Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is rich with quests that blend historical realism with local folklore, and “The Axe from the Lake” is a perfect example of this engaging storytelling. This side quest sends players on a treasure hunt to find a mythical silver axe from an old tale, ultimately allowing you to craft one of the early game’s most valuable weapons. If you’re wondering where to find this legendary axe and how to complete the associated quest, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know.
Understanding “The Axe from the Lake” Quest
“The Axe from the Lake” is a side task that becomes available after you’ve progressed enough in the main storyline to freely explore the Trosky region. This quest isn’t automatically added to your journal—you’ll need to seek it out by speaking with a specific character in Tachov.
Quest Requirements and Prerequisites
Before you begin your search for the mythical axe, make sure you have:
- Progressed to the Trosky region – You must have completed Main Quest 4 “Laboratores” and begun Main Quest 5 “Wedding Crashers”
- A spade – Essential for digging up the buried axe (can be purchased from merchants or found in various locations)
- Blacksmithing knowledge – You should have started the blacksmithing tutorial as part of the “Wedding Crashers” quest
- Some money or alcohol – To convince the storyteller to share his tale
Starting the Quest: Finding Zdenyek the Mouth
The first step in your journey to find the axe is locating Zdenyek the Mouth in Tachov, a small settlement in the Trosky region.
Where to Find Zdenyek
Zdenyek the Mouth can typically be found in or around the tavern in Tachov. Look for him:
- Inside the tavern, often sitting at a table
- In the tavern yard or nearby farmland
- Around the northern side of the village during daytime
Convincing Zdenyek to Tell His Story
Once you find Zdenyek, you’ll need to convince him to share his tale. You have several options:
| Method | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Speech check | Good speech skill | Most economical option if successful |
| Pay Groschen | 25 Groschen | Straightforward but costs money |
| Offer a drink | Any alcoholic beverage | Can be cheaper than paying directly |
When Zdenyek asks what kind of story you’d like to hear, any option will lead to the axe story, though many players report that choosing “Something scary” or “Something informative” works reliably.
The Legend of the Silver Axe
Zdenyek will tell you a tale about two woodcutter brothers, Matthias and Kuba. According to the story, Kuba encountered a water goblin who gifted him a silver axe. Through a series of unfortunate events involving greed and tragedy, one brother ended up buried near Rocktower Pond along with the valuable axe.
After hearing this tale, a new objective will appear in your journal, highlighting a large search area around Rocktower Pond on your map.
Finding the Buried Axe: Step-by-Step Directions
The search area marked on your map is quite large, making the axe difficult to find without guidance. Here’s a precise path to follow:
1. Locate Rocktower Pond
First, you need to find Rocktower Pond:
- It’s located west of Zhelejov in the Trosky region
- Look for a body of water with a small pier jutting into it
- The pier is visible on your map and serves as the starting point
2. Find the Key Landmarks from the Story
From the pier, follow these landmarks in sequence:
- From the pier: Head north along the path on the northern shore of the pond
- Look for the oak tree: Continue northeast until you find a large, distinctive tree
- Find the large rock: Proceed further north until you locate a significant boulder (Henry will comment when you’re near it)
- Locate the grave: From the rock, continue northward until you reach a small clearing with a grave
Exact Location Coordinates
If you’re having trouble following the landmarks, the grave is located:
- On the hilltop north of Rocktower Pond
- Approximately 200 meters northeast of the pier
- Just north of the large boulder landmark
Digging Up the Axe
Once you’ve found the grave, interact with it and use your spade to dig. You’ll uncover a sack containing:
- Broken Axe (the quest item you’re looking for)
- Some coins
- Potentially other random loot
The axe will be in a broken state and needs repair before it can be used effectively.
Repairing the Axe: Blacksmithing Process
With the broken axe in your inventory, it’s time to restore it to its former glory through blacksmithing.
Materials Required
To repair the broken axe, you’ll need:
- The Broken Axe (found in the grave)
- 1 Fastening Material (can be purchased from blacksmiths for approximately 2 Groschen)
Where to Repair the Axe
Head to a blacksmith with a forge that you can use. Radovan in Tachov is the most convenient option since you’re likely to return to Tachov to complete the quest anyway.
Blacksmithing Steps
Follow these steps to forge the Adorned Axe:
- Access the blacksmithing menu at a forge
- Select the “Axes” category
- Choose to craft the “Adorned Axe” (requires the Broken Axe and 1 Fastening Material)
- Complete the blacksmithing mini-game:
- Heat the axe in the forge until it glows “straw yellow”
- Hammer both sides evenly at the anvil
- Reheat when the glow fades
- Repeat until the axe is properly formed
- Quench the axe to complete the process
Pro Tip: Save your game before attempting the blacksmithing process. The quality of the final axe depends on your performance during forging, and you may want to reload if the result isn’t satisfactory.
Completing the Quest
Once you’ve forged the Adorned Axe, return to Zdenyek in Tachov. Show him the restored axe to complete the quest.
Zdenyek will express surprise that the axe actually exists, explaining that there are many versions of the tale, and he wasn’t sure which, if any, were true. The quest will then be marked as complete, and the Adorned Axe will remain in your inventory for your use.
The Adorned Axe: Stats and Value
One of the most rewarding aspects of completing “The Axe from the Lake” quest is obtaining the Adorned Axe itself. This weapon can be extremely valuable in the early game.
Weapon Statistics
The Adorned Axe’s exact statistics can vary based on your blacksmithing skill and performance during forging, but here are the potential maximum values:
| Stat | Value (Gold Quality) |
|---|---|
| Slash Damage | Up to 91.2 |
| Blunt Damage | Up to 45.6 |
| Defense | Up to 104 |
| Charisma | +5 |
| Sale Value | Approximately 699.5 Groschen |
Weapon Description
The in-game description reads: “The beautiful axe from the legend of the two woodcutters was lost for many years, but Henry of Skalitz found it and restored it to its former glory.”
Comparison to Other Early Game Axes
| Weapon | Slash Damage | Blunt Damage | Defense | Value | Acquisition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adorned Axe | 91.2 | 45.6 | 104 | 699.5 | Quest reward |
| Work Axe | Lower | Lower | Lower | ~100 | Common merchants |
| Knight’s Axe | Higher | Higher | Lower | Higher | Late game |
As shown in the table, the Adorned Axe significantly outperforms standard axes available in the early game, making it well worth the effort to acquire.
Tips for Finding and Using the Axe
Efficient Quest Completion
- Bring a spade with you when initially heading to the search area to avoid backtracking
- Save before blacksmithing to ensure the highest quality result
- Consider upgrading your Strength skill before using the axe for maximum effectiveness
- Keep the axe maintained to preserve its durability and effectiveness
Combat Recommendations
The Adorned Axe is particularly effective against:
- Armored opponents (due to good blunt damage component)
- Multiple enemies (thanks to its defensive capabilities)
- Situations where you need both combat effectiveness and charisma bonus
Alternative Method: Early Access Trick
Some players have discovered a workaround to access the Secret Woods without the required axe upgrade. While this doesn’t apply directly to the Adorned Axe quest, it shows how the game’s mechanics can sometimes be circumvented:
- Craft or acquire a chair
- Place the chair on the other side of an obstacle
- Sit on the chair and then stand up to teleport past the obstacle
This demonstrates the creative problem-solving that Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 allows for many of its challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Axe from the Story
Where exactly is the axe buried in KCD2?
The axe is buried in a grave on a hilltop north of Rocktower Pond in the Trosky region. From the pier at Rocktower Pond, head northeast following landmarks including an oak tree and a large boulder. The grave is in a small clearing just north of the boulder. You’ll need a spade to dig up the axe once you find the grave.
What materials do I need to repair the axe?
To repair the broken axe and forge the Adorned Axe, you’ll need the Broken Axe itself (found in the grave) and 1 Fastening Material, which can be purchased from blacksmiths like Radovan in Tachov for approximately 2 Groschen. You’ll also need access to a forge to complete the blacksmithing process.
Is the Adorned Axe worth getting early in the game?
Yes, the Adorned Axe is one of the best weapons you can acquire early in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. It offers high damage (up to 91.2 slash damage at gold quality), good defense (up to 104), and a charisma bonus, making it valuable for both combat and non-combat situations. It’s also worth approximately 699.5 Groschen if you choose to sell it instead.
Can I miss or fail “The Axe from the Lake” quest?
No, “The Axe from the Lake” is a side quest that remains available once you’ve reached the Trosky region. As long as Zdenyek is alive, you can start the quest at any time after reaching this point in the game. The axe will remain buried at its location until you dig it up, regardless of how far you progress in the main story.
What should I do if I can’t find Zdenyek in Tachov?
If you’re having trouble finding Zdenyek, check the tavern at different times of day. He sometimes wanders around the village or works in nearby fields during daylight hours. You can also try speaking with Innkeeper Prochek, who may provide information about Zdenyek’s whereabouts or activities. If all else fails, wait until evening when Zdenyek is most likely to be found in the tavern.
Conclusion: The Value of Side Quests in KCD2
“The Axe from the Lake” exemplifies what makes Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2’s side quests so engaging. It combines local folklore with gameplay rewards, encouraging exploration while providing tangible benefits for your character. The quest demonstrates how the game blends historical realism with the beliefs and superstitions of medieval Bohemia, where tales of water goblins and magical silver axes might not have been real, but were certainly part of the cultural fabric.
Whether you’re seeking a powerful early-game weapon or simply enjoying the rich storytelling, tracking down the axe from Zdenyek’s story is well worth the effort. And even if the mythical silver axe may not have magical properties in the realistic world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, the Adorned Axe you craft from its remains will certainly feel magical when you’re facing down bandits on the roads of Bohemia.
This guide is based on information from multiple sources including GameRant, PowerPyx, Fextralife Wiki, PlayStationTrophies, and Dexerto.
