Hidden across the frozen reaches of Fractured Peaks lie Strongholds filled with danger, dark lore, and powerful rewards. Each one challenges your skill and reshapes the region once conquered – if you can survive what waits within.
In Diablo 4, there are a total of three Strongholds scattered around the game’s first area, Fractured Peaks: Malnok, Kor Dragan, and Nostrava. Each of these Strongholds have their own storyline along with different enemies to defeat. After finishing the Stronghold event, you’ll gain access to a new public space, which can include things like vendors, a Waypoint, or even some side quests. Continue reading to find out what Strongholds are and where to find them in the Fractured Peaks region.
Each of the three Strongholds in Fractured Peaks also has an Altar of Lilith, which will provide you with a stat boost and some renown.
You can see the locations of Malnok, Kor Dragan, and Nostrava on the map below, or click through to our full interactive map.
Malnok Stronghold
Malnok Stronghold is located in the snowy eastern region of Fractured Peaks, near the shores of the Frozen Lake. This stronghold is overrun by frost-touched enemies and a powerful Ice Clan leader who controls the storm surrounding the area. Clearing Malnok will calm the blizzard, open up new vendors, and transform it into a safe settlement for travelers exploring the frozen wilderness.
Malnok is located to the east of Kyovashad, the city at the center of Fractured Peaks.
- Proceed to the center of Malnok to find the source of the storm.
- Defeat all of the Ice Clan Stormcallers which are indicated on the map by a skull icon.
- Return to the center of Malnok, and defeat the remaining Ice Clan members.
- Slay Frosthorn, Ice Clan Champion.
- Light the Wanderer’s Shrine which is indicated on the map by a diamond icon to turn the Stronghold into a public space.
Kor Dragan Stronghold
Kor Dragan Stronghold is located in the northern Fractured Peaks and stands as one of the most challenging areas in the region. This corrupted fortress is overrun by vampiric forces, demanding careful preparation before entering. Clearing the stronghold requires defeating powerful enemies and purging the source of corruption at its core. Once secured, it transforms into a safe area with new vendors and access points, offering valuable rewards for those who conquer it.
The Kor Dragan Stronghold is located above Menestad in the northern section of the Fractured Peaks.
- Enter Kor Dragan from the southwestern entrance.
- Purge the vampiric corruption, large red orbs, by first destroying the smaller orbs that branch off. Follow the branches to find the lesser vampiric corruption and get rid of them, allowing you to attack the original. Be aware that the larger balls will unleash a boss for you to defeat.
- Destroy the Vampiric Aberration which be found in the northern area of the Stronghold.
- Enter the archives to face off against Nilcar, the Forgotten Bishop.
- Light the Wanderer’s Shrine indicated on the map by a diamond to open up the Stronghold.
Nostrava Stronghold
Nostrava Stronghold lies in the western part of Fractured Peaks, serving as one of the earliest major challenges players encounter. The village has been overrun by a demonic cult, and completing its objectives reveals the tragic fate of its inhabitants. Clearing the area restores it as a functional settlement, opening new vendors and access points for exploration throughout the region.
The Nostrava Stronghold can be found to the west of Kyovashad.
- Make your way to the chapel in Nostrava and speak with Priestess inside.
- Defeat the crazy villagers that attack you.
- Travel to a nearby home in the village, and destroy the Demonic Effigies found inside. There are five total Demonic Effigies with one being in each home.
- Return to the chapel to face off against Negala, Torvala, and Kozira.
- Rekindle the Wanderer’s Shrine.
How to complete Malnok Stronghold step by step
Malnok Stronghold in Diablo 4’s Fractured Peaks is cleared by following a sequence of objectives amid ice-based enemies.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Enter from the north (east of Kyovashad via Frigid Expanse) to start “Search for the source of the storm.” Head left, cross the broken bridge using ropes, fight Ice Clan mobs, and destroy the iced-over Soul Shot statue downhill.
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Complete “Slay the Ice Clan Stormcallers” by defeating three (white skull icons on map), each guarded by a Ritual Guardian:
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First (west/southwest): Kill Coldaxe, then the Stormcaller.
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Second (southeast): Drop down bridge, climb up, kill Winterspear, then Stormcaller.
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Third (northeast/north): Fight through mobs, kill Rimescar amid adds, then Stormcaller.
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Return to Malnok’s center (now blizzard-free). Clear remaining Ice Clan to make Frosthorn, Ice Clan Champion, vulnerable.
Boss Fight: Frosthorn
Dodge ground ice circles (they follow and explode, faster post-health gates) and axe slams; stay mobile to avoid freezes.
No new mechanics in final phase-just quicker circles.
Final Step
Rekindle the Wanderer’s Shrine (northeast of boss arena) to reclaim the Stronghold, unlocking merchants, Anica’s Claim Dungeon, and 100 Renown.
Enemies scale +2-4 levels above you; prioritize Cold Resistance.
Malnok Stronghold Frosthorn boss fight tips
Frosthorn, the Ice Clan Champion in Diablo 4’s Malnok Stronghold, relies on heavy melee swings, frost orbs that freeze you, and arena-wide ice hazards.
Preparation Tips
Gear up with high Cold Resistance to counter frost damage and frequent freezes.
Include at least one Unstoppable, Immune, or Barrier skill (e.g., Druid’s Trample or Earthen Bulwark) to break out of freezes quickly.
Bring AoE damage for adds and consider party play for bonus XP, as enemies scale 2-4 levels above you.
Attack Dodges
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Side slash: Tank if fortified or use mobility to stay at range; it emits small frost projectiles on swings.
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Jump slam: Watch for the leap telegraph, then dodge behind Frosthorn-it’s safe there and exposes his back for DPS.
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Frost orbs: Constantly circle the arena to evade chasing orbs that explode and freeze; they spawn solo or in patterns, speeding up after health gates.
Fight Strategy
Prioritize kiting and survival solo-attack during jump recovery windows when he’s predictable.
Clear overlaps of orbs, melee, and adds patiently; no phase changes beyond faster orbs.
Post-kill, rekindle the shrine to unlock vendors and dungeons.
