Salt Begets Salt Quest Guide in Diablo 4

In the grim and perilous world of Diablo 4, side quests like Salt Begets Salt offer players a chance to explore Sanctuary's lore while earning valuable rewards. Set in the harsh, arid landscape of the Dry Steppes, this side quest is a short but memorable journey that tasks players with helping Jargal, a distressed NPC in Jirandai, recover his stolen goat, Tuji. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the Salt Begets Salt quest, including how to unlock it, step-by-step objectives, rewards, and tips to optimize your experience.

Quest Overview

Salt Begets Salt is a side quest located in the Untamed Scarps zone of the Dry Steppes, one of Diablo 4's five regions. The quest centers on Jargal, a resident of Jirandai, who seeks your help to retrieve his beloved goat, Tuji, stolen by a thief named Gan and taken to the Ruins of Qara-Yisu. This quest is accessible early in the game, typically during Act 3, and offers a mix of exploration, light combat, and a touching narrative payoff. Its rewards, including Renown and crafting materials, make it a worthwhile endeavor for players looking to strengthen their characters.

Quest Details

Quest Type: Side Quest

Region: Dry Steppes

Zone: Untamed Scarps

Starting Location: Jirandai

Quest Giver: Jargal

Rewards:

+30 Dry Steppes Renown

Gold (level-dependent)

Experience (level-dependent)

Salvage Cache

Estimated Duration: 5–7 minutes

Unlocking the Quest

To begin Salt Begets Salt, you must reach Jirandai, a central hub in the Untamed Scarps of the Dry Steppes. If you've progressed through Act 3 of the main campaign, you likely have the Jirandai Waypoint unlocked, making travel simple. Otherwise, you can reach Jirandai by traveling east from Kehjistan or south from Scosglen, navigating the Dry Steppes' rugged terrain.

In Jirandai, find Jargal near the southern entrance, standing between two broken stone pillars. He's visibly upset, lamenting the theft of his goat, Tuji, by a thief named Gan. Speak to Jargal to start the quest, where he explains that Gan has fled to the Ruins of Qara-Yisu with Tuji. No prerequisites, such as clearing the Qara-Yisu Stronghold, are required, though doing so can make the quest easier.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

The Salt Begets Salt quest is straightforward, with two primary objectives. Below is a detailed guide to completing each step.

Step 1: Search for Tuji in the Ruins of Qara-Yisu

After accepting the quest from Jargal, travel east from Jirandai to the Ruins of Qara-Yisu. If you've unlocked the Qara-Yisu Waypoint by clearing the Stronghold, fast-travel there for convenience. If not, follow the marked path on your map, preparing for potential encounters with enemies like Vile Ones or cursed villagers, as the ruins are a hostile area unless the Stronghold has been cleared.

Once in the Ruins of Qara-Yisu, head south from the Waypoint to the quest's marked area. You'll find Tuji's body near a pile of rubble in a ruined structure, alongside the corpse of Gan, who has been transformed into a statue of salt-a chilling sign of the demonic corruption plaguing the area. Interact with Tuji's body to collect it, completing this objective.

Tips for Step 1:

Gear Up for Combat: If the Qara-Yisu Stronghold is uncleared, expect resistance from enemies. Equip Diablo IV Items with high armor, resistances, or life bonuses to survive encounters with Elites or packs of Vile Ones. A vendor in Jirandai can provide basic upgrades if needed.

Clear the Stronghold (Optional): Clearing Qara-Yisu by destroying three Infernal Spires and defeating Utulku, the Forsaken Shaman, unlocks the Waypoint, a blacksmith, and the Shifting City dungeon. This makes the quest safer and provides additional Renown.

Use Mobility Skills: Classes like the Rogue (Dash) or Sorcerer (Teleport) can navigate the ruins quickly, avoiding unnecessary fights.

Step 2: Return Tuji's Body to Jargal

With Tuji's body in your inventory, return to Jirandai. Use the Jirandai Waypoint for a quick trip back. Find Jargal at his original location near the southern entrance and speak to him. In a heartwarming twist, Tuji awakens, having been in a deep sleep from eating salt rather than dead. Jargal's relief marks the quest's completion, and he rewards you for your efforts.

Tips for Step 2:

Manage Inventory: Tuji's body is a quest item, so ensure you have inventory space. If your inventory is cluttered, salvage or sell unneeded Diablo IV Items at Jirandai's blacksmith to free up space.

Save Gold for Travel: Waypoint travel and gear repairs require gold. If you're low on funds, farm enemies in the Dry Steppes or consider choosing to buy Diablo IV Gold from reputable marketplaces to cover costs and acquire better gear.

Rewards

Completing Salt Begets Salt grants the following rewards:

+30 Dry Steppes Renown: Contributes to region-wide unlocks, such as skill points or potion capacity upgrades.

Gold: A level-dependent amount, useful for repairs, crafting, or trading.

Experience: Level-dependent XP to aid character progression.

Salvage Cache: Crafting materials for upgrading gear at the blacksmith.

These rewards, while modest, are valuable for early-to-mid-game characters. The Renown helps unlock long-term benefits, and the Salvage Cache can be used to enhance Diablo IV Items, improving your build's performance.

Tips for Optimizing the Quest

To maximize your experience with Salt Begets Salt, consider these strategies:

Clear Qara-Yisu First: Clearing the Stronghold before starting the quest reduces enemy threats and unlocks additional content. The Renown and Waypoint make future Dry Steppes quests more efficient.

Optimize Your Build: Use Diablo IV Items with bonuses to damage, life, or resistances to handle the Ruins of Qara-Yisu's enemies. If you're struggling to find suitable gear, trading with other players or using crafting materials from the Salvage Cache can help.

Farm Gold Efficiently: Gold is essential for repairs, crafting, and Waypoint travel. Clear nearby dungeons or events in the Dry Steppes to gather gold, or buy Diablo IV Gold to quickly fund gear upgrades or quest-related expenses.

Combine with Other Quests: The Dry Steppes has several side quests near Jirandai. Complete quests like "The Unlucky Ones"or"Blistered Heart" alongside Salt Begets Salt to maximize Renown and rewards in a single trip.

Leverage Class Strengths: Tailor your approach to your class. For example, Barbarians can use Leap to traverse the ruins quickly, while Necromancers can rely on minions to tank enemies. Ensure your skills are supported by Diablo IV Items with relevant affixes.

Managing Resources in Diablo 4

In Diablo 4, resources like gold and crafting materials are critical for progression. Here's how to manage them for Salt Begets Salt:

Farming Gold: Clear enemies, events, or dungeons in the Dry Steppes to accumulate gold. World events near Jirandai are particularly lucrative.

Trading for Gear: Use gold to trade for Diablo IV Items with vendors or other players. Focus on items with resistances or movement speed to complement the quest's demands.

Buying Gold: If you're short on time, you can buy Diablo IV Gold from trusted marketplaces to fund gear purchases or crafting, ensuring you're well-equipped for the Ruins of Qara-Yisu.

Conclusion

The Salt Begets Salt quest in Diablo 4 is a short but rewarding journey that combines exploration, light combat, and a touching narrative. By following this guide, you can efficiently complete the quest, secure its rewards, and strengthen your character for the challenges of the Dry Steppes. Equipping the right Diablo IV Items and managing resources like gold-whether earned through gameplay or by choosing to buy Diablo IV Gold-will ensure you're prepared for this quest and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned demon slayer or a new adventurer, Salt Begets Salt is a charming addition to your Diablo 4 experience, offering a glimpse into the resilience of Sanctuary's inhabitants.