Loot to Forge Secrets: Complete 100% Ancestral Forge Guide

Mastering the ancient depths of Chapter 9 requires players to track down every ounce of hidden loot to forge secrets into tangible combat power. Navigating the treacherous industrial zones and demon-infested chasms can be overwhelming if you do not know where to look. By learning how to transform map exploration into valuable gear, you can turn rare loot to forge secrets that unlock game-changing Sentinel Shrine upgrades and powerful weapons.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down every secret area, collectible, and hidden cache found across the Ancestral Forge. Whether you want to complete your Mission Challenges or secure every scrap of upgrade currency, this walkthrough covers everything you need to know before hitting the elevator and crossing the point of no return.

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Chapter Overview: Ancestral Forge Collectibles & Rewards

The Ancestral Forge mission features a wide-open introductory expanse followed by a linear, puzzle-heavy machinery complex. To achieve 100% completion, you must uncover 9 Secret Areas, secure 14 distinct Gold Stashes, collect 2 Rubies, grab a rare Wraithstone, and find multiple cosmetic and lore items.

Missing a single switch or key path often locks you out permanently once you operate the massive central lifts. Here is the full breakdown of everything tucked away in the forge:

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Mission Challenges & Route Planning

Before diving into the dark corridors, review the three level-specific challenges. One of these challenges directly ties into your exploration efforts, encouraging you to turn ordinary ground loot to forge secrets and achieve chapter mastery.

According to general player experience, clearing the combat-based challenges in the first two switch arenas prevents needless backtracking while you hunt down concealed tunnels and vertical shafts.

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Phase 1: Charging the Three Ancestral Heart Switches

The first stage of the map functions as an open arena where you must reactivate three separate charging consoles. Rather than rushing blindly between objective markers, weave through the periphery to collect vital items along the perimeter.

[Start / South Gate] ──> Passes Secret Key Door #1 (Hold for later)
       │
       ├──> Western Route ──> Gold 1 & 2 / Secret Areas 1 & 2 ──> Charger 1 (Gold 3)
       │
       ├──> Northwest Route ──> Vagary Fight / Wolf Statue 1 / Codex ──> Charger 2 (Gold 4-6)
       │
       └──> Southeast Route ──> Heavy Arena / Health Upgrade ──> Charger 3 (Secret Key)

Charger 1: Western Periphery (Secrets 1–2, Gold 1–3)

From the spawn point, advance northward until the quest indicators converge into an open map. Note the locked Secret Key gate to your side—you will return here later. Turn toward the western cliffs:

1. Secret Area 1 & Gold Stash 1: Look south of the first charging switch for an illuminated Green Flesh Node. Aim your shield upward to perform a Shield Jump onto the ledge. Scale the climbable wall to secure the gold, and flip the crane switch to release the hanging Life Sigil.
2. Secret Area 2 & Gold Stash 2: Near the southwest rim, locate a rickety wooden bridge marked with three coins. Drop off the ledge onto the undercroft path below to claim the secret. Follow the gold trail into a locked chest, popping the latch with a shield bash.
3. Charger 1 Arena & Gold Stash 3: Ascend the ramp, exterminate the demonic defense force, and look over the switch platform's outer railing. Drop down to the suspended wooden deck to retrieve the stash. Combat warning: Picking up this gold immediately triggers an ambush containing three Hell Knights and two Stone Imps.

Charger 2: Northwest Caverns (Wolf 1, Codex, Gold 4–6)

After pulling the first lever, descend through the cavern heading north:

• Gold Stash 4: Found directly inside the cavern floor beneath the first charger.
• Wolf Statue 1: Upon exiting the cave, engage and eliminate an Armored Vagary. Slaying this demon dispels the red warding energy surrounding the first Wolf Statue. Shatter the stone wolf using your shield.
• Ancestral Forge Codex & Gold Stash 5: Hug the western acid pools. Peer over the broken wooden barricade to spot a platform nestled against the sludge. Drop down carefully to acquire the codex entry and the loose gold stacks.
• Charger 2 & Gold Stash 6: Advance toward the second switch platform guarded by an Enforcer. Clear the arena, throw the switch, and drop into the central gulley between switch 1 and 2 to grab Gold Stash 6. Take note of the nearby cliff door showing question marks on your Automap.

Charger 3: Eastern Plateau, Health Boost & The Secret Key

Head southeast across the central basin toward the final charging terminal:

• Health Upgrade: The third switch is guarded by a lethal wave featuring Shield Soldiers, an Enforcer Mancubus, and a Battle Knight Leader. Focus fire on the Battle Knight to bring down the barrier and claim the Demonic Essence Health Upgrade.
• The Secret Key: Throw the third switch to power the Ancestral Heart. Open your Automap and look behind the arena wall. Use Shield Charge against the cracked wooden barricade. Collect Gold Stash 7 along the ledge and grab the glowing Secret Key at the end of the walkway.

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Phase 2: Backtracking with the Secret Key & Wolf Statues

With the Secret Key in hand, it is time to convert hidden loot to forge secrets across the open map. Do not enter the northern gate until you clear these three key doors and assemble the wolf puzzle rewards.

Step-by-Step Backtracking Checklist

1. Wolf Statue 2 & Gold 8–9: Take the northern path leaving the third switch. Pick up Gold Stash 8, break the red padlock, and look to the high ledge to smash the second Wolf Statue. Grab Gold Stash 9 along the lower bend.
2. Secret Area 3 & Gold Stash 10: Head south along the lower cliff cave indicated by your Automap. Insert the Secret Key into the locked portal to claim the gold chest within.
3. Secret Area 4 & Wolf Statue 3: Backtrack all the way to the mission's opening corridor. Unlock the initial key door you skipped earlier. Beware of the Nightmare Imp Stalker lurking inside the shadows. Smash the third and final Wolf Statue at the end of the cavern.
4. The Wraithstone: Return to the Wolf Statue puzzle room northwest of the third switch. With all three statues broken, interact with the central shrine to secure your Wraithstone. Defeat the protective spawn that appears immediately afterward.
5. Secret Area 5, Ruby 1, and Vagary Toy: Travel back toward Charger 2. Grab Gold Stash 11 from the underpass alcove. Jump across the southern gap to reach Gold Stash 12, unlock the final Secret Key gate, and scale the climbable walls. At the summit, claim Ruby 1 and the Vagary Toy.

Once these areas are clear, head through the massive northern blast doors. Take the elevator downward into the industrial heart of the forge.

Point of No Return: Once you step onto the industrial elevator, you cannot return to the outer arena. Ensure your Automap confirms 5 Secret Areas discovered and the Wraithstone secured!

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Phase 3: The Interior Machinery (Secrets 6–9, Ruby 2, Super Shotgun Skin)

The lower half of the facility requires precision shield throws, wall climbs, and lift manipulation. This is where converting mechanical loot to forge secrets grants your rarest combat assets. For broader weapon mechanics and engine deep-dives, consult the comprehensive IGN DOOM: The Dark Ages Walkthrough to see how these upgrades scale in later acts.

Unlocking Secret Area 6 & Ruby 2

In the second chamber past the elevator, eliminate the ambient demons. Inspect the wall opposing the locked Ruby cell:

• Turn around to spot a weak structural wall. Use Shield Charge to punch through the plaster.
• Look left through the newly revealed peephole to locate a red lock mechanism.
• Hurl your shield at the lock to raise the security gate across the hall, granting access to Secret Area 6 and Ruby 2.

[Main Corridor] ──── (Ruby 2 Behind Gate)
       │                      ▲
[Cracked Wall]                │ Gate Opens
       └──> [Hidden Nook] ────┴ (Throw Shield at Red Lock)

Mobile Platform Puzzles (Secrets 7–9 & Final Gold)

Enter the sprawling vertical chamber with the hydraulic lifts to finish off your collection:

1. Secret Area 7 & Gold Stash 13: Drop off the end of the entry walkway and turn 180 degrees. Strike the blue mechanical switch with your shield to elevate the platform. Leap across to the high left outcropping to reach the gold chest, which finishes the "Seven Secrets" level challenge.
2. Secret Area 8 & Gold Stash 14: Drop onto the center hydraulic structure. Peer over the edge to locate a concealed maintenance deck below. Drop down, gather the gold trail, and shatter the lock to cycle back up.
3. King Novik Codex, Secret Area 9 & Nightmare Skin: Ride the final elevator platform upward, clear the demons, and send the platform up a second time while remaining on board. Throw your shield at the high red lock to deploy a climbable hanging beam. Leap to the beam, target the Green Flesh Node to cross the gap, and land on the high catwalk. Grab the King Novik Codex, then jump to the adjacent platform (Secret Area 9) to collect the Nightmare Super Shotgun Skin.

Platform Lift (Upper Position)
       │ (Shield Throw to Red Lock)
       ▼
Descending Beam ──> Leap & Latch ──> Shield Toss to Green Flesh Node
                                              │
                   ┌──────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────┐
                   ▼                                                     ▼
           [Catwalk Platform]                                    [Secret Area 9]
          King Novik Codex Entry                           Nightmare Super Shotgun Skin

Exit through the reinforced bulkheads into the final forge basin.

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The Shield Rune & Ammo Upgrade Boss Encounter

Upon reaching the forge core, a cinematic awards you the Ground Fissure Shield Rune. This ability triggers when you execute a perfect parry against Hell Surge projectiles, discharging a seismic shockwave across the arena.

Eliminating the Mancubus Leader yields the final Demonic Essence Ammo Upgrade and immediately concludes the mission, sending the Slayer toward The Forsaken Plains.

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100% Completion Verification Table

Use this master checklist before closing out Chapter 9 to verify that every item was collected:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I return to get missed loot to forge secrets if I take the elevator?

No. Taking the central elevator down into the machine complex acts as a strict point of no return. If you descend without claiming the Wraithstone, Ruby 1, or early gold stashes, you must restart or replay the mission to finish your collection.

What should I spend my Wraithstone on?

Wraithstones are the rarest exchange currency in the game. Save them for high-tier upgrades at Sentinel Shrines, specifically perks that amplify shield recharge rates, parry counter-damage, or maximum ammo reserves for heavy armaments.

Why won't the first Wolf Statue break?

Wolf Statues are shielded by demonic wards tied to regional minibosses. To make the first Wolf Statue vulnerable, you must hunt down and kill the Armored Vagary stalking the cavern exit right next to it.

Do I need all nine secrets to complete the Seven Secrets Mission Challenge?

No, the challenge unlocks the moment you step into your seventh secret area. However, finding all nine secrets is mandatory if you want the 100% chapter completion rating and the Nightmare Super Shotgun Skin.