As you take your first gulp of ice cold air in the Northern Wastes, Scythe appears, demanding your presence at Snowspire Village to the north. However, before you begin your perilous journey into the peaks, it’s worth taking a moment to ransack the area for its numerous treasures.
Begin by entering the derelict house nearby and smash up the barrels to pocket a Diamond and Furite Swirl Torso Tattoo—then plod upstairs to retrieve the Resurrection Phial from the chest. Back outside, dig in the grave against the building’s south-east-facing wall to uncover a Silver Key.
Finally, follow the south-eastern path all the way to the end and admire the currently inaccessible 30-Key Silver Key Chest. This little beauty contains the Legendary Longsword The Avenger, plus a bunch of valuable gems—so make a note of it for later. Before you leave the area, fish in the water opposite the chest to reel in an always-useful Elixir of Life.
Return to the shore and climb the large stone steps leading north. At the top, look left and free the Holy Warrior Helm from its chesty resting place nearby. About-face and follow the snowy track as it continues winding northward. Note the short path to the left as you ascend—it leads to a handy Cullis Gate, should you want to return later.
As you reach the peak, brace yourself; there’s a nasty surprise awaiting in the form of a never-before-seen, incredibly powerful Ice Troll. This ancient creature is a little different from its smaller, comparatively cuddlier brethren back on the mainland. Aside from its frosty, imposing demeanour, the Ice Troll has a range of devastating elemental attacks that all Heroes should be wary of. For starters, it’s able to unleash a deadly cascade of ice shards from the earth, racing straight toward their foes. What’s more, the Ice Troll can summon ice crystals directly beneath an opponents‘ feet—making them just as brutal from afar.
Luckily, your old Troll strategies work just as well here. Use Slow Time to give yourself a few precious extra moments to react to the beast’s attacks and unleash a torrent of fully charged Multi Arrows when an opening becomes available. Alternatively, daring Melee combatants can rush in and do some direct damage—but be ready to dodge backward when the Troll begins to pound the ground.
Once you’ve sent your chilly chum packing, press onward into the icy cavern, beyond which the Northern Foothills await.