The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is renowned not only for its main storyline but also for the depth and richness of its side quests. These quests offer players a chance to immerse themselves further into the world of the Continent, providing additional lore, character development, and diverse gameplay experiences. This review explores the side quests of The Witcher 3, examining their variety, impact, and contribution to the overall narrative.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Side Quests
In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, side quests are more than just supplementary tasks; they are integral to the game’s world-building and character development. They often provide more nuanced storytelling than the main quest and explore themes of morality, politics, and personal relationships. Side quests can be broadly categorized into various types, including treasure hunts, contracts, and character-centric quests.
Types of Side Quests
1. Treasure Hunts
Treasure hunts are quests that involve searching for valuable items, often leading players to uncover hidden secrets and lore. These quests are characterized by their focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.
a. The Witcher Gear Sets
One of the most popular treasure hunts in The Witcher 3 involves the search for Witcher gear sets. Each set consists of a series of quests that guide players through finding pieces of powerful equipment, each with its unique bonuses and lore.
- Viper School Gear: Found in the Swamp and around the Nilfgaardian regions, this set emphasizes poison-based attacks and stealth.
- Bear School Gear: Located in the Skellige Isles, this set is known for its heavy armor and increased vitality.
- Cat School Gear: Scattered across the Northern Kingdoms, this set is tailored for fast, agile combat and increased critical hit chances.
- Wolf School Gear: Geralt’s own gear set, found in various locations, provides a balanced combination of offense and defense.
Each set requires players to locate specific diagrams and pieces, often guarded by powerful enemies or hidden in remote locations. These treasure hunts not only provide valuable loot but also enrich the game’s lore with details about the Witcher schools.
b. The “Of Swords and Dumplings” Quest
This humorous and engaging treasure hunt takes Geralt on a quest to find a renowned swordsmith’s lost blade. It involves solving a series of riddles and finding clues scattered across the Continent, culminating in a reward that combines both humor and usefulness.
2. Contracts
Contracts are side quests that involve tracking down and defeating various monsters. These quests are emblematic of Geralt’s profession as a monster hunter and showcase his skills and expertise.
a. “The Beast of Toussaint”
This contract takes players to the land of Toussaint, where Geralt must hunt down a mysterious beast terrorizing the countryside. The quest is notable for its rich storytelling and the moral choices it presents, as Geralt must navigate through various factions and uncover the true nature of the beast.
b. “The Phantom of Eldberg”
In this contract, Geralt investigates the haunting of a castle and uncovers the tragic history behind the phantom. This quest highlights the emotional depth of the game and provides a poignant narrative about love, loss, and redemption.
3. Character-Centric Quests
Character-centric quests focus on the personal stories of the game’s various characters. These quests often explore relationships, personal growth, and the impact of the broader events on individual lives.
a. “The Last Wish” (Yennefer’s Quest)
This quest delves into Yennefer’s past and her quest to reclaim her lost memories. It reveals the depth of her character and her complicated relationship with Geralt. Players gain insight into her motivations and the history of her magical powers.
b. “The Play’s the Thing” (Dandelion’s Quest)
In this quest, Geralt helps Dandelion, the bard, to recover from a mishap involving a play and a missing manuscript. This lighthearted quest offers a glimpse into Dandelion’s personal life and his connections with other characters in the game.
4. Gwent-Related Quests
Gwent, the card game featured in The Witcher 3, also has its share of side quests. These quests involve challenging opponents and collecting rare cards.
a. “A Dangerous Game”
This quest requires players to compete in high-stakes Gwent matches against skilled opponents. Winning these matches can earn players unique cards and provide a deeper understanding of the Gwent game mechanics.
b. “Gwent: Old Pals”
This quest involves finding and challenging old friends and rivals in Gwent matches. It provides a nostalgic look at the game’s various characters and their connections to Geralt.
Impact of Side Quests on the Game
1. Narrative Depth
Side quests in The Witcher 3 often provide richer storytelling than the main quests. They allow players to explore subplots and character backgrounds that enhance the overall narrative. For instance, the character-centric quests offer profound insights into the lives of Geralt’s companions, making them feel like more integral parts of the story.
2. World-Building
Side quests contribute significantly to the game’s world-building. They explore different facets of the Continent, from rural villages to grand castles, and provide context for the broader events of the main story. This attention to detail helps create a living, breathing world that feels immersive and authentic.
3. Moral Choices
Many side quests involve moral dilemmas and choices that impact the game’s world. These decisions can affect the fate of characters and the outcome of various storylines. For example, the quest “A Knight’s Tales” involves choosing between helping a fallen knight or pursuing personal gain, affecting the knight’s fate and altering the game’s moral landscape.
4. Gameplay Variety
The variety of side quests adds to the gameplay experience, offering different challenges and objectives. From combat-focused contracts to puzzle-solving treasure hunts, these quests keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. They also provide opportunities to gain experience points, items, and resources, enhancing the overall progression system.
5. Character Development
Side quests often focus on character development, both for Geralt and the characters he interacts with. These quests reveal personal stories, explore relationships, and provide depth to the game’s diverse cast. For example, the quest “Family Matters” delves into the personal struggles of a family, highlighting the emotional impact of the game’s events.
Memorable Side Quests
1. “The Contract: The Creature from the Lake”
This quest takes Geralt to a picturesque lake where he must deal with a mysterious creature terrorizing the locals. The quest stands out for its atmospheric setting and the moral ambiguity surrounding the creature’s true nature.
2. “The Nithing”
This quest involves helping a grieving woman to lay her husband’s spirit to rest. It is memorable for its emotional depth and the exploration of themes related to death and the afterlife.
3. “The Secret of Morrowind”
In this quest, Geralt uncovers a hidden secret involving ancient artifacts and powerful magic. The quest is notable for its exploration of the game’s lore and its connection to the broader Witcher universe.
4. “The Forgotten Soldier”
This quest involves assisting a soldier who has lost his memory and is seeking redemption for past actions. It offers a poignant narrative and explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and personal growth.
Conclusion
The side quests in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are a testament to the game’s exceptional design and storytelling. They offer players a chance to delve deeper into the game’s world, explore diverse narratives, and engage in a variety of gameplay experiences. From treasure hunts to character-centric stories, these quests enrich the game’s universe and provide meaningful and memorable experiences.
By engaging with these side quests, players can gain a deeper understanding of the Continent and its inhabitants, uncover hidden secrets, and enhance their overall gameplay experience. The richness and variety of these quests contribute to the enduring appeal of The Witcher 3, making it a standout title in the RPG genre and a true masterpiece of interactive storytelling.