Learn how to conquer the Altar of Ruin Stronghold in Diablo IV's Kehjistan. This guide covers finding the stronghold, defeating its elites, and taking down Cardinal Maldul.
Alright, let's get this Altar of Ruin Stronghold in Kehjistan sorted out. It's tucked away up in the northeastern part of the zone, kinda hugged by the Amber Sands. You'll see three ways in from the outside – northwest, southwest, and southwest again. Don't sweat the choice too much, they all funnel you into some caves on the southwest side. That's your real entry point, because the other way is blocked by a gate. Head into those caverns and get ready to sneak in from the west.
First things first, you'll squeeze through a tight spot and have to nudge some rubble out of the way. Once you're in, clear out any enemies you see. Then, slide down a slope heading northwest. Your first real target here is an Elite chilling out, performing a ritual. Take 'em down to snag the Ritual Chamber Keystone. After that, your objective will update to 'Find the Keystones'.
- 1Once you've infiltrated the Stronghold, slide down the slope to the northwest.
- 2Defeat the Elite performing the ritual to get the Ritual Chamber Keystone.
- 3Your objective will update to Find the Keystones.
- 4Now, you need to find the three named Elites who are holding the Keystones. They're scattered around this pretty compact Stronghold.
- 5You've already met one: Mayze Boltrend, who hangs out on the western edge. She's got the Shock Lance, Chilling Wind, and Vampiric mods.
- 6Next up is Heinrik Taintspur, chilling in the north-central part of the Stronghold, near the doors leading north. He's sporting the Plaugebearer, Waller, and Vampiric mods.
- 7The last one is Sephuz Boltrend, likely related to Mayze. This cultist is doing their own ritual in the southeastern corner. They've got the Shocklance, Fire Enchanted, and Mortar mods.
- 8Each of these three cultists will drop a Keystone when you defeat them. Grab all three!
- 9Heads up: As soon as you grab the third Keystone, expect some Khazra to drop in from the sky for an ambush. Fight them off.
- 10After dealing with the aerial assault, head back to where you found Heinrik Taintspur in the north-central area. You'll find a Ritual Chamber Lock there. Pop all three Keystones into it, and it'll open up.
- 11Go through the newly opened door and head north to the Ritual Site. This is where you'll face the Stronghold's boss, Cardinal Maldul.
- 12Boss Fight - Cardinal Maldul:
- 13Maldul's first move is to shield himself and summon some buddies to keep you busy. Stay clear of the summoning circle he creates – it hurts!
- 14He'll summon The Annihilator, a Fallen Shaman with its own Fallen crew. It has the Mortar mod.
- 15He also summons The Unholy, an Oppressor, along with two unnamed buddies. The Unholy has the Poison Enchanted mod.
- 16Clear out these adds first.
- 17Once the minions are dealt with, Cardinal Maldul will finally fight you directly. You'll quickly see why he relied on help.
- 18His main attacks are pretty basic:
- 19Triple Fire Bolt: He'll swing his staff and shoot three fire bolts in a fan. He might do this twice. The staff swings themselves can also hurt if you're too close. Honestly, these aren't strong enough to worry too much about dodging; you can probably just trade hits.
- 20Triune Sigil: He'll draw a sigil on the ground. There are a few kinds, but they all damage you if you stand on them, so just don't.
- 21Summon Allies: One of his sigil attacks (a triangle inside a circle) will summon some Khazra. Remind these goatmen they're just cannon fodder and then get back to hitting Maldul.
- 22Once you swat aside Cardinal Maldul, the Stronghold is yours!
- 23Don't forget the final step: interact with the Wanderer's Shrine to officially conquer the Altar of Ruin.
- Upon conquering the Altar of Ruin, you'll earn 120 Renown (100 for the Stronghold itself, and 20 for activating the Altar of Ruin Waypoint, which happens automatically).
- You'll also find an Altar of Lilith on the eastern end of the Stronghold.
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