Strongholds in Diablo 4 are fascinating subregions overtaken by enemy forces. They function as a combination of overworld dungeons and side quests. By completing the objectives within these Strongholds, players can clear the area and turn it into a safe zone. Alongside this, some dungeons can only be accessed once the nearby Stronghold has been conquered, providing extra incentive for players to take on these challenges. Moreover, each conquered Stronghold rewards players with 100 points of Renown. In this article, we will guide you through the conquest of “The Ruins of Qara-Yisu”, a Stronghold located in the Dry Steppes region.
Uncovering The Ruins of Qara-Yisu Stronghold
To find the Ruins of Qara-Yisu, head southeast from Nevesk in the Desolate Highlands (Fractured Peaks) towards The Pallid Glade. From there, continue south and west until you reach The Accursed Wastes (Dry Steppes). The Accursed Wastes surrounds the Qara-Yisu subregion, and you can enter it from the north, west, or south.
Destroying the Infernal Spires
Upon entering Qara-Yisu, take note of the locals’ condition before being prompted to explore a search area. Make your way towards the center, crossing the bridges that connect the shattered sections of elevated land. Within moments, the voice of “The Voice Below” will begin taunting you. Shortly after, the main objective of this Stronghold will commence – finding and destroying three Infernal Spires.
These Infernal Spires are marked by skulls on your map. One can be found to the northwest, another to the south, and the third to the northeast. Each Infernal Spire is guarded by a cursed Yisuni enemy, who is an elite adversary with various abilities. When you defeat the cursed Yisuni guarding the first Infernal Spire, focus your attention on the nearby spire itself. Don’t underestimate the challenge, as another elite demon will emerge to attack you once the spire’s health drops below half.
Once you’ve dealt with the first Infernal Spire, seek out the remaining two and repeat the process. Each time, you’ll face an elite cursed Yisuni guarding the spire and an elite Oppressor who makes a final stand when the spire is damaged. When all three Infernal Spires have been destroyed, it’s time to confront “The Voice Below.”
Defeating Utulku, The Voice Below
“The Voice Below” lurks along the northern edge of the Stronghold. Fight through the minions conjured by Utulku to delay your progress and cross the bridge leading to the boss arena. Here, you’ll encounter Utulku, a fallen shaman and the voice behind the chaos. Before focusing on Utulku, deal with the Cursed Yisumi he summons to aid him.
As a boss, Utulku is surprisingly straightforward and relatively weak. He possesses only three attacks:
- Triple Blood Star: Utulku shoots three projectiles in a fan formation. These projectiles are not particularly fast or homing, making them somewhat avoidable. However, melee characters should be cautious, as multiple hits can quickly deplete health.
- Lightning Storm: Several reticles appear on the ground, followed by lightning striking the marked locations. As long as you avoid standing in the remnants of the lightning, damage can be mitigated.
- Summon Bilefiend: Utulku calls forth a group of Bilefiends to distract and harass you. While not overly dangerous, they can disrupt your focus. Utulku will summon them more frequently as the fight progresses.
Keep moving and quickly eliminate Utulku’s Bilefiends to simplify the battle. With proper strategy, Utulku should not pose significant challenges. Once defeated, head southwest to find the Wanderer’s Shrine. Interact with it to complete the Stronghold, earning 120 Renown (100 for conquering the Stronghold and 20 for unlocking the Ruins of Qara-Yisu Waypoint). After a fade-to-black transition, the Stronghold will be populated by a blacksmith, armor and weapons vendors, a healer, and a stablemaster. You’ll also gain access to the nearby Shifting City dungeon.
Conquer The Ruins of Qara-Yisu in Diablo 4 and earn renown while uncovering the secrets of this captivating Stronghold. Good luck on your adventure!
