Closing dimensional rifts across the nine realms is one of the most vital favor favors in God of War Ragnarok. Known as Hel-Tears, these realm tears spawn hostile enemies from Helheim that players must defend Atreus against while he works to seal them. Completing this Favor, titled Hel to Pay, grants essential crafting resources and takes players closer to reaching total realm completion.
Understanding the Hel-Tears Favor Mechanics
Hel-Tears become active during main story progression after realm tears begin appearing in various locations across the map. When interacting with a tear, waves of undead foes emerge to disrupt Atreus as he performs the sealing ritual.
Kratos must protect his companion from incoming waves until the timer completes and the tear is sealed permanently. Managing crowd control and utilizing area-of-effect elemental attacks ensures Atreus remains uninterrupted during the process.
Locations of Hel-Tears Across the Realms
Players will encounter a total of six Hel-Tears during their adventure across the nine realms. The first two tears are encountered naturally as part of the main story progression in Helheim and Sindri's House area.
The remaining four tears can be located across Alfheim, Midgard, Vanaheim, and Svartalfheim during free exploration. Locating each rift requires checking key regional landmarks and utilizing mystic gateways for fast travel.
Rewards for Sealing Every Hel-Tear
Successfully closing each Hel-Tear rewards players with valuable experience points for both Kratos and Atreus. Additionally, players receive frozen sparks, which are crucial crafting components used to forge a complete Frozen Flame for Leviathan Axe upgrades.
Clearing all tears also rewards players with unique armor attachments, heavy hacksilver payments, and rare realm dust resources. Accumulating these materials significantly enhances your combat stats before tackling endgame bosses.
Best Combat Strategies for Hel-Tear Waves
Preparing the right runic attacks and armor builds makes defending Atreus far more manageable against high-level Hel-walkers. Equipping weapons with fast knockback properties allows you to clear enemies away from Atreus quickly.
Prioritizing ranged attackers and disruptors prevents surprise hits on Atreus while he works on the rift. Remaining vigilant near the rift guarantees a smooth defense until the tear closes completely.
