In the chilling expanse of Diablo 4’s Fractured Peaks, players are thrust into a treacherous landscape where icy winds howl and dark secrets lurk in every shadow. As the starting zone of Sanctuary, this frozen realm is not just a backdrop but a formidable character in its own right, presenting players with three challenging Strongholds to conquer, numerous side quests to unravel, and a wealth of lore waiting to be discovered. From the bustling hub of Kyovashad to the haunting whispers of abandoned villages, the Fractured Peaks beckon adventurers to explore its depths and face the sinister forces that threaten its peace. Will you brave the elements and uncover the mysteries that lie within?
All Strongholds – Fractured Peaks
The Fractured Peaks region in Diablo 4 features three distinct Strongholds: Kor Dragan, Nostrava, and Malnok. Each Stronghold presents unique challenges and rewards, contributing to the overall gameplay experience. Kor Dragan, located to the north, is known for its vampire infestation but lacks higher-level enemies, making it accessible for players around levels 20-25. Nostrava, situated in the southwest above Nevesk, also offers a lower difficulty and becomes a vendor hub upon completion. Lastly, Malnok adds variety with its own set of enemies and quests, enriching the exploration of this snowy landscape. Completing these Strongholds not only enhances player renown but also deepens engagement with the game’s lore and environment.
The map above shows the location of the Strongholds in the Fractured Peaks. Below you will find additional information about them and a more detailed location.
Nostrava stronghold
Nostrava Stronghold, located in the western part of the Fractured Peaks, is a pivotal area in Diablo 4 that players encounter early in their journey. This stronghold serves as a battleground against Lilith’s demonic forces, requiring players to defeat formidable enemies, including Negala, Lilith’s Chosen, and her minions. To conquer Nostrava, players must destroy Demonic Effigies scattered throughout the area while navigating through intense combat scenarios filled with various enemy types. Successfully clearing this stronghold not only rewards players with valuable loot and experience but also unlocks a new waypoint and access to essential vendors, making it a crucial milestone for character progression in the game.
- 1 – Nostrava stronghold is west of Kyovashad town. After completing it, you will unlock Waypoints.
- Required experience level: 20
Kor Dragan stronghold
The Kor Dragan Stronghold is a significant challenge located in the northern part of the Fractured Peaks region in Diablo 4. Players can access it by traveling northeast from Menestad or north from Kyovashad. This stronghold is notorious for its vampiric corruption, requiring players to purge the area of these threats to complete the objectives. The primary goal involves defeating three Vampiric Corruptions that protect the Vampiric Incubators, which are critical to progressing through the stronghold. After overcoming these challenges, players will face Nilcar, the Forgotten Bishop, in a climactic battle that tests their skills and strategy. Successfully clearing Kor Dragan rewards players with Renown points and valuable loot, enhancing their character’s power as they navigate the treacherous world of Sanctuary.
- 2 – Kor Dragan stronghold is located in the northern part of the map and has the highest difficulty level among all three available strongholds in the Fractured Peaks.
- Required experience level: 25
Malnok stronghold
Malnok Stronghold is a formidable location within the Fractured Peaks region of Diablo 4, characterized by its icy terrain and the relentless blizzard that engulfs it. This stronghold serves as a bastion of evil, currently occupied by the Ice Clan, and requires players to engage in a series of challenging objectives to liberate it. Players must defeat powerful enemies known as Ice Clan Stormcallers and ultimately confront Frosthorn, the Ice Clan Champion, in an epic battle. Successfully conquering Malnok not only rewards players with 100 Renown but also transforms it into a player-friendly settlement complete with vendors and access to new dungeons, enhancing the overall gameplay experience in this chilling environment.
- 3 – Malnok stronghold is east of Kyovashad. Your task will be to stop the blizzard.
- Required experience level: 20
What are the main challenges in completing the Strongholds in Fractured Peaks
Completing the Strongholds in the Fractured Peaks of Diablo 4 presents several unique challenges that players must navigate:
- Diverse Enemy Types: Each Stronghold is populated by a variety of formidable foes, including vampires, demons, and crazed cannibals. For instance, the Kor Dragan Stronghold is overrun by vampires, requiring players to strategize effectively to eliminate these powerful enemies while managing their own health and resources.
- Environmental Hazards: The Fractured Peaks are characterized by harsh, snowy landscapes that can hinder movement and visibility. Players must be vigilant of environmental dangers as they traverse these treacherous terrains to reach Strongholds.
- Boss Encounters: Each Stronghold culminates in a challenging boss fight, such as the Succubus leading the Cult of Lilith in Nostrava. Defeating these bosses often requires not only individual skill but also teamwork if playing in a group, as they can unleash devastating attacks.
- Unlocking Benefits: Successfully clearing a Stronghold unlocks new Waypoints, merchants, and dungeons, which are crucial for progressing through the game. However, players must first overcome the stronghold’s defenses before reaping these rewards.
- Level Recommendations: Each Stronghold has a recommended level that players should meet to increase their chances of success. For example, Nostrava is recommended for players at level 15+, while Kor Dragan is set for level 30+, indicating the escalating difficulty as players progress through the game.
Navigating these challenges not only tests players’ combat skills but also their ability to adapt to dynamic gameplay situations within the chilling confines of the Fractured Peaks.
What are the best strategies for overcoming the Succubus in Nostrava
To successfully overcome Negala, Lilith’s Chosen, the final boss in the Nostrava Stronghold of Diablo 4, players should employ several effective strategies:
- Utilize Ranged Attacks: Given that Negala and her minions, Torvala and Korzira, excel in ranged attacks, a ranged build is highly recommended. This allows players to maintain distance while dealing damage, making it easier to dodge incoming projectiles.
- Manage the Minions: Once Negala’s health drops to about two-thirds, she will summon her allies. It’s crucial to spread damage evenly among all three succubi early on to prevent overwhelming attacks. If one succubus is defeated, the remaining ones become more aggressive and start summoning lesser demons, complicating the fight.
- Dodge Elemental Bolts: The succubi will fire elemental bolts that track player movements. Players should focus on dodging these projectiles while finding opportunities to counterattack. Staying mobile is key to avoiding damage from their various AOE attacks, including shockwaves and grenades.
- Use Defensive Skills: Equip multiple defensive abilities to mitigate damage from the fast-paced attacks of the succubi. Since they can inflict blindness and other debilitating effects, having a robust defensive strategy is essential for survival.
- Leverage Healing Opportunities: As you damage the succubi, they will occasionally drop health orbs. Make sure to take advantage of these drops to replenish health during the fight, especially when facing multiple enemies simultaneously.
- Apply Damage Over Time Effects: Damage over time effects are particularly effective against the succubi, allowing players to inflict consistent damage while focusing on evasion during their attacks.
By combining these strategies—maintaining distance, managing minions effectively, dodging attacks, utilizing defensive skills, and leveraging healing opportunities—players can increase their chances of defeating Negala and successfully completing the Nostrava Stronghold.
