The icy landscapes of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown hold a treasure trove of challenges and surprises, and the Guardian of the North is one of the most unforgettable chapters in this journey. As if stepping into a mythical realm forged from cold winds and ancient power, this section brims with puzzles, breathtaking sights, and battles that will leave you gripping your controller tightly. Whether you’re new to the Prince of Persia series or dipping your toes into Metroidvania games for the first time, the Guardian of the North brings layers of excitement—and yes, the occasional challenge. But don’t worry! This Prince of Persia Guardian of the North walkthrough will walk you through every icy crevice and every corner to ensure you’re ready to conquer what lies ahead. Let’s lace up our boots and start this frosty adventure.
Prince of Persia Guardian of the North Walkthrough
The Guardian of the North combines exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving, making it a standout part of the game’s early progression. The brightly lit ice corridors and giant frozen sculptures paint a striking contrast to Sargon’s warm, swift movements, making navigation a gorgeous yet perilous experience. This walkthrough doesn’t just cover the basics—it’ll give you all the tools to smoothly glide through this area, ensuring you don’t miss anything vital.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Entering the Northern Fortress
Your first steps into the Guardian’s icy domain set the stage for the trials ahead. The entrance is imposing, with beautiful—yet intimidating—ice carvings flanking your path.
- Follow the Path of Runes: At the starting point, glowing runes light your path. These guide you towards the fortress gates. Stop to inspect the runes—they offer hints about obstacles you’ll encounter later.
- Unlock the Gate: You’ll find your first puzzle here. Use the levers next to the gate to connect the icy pipes. The goal is to align the runes by rotating the pieces until they form a matching pattern.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about the pattern, ice shards in the environment often mimic the rune’s exact shape—use them to guide you. This is a helpful tip in our Prince of Persia Guardian of the North walkthrough.
- Combat the Ice Spawn: Before entering, a group of enemies emerges from beneath the frost. These creatures move slower than those you’ve encountered so far, but their powerful attacks can freeze you if you’re not quick enough to dodge.
Step 2: The Icebound Corridors
After crossing into the fortress, the first large area is a series of winding corridors filled with environmental puzzles and hidden dangers.
- Watch for Slippery Floors: Certain paths are coated with ice and will make your character slide. Slow your momentum by jumping or timing your stops carefully.
- Break the Ice Barriers: A few sections are blocked by thick ice walls. Use nearby fire torches to melt them. Hold the torch near the ice for a few seconds to clear your path.
- Activate the Frozen Bridges: Midway into the corridors, you’ll encounter a room with suspended frozen bridges. Use your grappling ability to pull hanging objects, lowering the bridges so you can cross.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for collectibles. A hidden health upgrade can be found to the left of the largest frozen bridge by breaking the wall marked with faint cracks.
Step 3: Face the Guardian of the North
The true test of this section, covered in our Prince of Persia Guardian of the North walkthrough, comes as you finally stand before the Guardian of the North, a colossal ice elemental and one of the early bosses in the game.
- Phase One: Observe the Guardian’s Movements: The Guardian’s initial attacks are slow but devastating. Use rolls and wall jumps to avoid its wide, sweeping strikes.
- Phase Two: Target Its Core: When the Guardian slams its fists into the ground, it momentarily exposes its glowing core. Dash in to deliver heavy attacks before retreating to avoid its freezing shockwave.
- Phase Three: Environmental Interactions: The Guardian will create falling icicles around the arena. Stand beneath hanging icicles when it charges so they crash down on its vulnerable core, dealing heavy damage.
Pro Tip: There’s a secret mechanic in this battle: hit the fire braziers scattered in the arena to throw molten embers at the Guardian, temporarily stunning it!
Once defeated, Sargon will receive a unique rune that enhances his traversal abilities, allowing him to break walls of ice and access new areas in the game.
Tips and Tricks for the Prologue
- Look for environment clues: The game often gives subtle cues—like cracks on walls or glowing symbols—which can guide you to secrets or critical areas.
- Master the dodge-roll: Freezing enemies often have area-of-effect attacks. Timing your dodges ensures you stay mobile and avoid freezing hazards.
- Experiment with upgrades early: The rune reward for defeating the Guardian is invaluable. Use it to backtrack and uncover hidden paths from earlier sections of the game.
- Keep your torches handy: Fire solves many puzzles throughout the fortress, so don’t drop your torch unless absolutely necessary.
These tips will help you navigate the Prince of Persia Guardian of the North walkthrough successfully.
Closing Up
The Guardian of the North is where Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown truly starts to shine. From the icy corridors brimming with clever environmental puzzles to the adrenaline-pumping boss fight, it captures everything great about this game. This section doesn’t just challenge you—it rewards curiosity and persistence, leaving you with a sense of awe and excitement for what’s next. We loved every moment of exploring this frozen fortress. Sure, there were a few slips and stumbles (those icy floors can be tricky), but overcoming each challenge felt like a triumph. If you’re new to the game, just remember: stay patient, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy every snow-dusted detail. You’ve only scratched the surface of what this game has to offer! This concludes our Prince of Persia Guardian of the North walkthrough.
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FAQs
1. What do I gain after defeating the Guardian of the North?
Defeating the Guardian rewards you with a rune that grants new traversal abilities, allowing you to break through ice barriers and open secret paths.
2. How do I reset the puzzle at the fortress gate?
If you make a mistake or get stuck, step away from the levers for a few moments. The puzzle will reset so you can start over.
3. Are there collectibles in the Icebound Corridors?
Yes! Keep an eye out for faint cracks on walls and unlit torches—they often hide health upgrades or lore items that enrich the story.
4. Can I revisit this area later in the game?
Absolutely. Once you gain advanced abilities, you’ll be able to backtrack and access previously unreachable areas within the Guardian’s domain.