Diablo 4 Onyx Watchtower Stronghold: How To Clear, Location & Rewards

Now that Diablo 4 has been unleashed onto the world, many players are rushing headfirst into the game to discover its secrets and challenges. As they do, players will encounter Strongholds scattered through the realm of sanctuary; formidable areas that present tough challenges and often require solving puzzles or completing specific tasks to progress. 

The Onyx Watchtower Stronghold, which resides in the Dry Steppes region of Sanctuary is one of the many strongholds in the game, and if you're looking to clear it, then look no further. This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of everything you need to know about the Onyx Watchtower Stronghold in Diablo 4. It will cover strategies for clearing it, its precise location within the game world, and the enticing rewards that await you upon conquering this stronghold.

Diablo 4: Onyx Watchtower Stronghold Location Dry Steppes Region

You can find the Onyx Watchtower in the central region of Dry Steppes, positioned between Khargai Crags to the east and south, as well as Kotama Grasslands to the north and west. The closest settlement and Waypoint to this location is Kel Bardu, which is situated to the north. To reach the Onyx Watchtower from Kel Bardu, follow the main road south through Khargai Crags, then head southwest until you come across the Stronghold.

As per the game's lore, the Onyx Watchtower used to stand as a mighty stronghold of the forces fighting for good. However, it has now fallen under the control of bandits who pose a threat to anyone venturing into the vicinity. 

Expect to engage in combat as soon as you arrive, as battling the bandits is an essential step in initiating the process of clearing the Stronghold. So, let's move on and discuss how to proceed with clearing the area.

Diablo 4: How To Conquer Onyx Watchtower Stronghold

The primary objective in the Onyx Watchtower Stronghold is to overcome the bandits by destroying their structures, defeating their lieutenants, and ultimately confronting their leader. Upon entering the stronghold, you'll notice several markers appearing on your map. The small diamond markers indicate key structures like tents, supply carts, and support beams that need to be destroyed, while the yellow circles mark the locations of the lieutenants.

Since the stronghold is teeming with bandits and you are vastly outnumbered, it is advisable to proceed cautiously, moving from one group of enemies to the next. Utilize area-of-effect (AoE) abilities effectively to maximize your impact. Pay close attention to the Arsonists, as their firebombs produce dense smoke that can hinder your vision significantly. 

To make progress, you must defeat a sufficient number of bandits and demolish a substantial portion of their structures until the progress bar is filled. Once accomplished, shift your focus to locating and eliminating the lieutenants.

There are four lieutenants in total. The first is Thidrek the Beast-Master, who can be found near some cages in the central area. Defeating him will also yield a Storeroom Key that will be useful later on. The second lieutenant, Crocus the Greedy, is located northwest of Thidrek's position. Moving on, you'll find Talida the Lookout near a tower in the northern section. Lastly, there is a cove in the eastern part where enemies will descend from the ceiling.

Eliminate them and use the key obtained earlier to unlock the door leading to the final lieutenant, Hagrin the Quartermaster. After defeating Hagrin, you can proceed to confront Captain Ezmin, the boss of the Onyx Watchtower Stronghold. Captain Ezmin awaits inside the Watchtower to the north. Overcome him to activate the Wanderer's Shrine and claim victory over the Stronghold.

However, defeating Captain Ezmin is not a straightforward task, as he possesses some cunning tricks. Let's delve into the strategies to effectively defeat Captain Ezmin, the boss of the Onyx Watchtower stronghold.

Diablo 4: How To Beat Captain Ezmin In Onyx Watchtower

Although Captain Ezmin is not an excessively challenging opponent, he possesses the ability to frequently go invisible and cannot be targeted for a brief period. It is advantageous to utilize abilities that can stun him, as they provide an opportunity to attack the boss without interruption, such as those employed by the Lightning Beast Druid.

One of Ezmin's common abilities involves dropping several firebombs from above. This attack is indicated by fiery circles forming on the ground, so be sure to avoid them as best you can. Especially since they descend rapidly, causing significant damage and leaving hazardous areas that persist for a few seconds. 

These bombs not only deal high damage but also impair your vision, similar to the smoke caused by the Arsonists encountered throughout the stronghold. As the fight progresses, Ezmin will employ an increasing number of bombs simultaneously, engulfing entire sections of the already confined arena in smoke and flames. To navigate this perilous situation, remain agile and swiftly move to safety.

It appears that Ezmin does not possess any additional unique mechanics, but there will be a constant influx of additional enemies to confront. It is important to periodically clear out these enemies to prevent being overwhelmed, particularly when the boss continues bombarding the arena.

So continue to stay moving when fighting the boss, and avoid his bombs raining down around you, while also staying near him to deal frequent damage as he cools down and charges his attacks. Also, be sure to use stun abilities to knock him out of his invisibility maneuver, and keep him on the battlefield as you write down his health and bring this boss to his knees. 

Upon successfully defeating Ezmin, remember to check outside the boss arena for the Wanderer's Shrine. Interact with the shrine to claim victory over the Onyx Watchtower and solidify your conquest.

Diablo 4: Onyx Watchtower Stronghold Rewards

Now that you've cleared the watchtower, let's discuss the awesome rewards waiting for you after your arduous battles. The first thing granted to all players who clear this stronghold is Renown, and while you'll usually get 100 for clearing a stronghold, this one grants you 120 Renown. 

You'll also unlock access to the Altar of Lilith located in the alcove on the south side of the settlement, and most excitingly, the stronghold will turn into a player-friendly settlement, featuring its NPCs, vendors, and a Waypoint that offers you ease of access when traversing the Dry Steppes. 

Lastly, you'll unlock access to a dungeon that will take the place of where you initially fought Captain Ezmin, so be sure to revisit that area. And of course, you'll earn tons of gold, experience, and rare drops, as well as the slight chance to get some Legendary drops. 

Diablo 4 Onyx Watchtower Stronghold: How To Clear, Location & Rewards FAQ

Where is the Vyeresz Stronghold located in Diablo 4?

Located in the Dry Stepped region, Southeast of Ked Bardu.

How do I clear the Vyeresz Stronghold in Diablo 4?

To clear the Onyx Watchtower, players need to eliminate the bandits and destroy their structures, defeat their lieutenants, and confront the final boss, Captain Ezmin.

What are the rewards for clearing the Vyeresz Stronghold in Diablo 4?

Completing the Onyx Watchtower Stronghold grants you 120 Renown, the stronghold turns into a player-friendly settlement with its own Waypoint, vendors, new Side Quests, and access to a new dungeon. And lastly, you can expect valuable rewards such as rare drops, legendary items, experience points, gold, and higher-level items.

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