The Forge

Hephaestus in the Forge doesn't offer much help to Kratos. On the left side of the room loom gigantic double doors. A keen eye will spot the Gorgon Eye-containing chest sitting in the left corner before the doors. Move to the other side of the room with the save point and lever, and pull the lever. It opens a pathway to a circular platform with a rotating crank in the center. Be sure to push against it and not pull to budge the crank. Align the platform's opening with the path on the right for a bonus encounter with hellhounds and chests filled with a plethora of red Orbs. Ultimately, though, you want to line the opening up with the bramble.

Fire a lighted arrow into the overgrowth to gain access to the Blade of Olympus. This weapon can be used by pressing down on both Analog Sticks (L3 +R3) until a meter on the lower right is completely depleted. Repletion of the meter occurs as Kratos kills more enemies. Vanquish the underworld minions that appear here, then head down to empty the chests below. Swing across the gaps and run down the path to the save point, towards the archers, and to the bramble in the distance.

Upon lighting the bramble, twin ferocious Cerberus mutts immediately pounce on Kratos. Dealing with both at the same time can be a bit overwhelming, but their attacks remain predictable. A fire projectile following a linear path, head-butts, and occasionally a pin-down attack are about all they're capable of. Sometimes they tend to blast each other with their own fire. Each QTE prompt will have Kratos tear off only one of the heads—gotta take down all six to put these bad dogs to sleep for good. All it takes is to kill one as quickly as possible to make the rest of the battle smooth sailing.

Head through the huge door and take care of the enemies within. Proceed into the Palace of Hades.