In Diablo 4, the world is teeming with lore, puzzles, and secrets tucked away in every corner… but some quests stand apart for how cleverly they weave mystery into exploration. Keeping the Old Traditions is one of those unforgettable side quests in the Dry Steppes, blending cryptic storytelling, environmental clues, and a satisfying payoff you won’t want to overlook.
Whether you’re a lore enthusiast, a completionist, or just love uncovering hidden content, this guide will walk you through every step — from where to begin to how to trigger the secret reward.
Keeping the Old Traditions — challenge you to read between the lines and interpret the world itself. Instead of following a glowing marker, you’re given a riddle that begs to be solved with observation and intuition. In addition, completing this mystery earns you valuable XP, renown, and loot — plus adds depth to your understanding of the Dry Steppes’ past.


This hidden side quest begins in the Dry Steppes, specifically in the Untamed Scarps area. Look for a book on the ground called “The Lonely Offering.” Interact with it to receive a cryptic riddle and activate the quest in your journal.
The riddle reads: “Though timeworn, you endure. Before your colorful kin, I say: Yes, I keep our traditions!”
This strange verse is your only clue — and it is the solution. Once you’ve read the book, a marker appears on your map leading you to a statue in a small alcove in the Valley of the Strayed. You’ll find a weathered monolith embedded in the cliff face — but there’s no obvious instruction on what to do next. This is where the riddle comes alive.

To complete the quest, stand directly in front of the statue and open your Emote Wheel (press E on PC or Up on the controller’s D-pad). You may not see a “Yes” emote equipped — it’s not assigned by default — so you’ll need to customize your wheel and add it manually.
Once “Yes” is slotted in, perform it in front of the statue. Just like the riddle suggests, you’re literally saying “Yes” to the statue — and that’s all it takes. When you do, a hidden chest appears nearby. Open it to complete the quest and claim your loot!
The chest’s contents vary, but typically includes: Useful elixirs, Gold & XP and Valuable Renown toward Dry Steppes completion.
While legendary item drops aren’t guaranteed, some players have reported rare finds — making this challenge worth the effort if you’re out exploring.
Note: This quest counts toward exploration and zone progress but only completes once per character.
Whether you’re chasing lore or loot, the Keeping the Old Traditions quest is a memorable detour on your journey through Sanctuary — and a perfect reminder that sometimes, the oldest traditions are worth honoring.