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One of the first things you’ll do in Diablo 4 is clear the Icehowl Ruins. This happens before you even begin Act 1, so it’s fairly early in the game. Icehowl Ruins is also the first dungeon, among many, that you will encounter throughout your time in the game. Knowing how to complete it effectively can save you a lot of time and net you some impressive rewards. Keep reading to learn how to complete the Icehowl Ruins in Diablo 4.
Finding Icehowl Ruins in Diablo 4
It shouldn’t take long to find Icehowl Ruins, as it’s relatively easy. One of your first quests in the game’s Prologue, Darkness Within, will take you directly to it. You can find the Icehowl Ruins in the location shown above, directly North of the town where you begin your game, Nevesk. From the town center, head up through the Northwest exit and follow the path up and to the right. You will be there in no time.
The Icehowl Ruins are easy to see when you arrive at the location. As with all other dungeons within Diablo 4, the doorway is lit up with orange light. Additionally, you can see the dungeon marked with a gate icon on your map.
How to Clear Icehowl Ruins
As you make your way inside the dungeon, be sure to leave no stone unturned. Check-in every doorway, every hallway, every dead end. There are not only chests but loads of breakable containers that you can pull loot from to help you through the dungeon. Since this is your first real encounter with enemies, aside from a couple of skeletons here and there, it’s essential to gear up on your way through.
There are several different enemies that you will take on within the Icehowl Ruins dungeon. You will be dealing with basic enemies, elites, and a big boss at the end of the dungeon. Among the enemies you will encounter are Skeletons, Fallen, and Hellions. Be careful when fighting Fallen, though; no matter how many you take out, more will be summoned as long as the Fallen Shaman is still alive. When you see a pack of Fallen coming at you, dash past them and take out the Fallen Shaman first, then defeat the Fallen it summoned so that they aren’t brought back immediately after you kill them.
If the enemies become too much to handle and you fly through your healing potions faster than expected, you can find Healing Wells scattered throughout the dungeon. Most of the time, you can find Healing Wells just before you enter a room with an Elite enemy or a boss, so be wary of that.
When you come across the Fiery Fallen, be sure you have some healing potions saved up beforehand, as this is an Elite enemy. Its ability allows it to use fire attacks against you, which can cause much damage if you’re not careful. Take out the Fiery Fallen by using an element aside from fire; he should be dead in no time.
How to Defeat the Icehowl Ruins Boss
The next step in the Darkness Within quest will take you to the Decapitated Priest and paves the way to the dungeon boss. Interact with the Decapitated Priest to begin the boss fight.
Moments later, X’fal, The Scarred Baron, will appear. X’fal will appear as a giant demon whose primary goal is to end your life. Though, since this is the first boss that you’ve encountered both in the Icehowl Ruins and in Diablo 4, he might succeed.
Be careful as you take on X’fal. He will continuously spawn in Hellions to fight with him whenever he returns to the center of the room and creates a pentagram on the ground. He will do it again each time you remove a quarter of his health. X’fal is a relatively simple boss to take down since he has very obvious tells for every time he’s going to attack. You will be markings on the ground that show where his attack will land, and you can walk or dash out of the way quickly. When you do this, you should begin attacking him from behind while he is focused on his current attack in the area you have already moved out of.
Once you take down X’fal, the Scarred Baron, you will see a rope hanging down from the ceiling near the center of the room. Climb this rope to return to the overworld and complete the Icehowl Ruins dungeon in Diablo 4.
Related:
How to Complete Hoarfrost Demise Dungeon in Diablo 4
This is everything you need to know to complete the Icehowl Ruins dungeon in Diablo 4. Check back in at The Nerd Stash for more awesome guides.