In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” the quest titled “Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” takes players through a series of tasks set by the druid Gremist in the Skellige Isles. This engaging narrative incorporates elements of preparation, strategic combat, and alchemical skill, giving players a deep dive into the world of witchers and their use of natural and mystical resources.
Understanding the Quest Objective
The central aim of the “Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” quest is to assist the druid Gremist in Skellige by completing a series of tasks for him. Upon completion, players will gain invaluable alchemical knowledge and recipes that enhance Geralt’s abilities. This quest is initiated at the Gedyneith druids’ camp and involves gathering ingredients and dealing with various challenges, including obtaining malt in an abandoned distillery.
Journey to the Abandoned Distillery
The quest instructs you to retrieve a spirit capable of being distilled into a powerful alchemical base. This takes place in a derelict location known as the abandoned distillery on Hail Hill, a site that is as picturesque as it is perilous. To reach the location, one must ascend the slopes leading north of the Druid’s Camp, encountering alghouls and other dangers along the mountain path.
Overcoming the Cyclops
Upon entry into the distillery, players must confront a Cyclops, a formidable adversary with a penchant for dealing devastating blows. Utilizing the Igni sign to exploit its inherent vulnerabilities to fire can be a crucial strategy. Staying nimble and countering its slow, predictable attacks through strategic dodging and countering enables an effective takedown.
Finding the Recipes and Ingredients
Once the Cyclops is vanquished, players should search for the Distiller’s Letter, a document containing essential instructions for the distillation process. This key item is housed within a wooden shack nearby, detailing the procedure for crafting the alcohol-based substance required by Gremist.
Next, ascend the nearby ladder to locate “the mash,” a critical ingredient resting on scaffolding near the machinery. This mash must be placed into a vat central to the distillery apparatus and heated to begin the fermentation process.
Executing the Brewing Process
- Place the mash into the distillation apparatus in the main chamber of the distillery.
- Ignite the fire below the vat using Geralt’s Igni sign to initiate fermentation.
- After the heating process, cool down the condenser by using a specific mechanism involving two levers located near the apparatus; pull the right lever, followed by the left lever, to distill the spirit.
- Collect the distilled alcohol from the output barrel located nearby, marking the culmination of this intricate brewing process.
Returning to Gremist
With the distilled alcohol in possession, return to Gremist at the Druid’s Camp. Hand over this valuable ingredient, and the alchemist will instruct Geralt to meditate for one full day. This period allows for the ritual to be completed without the player’s interference. Upon returning after the required wait time, additional congrats and rewards, like rare alchemical ingredients, will be showered upon the player by Gremist.
Moreover, successfully completing this portion of the “Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” quest unlocks further opportunities to barter with Gremist, including unique alchemical items and enhancements that form an integral part of a witcher’s toolkit.
Strategic Tips and Considerations
- Leverage Witcher Senses: Employ Witcher Senses extensively to locate pertinent quest items and follow environmental cues.
- Skill Preparation: Before the Cyclops encounter, consider utilizing skills that improve resilience and offer crowd control to manage the Alghoul threat efficiently.
- Resource Management: Alongside quest-specific resources, ensure a steady supply of health potions and repair kits, providing critical support during tougher battles.
- Combat Strategy: During the Cyclops battle, alternate between close-quarters combat and ranged Igni sign executions to maximize damage output while minimizing personal risk.
Conclusion
“Practicum in Advanced Alchemy” is not merely a quest of battle and adventure but one that encompasses the intriguing processes of alchemy, an essential aspect of “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” By mastering the art of brewing within the abandoned distillery, players enhance their skill sets both in terms of combat and potion crafting, essential elements for any successful witcher. It highlights the intricate tapestry of magic, science, and survival that is at the heart of the Witcher universe, offering players an enthralling chapter in Geralt’s expansive journey.
