Bandits and Demons roam the Dry Steppes in Diablo 4, maintaining Strongholds over once-peaceful areas. This region alternates between vast plains and winding canyons. So it can take quite a lot of footwork just to find the three Strongholds scattered about.
There are many great reasons to clear all of Diablo 4's Strongholds: from reputation gain and making a difference in the main story, to unlocking new dungeons or features. If you're interested in clearing out these open-world instances as quickly as possible, then take a look at these locations.
Updated by Aaron Krull on June 20, 2023: With more time to explore the open world of Sanctuary, we've updated the images in this article to show more pathways around the Dry Steppes Strongholds. Information on clearing each Stronghold and defeating their bosses has also been added.
Ruins Of Qara-Yisu
This is likely to be the first Stronghold you come across in the Dry Steppes region. The Ruins of Qara-Yisu are just a brief journey west of Nevesk and Nostrava. Both of these towns are southwest of Kyovashad, the main city when you first start Diablo 4. Be prepared to fight Demons who cast Lightning magic and have powerful melee attacks.
While clearing this Stronghold, focus on the non-elite casters first to reduce the amount of damage you take. The elites aren't too bad after that. The boss is also accompanied by an army of ranged enemies, so take them out first too. After that, it's just a matter of dodging Utulku's lightning attacks. It's a pretty weak boss overall.
You'll get access to a new Waypoint as well as two new dungeons once you conquer Qara-Yisu. That makes it one of the most rewarding Strongholds to beat early in the game. One of the dungeons gives a Sorcerer aspect for bonus critical strike chance, while the other dungeon provides a Rogue aspect for bonus energy regeneration.
The Onyx Watchtower
Bandits have taken over this Stronghold in the northern part of the Dry Steppes. It's a bit far from Kyovashad, but it's remarkably close to the town of Ked Bardu. You can easily find it on your way to start Act 3, by walking directly west from the Fate's Retreat Waypoint. Or simply Fast Travel to Ked Bardu itself if you've been there to begin Act 3 already.
Clearing out the Onyx Watchtower isn't terribly difficult, but watch out for the fight with Thidrek. This mini-boss is surrounded by breakable cages containing multiple elite monsters that probably shouldn't be fought all at once. The boss herself is more straightforward: ignore the mobs she summons and keep attacking her to end the fight quickly.
Once you conquer this Stronghold, you'll have access to The Onyx Watchtower Waypoint as well as the Onyx Hold dungeon. The Waypoint here is extremely useful as a launching point for several other dungeons in the region as well. Clearing the Onyx Hold dungeon gives a Sorcerer aspect that can greatly increase damage to Vulnerable enemies. Just be ready to fight through narrow canyons filled with bandit clans.
Temple Of Rot
The Temple of Rot Stronghold is the most remote of all three found in the Dry Steppes. However, Jirandai is a town in the canyons to the south with a Waypoint that's super close. Jirandai is situated on the border with the Kehjistan region, and is also just a short walk away from a couple Strongholds down there. The journey out to this distant place could definitely be made easier with a mount.
The mini-bosses in this Stronghold are not very powerful on their own and instead rely on tight spaces. Always keep an escape route open and none of them are particularly challenging. The boss itself is another matter. Destroy the surrounding eggs to prevent him from healing, and conserve your own potions. This boss fight is broken up into two parts, with the second part being far more perilous.
Unfortunately, there are no dungeons unlocked by conquering the Temple of Rot. And with the Waypoint in Jirandai already so close, there was no need to add another one here. But there are several dungeons in the areas surrounding Jirandai and the Temple, making this a good zone for dungeon farming in general. There's also a large PVP area just a short run to the west. And you'll definitely need to clear all the Strongholds in Sanctuary in order to max out your Renown.