TL;DR
- War Totems are unmarked God of War Easter eggs scattered across the map
- Each totem requires specific navigation skills and combat preparation
- Collecting all three unlocks special cosmetic rewards for Aloy
- Optimal collection strategy involves mid-to-late game progression
- Environmental clues and machine behavior provide essential location hints
Within the expansive landscapes of Horizon Forbidden West lie three carefully hidden collectibles that pay homage to Sony Santa Monica’s acclaimed God of War franchise—this comprehensive guide reveals their exact positions and acquisition methods.
Major PlayStation exclusive titles frequently incorporate subtle nods to one another, creating an interconnected gaming universe that rewards observant players with memorable Easter eggs. Horizon Forbidden West continues this tradition following Ghost of Tsushima’s inclusion of Horizon-themed armor within its Iki Island expansion. These particular PlayStation collectibles represent some of the most challenging to locate in the entire game, specifically referencing both God of War (2018) and its sequel God of War: Ragnarok through meticulously placed artifacts.
Although catalogued as War Totems within your Collectibles section of the Notebook interface, they remain completely unassociated with any quest markers or waypoints. Discovery relies entirely on thorough exploration of specific map regions, where environmental storytelling and visual cues gradually hint at their presence. Acquisition often proves demanding, as these collectibles typically reside in areas heavily patrolled by hostile machines that will aggressively defend their territory before permitting access to nearby War Totems. Below you’ll find detailed navigation instructions for all three War Totems, strategic approaches for locating them, and threat assessments for each encounter zone.
The Totems of Brotherhood feature detailed carvings representing the iconic dwarf blacksmiths Brok and Sindri from the God of War series.
Locate the initial set of God of War totems positioned at the southern map boundary below Plainsong, proximate to the coordinates utilized for tracking Sylens during primary narrative progression. Upon reaching this region, you’ll encounter a substantial body of water populated by formidable machines, making this an ideal location to revisit after substantial character development and equipment upgrades.
A small island within this lake serves as the hiding place for the Totems of Brotherhood; scan the shoreline directly north for a deceased Widemaw carcass.
The Totems of Brotherhood are images of the Dwarf blacksmiths, Brok and Sindri.
While traversing the lake approach route, observe a compact island that simultaneously functions as a Glinthawk nesting ground, serving as reliable confirmation you’ve identified the correct area. Examine the beach for a fallen Widemaw with a blacksmith’s hammer protruding from its facial region. Aloy will provide contextual commentary about the hammer, and interactive examination yields additional narrative details, ultimately directing you toward the small island destination.
The small island in this lake is where you’ll find the Totems of Brotherhood; look for a dead Widemaw on the beach just north of it.
The totems rest securely within a stone formation, though their placement exhibits strangely advanced technological characteristics.
The totems are nestled inside a rocky outcropping, but their spot has a weirdly technological feel.
Navigate upward through snow-covered peaks to discover the totem crafted in the recognizable visage of Kratos.
The second totem demands significant vertical traversal, suggesting pursuit during later gameplay stages when mobility enhancements and climbing capabilities have been substantially upgraded. Target the region southwest of The Bulwark, where a frozen mountain stream descends the slope forming a distinctive waterfall. This location coincidentally serves as a Sunwing habitat, and these aerial machines will respond aggressively to your intrusion.
Make your way up into the snowy mountains to find the totem fashioned in the likeness of Kratos.
Search for the waterfall along the western mountain flank where The Bulwark is situated. You’re pursuing a snow-covered cabin to locate the Totem of War.
Look for the waterfall on the western side of the mountains where you’ll find The Bulwark. You’re hunting for a snowy cabin to find the Totem of War.
Identify a wooden structure adjacent to the river, focusing particularly on the overhanging section to the left.
You’re looking for a wooden cabin near the river, and the overhang on the left side.
The Totem of War positions itself beside the cabin on the left side, partially submerged beneath snow accumulation.
The Totem of War is beside the cabin on the left, half-buried in snow.
The totem designed to resemble Atreus positions itself near the westernmost boundary of the Horizon Forbidden West map.
The totem fashioned to look like Atreus almost at the west-most edge of the Horizon Forbidden West map.
Seek deteriorating school buses along the roadway adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge to pinpoint the Totem of Youth.
Look for rusting school buses on the road near the Golden Gate Bridge to find the Totem of Youth.
The Totem of Youth aligns precisely with the pathway indicated on your navigation interface, positioned atop a collapsed bridge spanning an ancient roadway.
The Totem of Youth is right along the path marked on your map, on top of a destroyed bridge going over an old road.” />
Successfully acquiring all three War Totems provides the opportunity to equip Aloy with distinctive Ghost of Sparta-inspired appearance options.
Finding all three Totems of War gives you the chance to give Aloy a bit of a Ghost of Sparta look.
Completing the War Totem collection unlocks exclusive cosmetic items that transform Aloy’s appearance, drawing direct inspiration from Kratos’ iconic visual design in the God of War series. The Ghost of Sparta aesthetic incorporates distinctive facial markings and armor elements that longtime PlayStation fans will immediately recognize.
Strategic Collection Approach: Prioritize the Totems of Brotherhood during early-mid game, followed by the Totem of War once climbing enhancements are obtained, and conclude with the Totem of Youth as you approach endgame content. This progression ensures optimal character capability matches each location’s environmental challenges.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Many players underestimate the machine density around totem locations—always approach with stealth tactics and environmental awareness. The Sunwing site near the Totem of War particularly demands careful planning; consider using override techniques or distraction methods to safely navigate these aerial threats.
Expert Navigation Techniques: Utilize Focus pulses frequently to identify machine patrol routes and environmental clues. The dead Widemaw with the hammer provides the most obvious hint, but other subtler indicators include unusual rock formations, abandoned structures, and concentrated machine activity patterns.
Action Checklist
- Upgrade climbing gear and acquire Sunwing override before attempting mountain totems
- Approach lake area south of Plainsong for Brotherhood Totems
- Use Focus to scan for machine patrol patterns around each location
- Examine environmental clues like dead Widemaw and school buses
- Collect all three totems to unlock Ghost of Sparta cosmetic items
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Horizon Forbidden West War Totem Guide: How To Find The God Of War Collectibles Complete guide to finding all three God of War War Totems in Horizon Forbidden West with expert strategies