Diablo 4 Pilgrim’s Footsteps Side Quest Guide

Diablo 4 is filled with dark lore, intense battles, and a host of side quests that offer players deep immersion and meaningful rewards. Among these is the intriguing Pilgrim's Footsteps side quest—an emote-based puzzle hidden in the sands of Kehjistan. Unlike typical quests filled with monsters and bloodshed, this one asks for something simpler: faith and attention to detail. In this 800-word guide, we'll walk you through every step, from finding the quest to unlocking its spiritual treasure.

Quest Overview

Quest Name: Pilgrim's Footsteps

Region: Kehjistan

Type: Exploration / Puzzle / Emote Interaction

Combat: None

Rewards: Gold, XP, Renown, Crafting Materials, and a Boon Chest

This is one of Diablo 4 Items non-combat quests where observation and interaction take center stage. While short, it fits beautifully into the world's lore and rewards the player for paying attention to clues and using game mechanics creatively.

How to Start Pilgrim's Footsteps

To begin the quest, head to the Amber Sands region in Kehjistan, located in the western part of the Sanctuary world map.

Look for a ruined structure or courtyard in the desert sands—somewhere off the beaten path, near the Tomb of the Saints dungeon.

You'll find an Old Book (sometimes referred to as a Blood-Spattered Scroll) lying on the ground. It will have a faint blue glow indicating quest importance.

Interact with the book to begin the quest.

Upon reading the book, a mysterious riddle appears:

“Walk the road of faith to a lone desert chapel. Stand at Akarat's feet, follow his example, and be rewarded.”

This marks the start of your symbolic pilgrimage.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Step 1: Travel to the Chapel

Once you've picked up the Old Book, a quest marker will appear on your map to the northwest of your current location. This marker leads you to a chapel-like structure situated above the Tomb of the Saints dungeon. Do not enter the dungeon.

Instead, make your way around the building or climb up through pathways to reach the outdoor terrace or courtyard at the top.

Step 2: Locate the Statue

At the chapel, you will find a statue of Akarat, the prophet and founder of the Zakarum faith. The statue depicts a robed figure holding a book—an image of religious significance in the Diablo universe.

This is where the riddle comes into play. You are meant to “follow his example”—a clue pointing toward a specific emote.

Step 3: Use the "Follow" Emote

The puzzle solution lies in using the correct emote in front of the statue.

Here's how to do it:

Open the Emote Wheel:

PC: Press E

Console: Press Up on the D-Pad

Equip the “Follow” Emote:

If “Follow” is not already on your emote wheel, go into the Customize section and add it to one of the available slots.

Stand Directly in Front of the Statue:

Position yourself at the statue's base, facing it. Proximity is important—if you're too far, the game won't recognize the interaction.

Use the Follow Emote:

Select it from your emote wheel. If done correctly, the game will trigger the next phase.

Step 4: Receive the Boon

After successfully using the emote, a chest called “Boon for the Faithful” will appear nearby. It may materialize beside the statue or within the courtyard.

Open the chest to complete the quest and claim your rewards.

Rewards

The rewards scale slightly with your level and progress, but players can expect the following:

Gold – helpful for upgrading gear or crafting.

Experience Points (XP) – contributes toward character progression.

Kehjistan Renown – typically +20 Renown, essential for unlocking region bonuses like skill points and paragon points.

Elixirs or Crafting Materials – useful consumables or items for alchemy.

Potential Gear Drops – occasionally you'll receive magic or rare gear.

Lore and Symbolism

The Pilgrim's Footsteps quest is more than a riddle—it's a direct reference to the religious devotion that exists within the Zakarum faith. Akarat's legacy plays a major role in Kehjistan's culture, and this quest lets players participate in a quiet act of devotion.

By “following” Akarat, the player isn't just completing a task—they're engaging in an act of symbolic faith, mirrored in gameplay through the emote system. It's a subtle but impactful way of tying gameplay mechanics to lore.

Troubleshooting Tips

Can't find the statue?: Make sure you're outside the Tomb of the Saints, on the upper terrace.

Chest didn't appear?: Check that you're standing close enough to the statue and have used the “Follow” emote.

No “Follow” emote?: Customize your emote wheel—some default wheels do not include it.

Quest not progressing?: Log out and back in, or try approaching the statue from a different angle.

Final Thoughts

Pilgrim's Footsteps is one of buy D4 materials most unique side quests. It's short, clever, and steeped in lore—offering a satisfying puzzle that breaks the usual rhythm of combat-driven exploration. Best of all, it provides useful rewards and boosts your renown progress in Kehjistan.

If you're the type of player who enjoys solving mysteries, exploring forgotten corners, and engaging with Sanctuary's deeper lore, this side quest is a must-do.