Secret of the Spring Diablo 4 - Complete Quest Guide & Riddle Solution

The Secret of the Spring quest in Diablo 4's Fractured Peaks is one of the first side quests you'll find, and it's known for tripping players up because of its confusing riddle.

“Patience rewarded.”

This quest is easy if you know the secret, but really confusing if you try to figure it out on your own or wait for a cutscene. Here's a complete guide with the exact spot, emote to use, and what you get for finishing it.

Where to Find the Secret of the Spring Quest

To start the quest, head to either Ked Bardu or the Fractured Peaks, depending on where you are in the game. Look for a Crumpled Note close to a worn-down wooden building and check it.

Fractured Peaks → North of Kyovashad → Between the Icehowl Taiga cliffs

To be exact:

• Go to the “Forsaken Quarry” dungeon area.

• Head slightly northeast until you see a broken shack.

• A glowing parchment on the ground will start the quest.

Quest Objective Explained

The note contains a simple riddle:

“Patience rewarded.”

In this game, you're often left to figure things out on your own. There aren't any quest markers or obvious clues to guide you. The solution often involves using emotes, which Diablo 4 uses in several hidden quests and puzzles.

Secret of the Spring Solution (The Correct Emote)

To complete the quest:

Use the “Wait” emote at the spring.

Here’s the full step-by-step:

1. Go to the hot spring pool at the quest marker.

2. Open your Emote Wheel (default: E on PC / D-Pad on consoles).

3. If the “Wait” emote isn’t visible, customize the wheel:

   • Open the emote customization menu

   • Add WAIT to any slot

4. Stand next to the spring.

5. Use the Wait emote.

After a short moment, the spring will glow and a buried chest will appear.

Secret of the Spring Rewards

When the chest appears and you open it, you receive:

• Gold

• Random gear reward (scaled to your level)

• Renown for Fractured Peaks

• XP (fastest early-game XP quest)

Good early Renown, even though the loot isn't great.

Secret of the Spring Map Location

Even though I can't show you any pictures, this explanation should guide you right to it.

• Open the map

• Zoom to Fractured Peaks

• Find the Forsaken Quarry dungeon icon

• Move slightly northwest

• Look for a small blueish pool surrounded by rocks

This is the hot spring where you can use the emote.

Why the Quest Confuses Players

There are three main reasons:

1. The riddle is vague

If you don't know Blizzard's puzzle system, Patience rewarded won't tell you anything about emotes.

2. The springs area has no interactable objects

Gamers look for a lever, chest, or maybe a glowing rune, but there's nothing there.

3. The emote wheel hides “Wait” by default

You'll need to put it on the wheel yourself.

Common Mistakes Players Make

• Using “Hello”, “Yes”, “Thanks” or “Taunt” none will work

• Using defensive skills at the spring

• Standing too far from the water

• Trying to attack the water

• Leaving “Wait” unassigned

• Thinking the quest is bugged

Before using the emote, stand right at the spring's edge.

FAQ

What emote do you use for Secret of the Spring in Diablo 4?
You must use the “Wait” emote at the hot spring.

Where is the Secret of the Spring location?
North of Kyovashad, near the Forsaken Quarry in Fractured Peaks.

Why isn’t the chest appearing?
You're either not using the “Wait” emote, standing too far from the pool, or the emote isn’t assigned to your wheel.

Is this quest repeatable?
No but you can help friends complete it in co-op.

Conclusion

“Secret of the Spring” is one of Diablo 4’s simplest puzzles once you know the solution but extremely easy to miss for new players. Using the Wait emote at the hot spring instantly completes the quest and gives you a fast Renown boost in Fractured Peaks.

A perfect beginner-friendly quest with a satisfying puzzle twist.