Complete walkthrough of Bald Mountain in The Witcher 3: how to find the way and kill the witches

The ‘Bald Mountain’ quest is a pivotal main quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, taking place in the jagged terrains of Velen. This walkthrough aims to guide players through the intricacies of the quest, from finding the way up Bald Mountain to the final battles with the Crones and Imlerith. This guide will also include combat strategies and tips for handling each of the formidable challenges encountered on this quest.

The Onset of the Quest

You will start the Bald Mountain quest following the events of “Blood on the Battlefield.” Accompanied by Ciri, you make your way to the mountain with a clear objective: to eliminate the Crones and Imlerith. The journey begins with a trek up the slope where you are stopped by townsfolk. These villagers speak of a sabbath and inform you that an enigmatic old woman grants passage up the mountain.

Seeking Passage with Thecla

As you leave the fire and the village behind, you encounter Johnny, the Godling. He provides information about the old woman who can grant passage. Upon meeting her, Thecla subjects Ciri to a human sacrifice test, which she passes successfully. Geralt, considered too old by Thecla’s standards, is given a different test to prove his worth.

The Test of Worthiness

1. Follow Thecla to a high walkway over a cove.
2. She will drop a special coin into the water, tasking you to retrieve it.
3. Dive off the walkway into the water.
4. Eliminate any Drowners using your crossbow to avoid interruptions.
5. Retrieve the glowing red coin and swim back to the surface.
6. Return and hand the coin back to Thecla.

Once you complete this test, climb the rocks to avoid a nearby fiend and return to the tent. Thecla’s assistant then leads you to the mountain’s entrance.

The Sylvan Fight: Fugas

You will need to prepare for a fight against a Sylvan named Fugas, who guards the passage. Equip Samum or Devil’s Puffball bombs and coat your Silver Sword with Relict Oil for an advantage.

• Fugas Strategy: Fugas is slow but powerful. He has a ground stomp that stuns Geralt and gives him time to launch a fireball. Utilize the Igni Sign against him and strike quick blows while avoiding his stomps and fire attacks.

After defeating Fugas, Geralt and Ciri decide to split up to take down Imlerith and the Crones respectively.

Battle with the Crones

Preparation as Ciri

Controlling Ciri, you now face off with the three Crones: Brewess, Weavess, and Whispess. Each Crone has unique abilities that the player must adapt to in combat.

Combat Strategy:

1. Brewess:
   • Focus on her first as she is slow and barely moves.
   • Dodge her swings and attack from her sides or back.
2. Weavess and Whispess:
   • Weavess teleports frequently; avoid her crow transformations by sidestepping or blinking.
   • Whispess uses single-target charges which are easy to dodge.
   • Patience and strategic dodging are key; attack when they emerge from teleporting or crow form.

Defeating the Crones ultimately leaves one, Weavess, barely alive, as she escapes with Vesemir’s wolf medallion.

Facing Imlerith as Geralt

After the Crones, Geralt must confront Imlerith, a high-ranking member of the Wild Hunt. The fight will see Imlerith using various attacks and teleportation tactics.

Combat Strategy:

1. General Tactics:
   • Dodge roll to avoid his teleportation flanks.
   • Alternate between Quen for protection and Igni to melt his frost shield.
2. Phase Changes:
   • When Imlerith loses 2/3 of his health, he discards his shield and increases his teleportation frequency.
   • Wait for his mace to get stuck post-teleportation and strike in the opening.

As Imlerith’s health diminishes, the fight concludes with a cutscene, marking the end of this arduous battle.

Completion of Bald Mountain Quest

With both adversaries vanquished, Geralt and Ciri’s journey on Bald Mountain reaches its conclusion. Speak with Ciri and decide either to explore the mountain one last time or leave. Before leaving, remember to loot Imlerith’s body for the magic acorn, which can be consumed for two skill points or given to the villagers.

The Bald Mountain quest leads into ‘Final Preparations,’ setting the stage for the concluding events in Velen and beyond. Following this guide ensures players are well-equipped to navigate and conquer the challenges that lie within Bald Mountain.

Here is a quick reference table summarizing key points from the walkthrough: