick surfaces.
- The Crystal Reflection: You will find a locked door powered by a frozen Abyss Node. Equip a torch and stand near the node to thaw it out. Once thawed, use your Axiom Force to rotate the crystal mirror twice to the right to bounce the light into the door switch.
Inside the caves, you will encounter Ice Trolls. They are completely immune to physical stagger unless you use Fire. Coat your sword in pitch or use Fire Arrows before engaging them, otherwise their heavy swings will break your guard instantly.
📜 Lore Context: The Kweiden Trolls
The Ice Trolls were once enslaved by the ancient Demeniss kings to build the mountain passes. Now completely feral, their bodies have adapted to the freezing temperatures, making their skin as hard as glacial ice. They hoard stolen dwarven weapons.
3. The Kweiden Abyss Rift
Just outside the Ice Caves exit, you will spot the purple glow of an Abyss Rift hidden behind a frozen waterfall. Use a heavy jumping attack to break the ice and enter The Shivering Void.
-
1
The Prism Puzzle
This rift requires you to guide a beam of pure light through three floating ice prisms. Hit the first prism with a light attack to turn it 90 degrees. Hit the second prism with a heavy attack to tilt it upwards. The beam will melt the central pillar, revealing the boss.
-
2
Mini-Boss: The Glacial Knight
A slow but incredibly deadly armored knight. He wields a massive greatsword that creates ice spikes on the ground. Do not parry his overhead slams. Dodge to his right side (your left) and attack his unarmored back. Defeating him yields the Kweiden Abyss Fragment (increases max Stamina by 15%).
4. Chapter Boss: Ancient Frost Dragon
At the summit, you will face one of the most spectacular encounters in the game. This is an aerial and environmental battle that tests your mastery of the Axiom Force.
The Ancient Frost Dragon awaits at the highest peak of Kweiden.
| Phase | Boss Mechanic | Winning Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (Grounded) |
Tail Sweeps & Frost Breath | Stay near its front legs. When it inhales deeply, slide dodge underneath its belly to avoid the Frost Breath. Attack the glowing blue scales on its ankles to stagger it. |
| Phase 2 (Aerial Assault) |
Flight & Ice Barrage | The dragon takes to the sky. Do not use your bow. Wait for it to swoop down, then use your Axiom Force (L2 + R2) to grapple onto the glowing hook-points on its wings. |
| Final Phase (Rodeo) |
Mid-air Struggle | While hanging onto the dragon mid-flight, climb toward its head. You must manage your stamina. When it tries to shake you off, hold the grip button. Once at the head, equip a heavy weapon and strike the horns to ground it permanently. |
Defeating the Ancient Frost Dragon rewards you with the "Heart of Winter". This upgrades your Axiom Force to Level 2, allowing you to grapple onto moving targets and enemies from much further away.
5. Chapter 3 Hidden Collectibles & Loot
Secret Mount: The White Wolf
At the Avalanche Pass, climb the cliff to the right instead of hiding. At the top, you'll find a wounded White Wolf. Give it 3x Boar Meat to tame it. It moves 20% faster on snow.
Glacial Ore Deposits
Hidden behind the frozen waterfall (near the Abyss Rift). Use a pickaxe to mine 5x Glacial Ores, required to craft Tier 3 weapons in Hernand.
The Frostbane Greatsword
After the bridge puzzle in the Ice Caves, drop down onto a hidden ledge below the exit door. This sword deals innate ice damage and slows enemies.
Lost Mercenary's Pack
During the dragon fight, look around the edges of the summit arena. There is a frozen skeleton holding a pack containing 20x Expansion Tools.
6. Chapter 3 Completion
✅ Before Leaving Kweiden...
The descent into the Akapen Desert in Chapter 4 will lock you out of this region for a while. Ensure you have:
Achievement Unlocked
The Sky is Falling: Survive the mid-air struggle and defeat the Ancient Frost Dragon. (30G / Silver)
💬 Community Strategies & Discussion
Did you find a hidden chest? Struggling with a boss? Share your tips and questions with other Pywel mercenaries below!