In the immersive world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, one of the more formidable foes Geralt of Rivia encounters is the elusive and powerful ice giant Myrhyff, found on the Isle of Undvik. This battle is a central part of the secondary quest titled “The Lord of Undvik.” The objective is to assist Hjalmar an Craite and his companions in slaying the beast, a feat that will earn Hjalmar the renown he needs to vie for the throne of Skellige. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the quest, what abilities the ice giant possesses, and the best battle tactics to employ.
Preparation for the Quest
Before embarking on the quest to slay the ice giant, it is recommended to visit The New Port inn for additional information. Although not mandatory to complete the quest, speaking to Tante and Javor there will help you gather useful details about the journey ahead. Additionally, speaking to Axel will unlock extra conversation options with a key character later on.
- Note: Ensure that you complete the quest “The King is Dead – Long Live the King” before proceeding, as this is a prerequisite.
- It is also important to be prepared with the right equipment. Apply ogroid oil to your silver sword, and have Quen or Yrden ready.
Reaching Undvik
The Isle of Undvik can be approached from multiple directions. If you have purchased “The Lonesome World Guide to Undvik,” you can fast travel to Marlin Coast. Otherwise, you will need to sail manually or fast travel from a nearby harbor. Approaching from the northeast coast, as advised by Tante and Javor, will award you with additional experience points (XP).
This island exploration involves reaching specific objectives, including investigating wrecked boats, abandoned villages, and mysterious caves. Ensure you utilize your Witcher Senses to uncover hidden clues and paths along the way.
The Encounter with Octo
Sailing to Undvik will lead you to a large shipwreck where you will meet Octo, an eccentric old man. This encounter is optional but enriching for the quest narrative. Engage in conversation with him to unlock further details, and if you have met Axel earlier, you’ll recognize Octo’s identity and get extra dialogue options.
- Octo will request twine and nails, but the quest advancement is bugged such that it proceeds as if you have found the twine already.
- You will need to find nails, which can be located near the ship or the surrounding area.
The Camp and the Morgue
Upon reaching the camp, you will find numerous corpses strewn about. Engage your Witcher Senses to examine the area and follow two different trails: footsteps and a boat trail. Following the footsteps will lead you to an abandoned village and eventually into a cave where you will confront ice trolls.
Saving Folan
Inside the cave, you will encounter trolls preparing to cook an archer named Folan. You have the option to play a game with the trolls to avoid combat, which involves solving and posing riddles.
- Winning the game will save Folan, who will then join you in the quest.
- Note: Saving Folan makes him a potential ally for “The Battle of Kaer Morhen” later in the game.
Following the Boat Trail
Alternatively, following the trail of the boat will take you to a different set of clues and lead you across a lake. This is a shortcut but forfeits some of the optional objectives and explorations, including the fate of Hjalmar’s crew in Urskar.
Finding Hjalmar
After merging the different trails, you will eventually find Hjalmar near the Dorve Ruins, fighting sirens. Engage in conversation with him and prepare to confront the ice giant together.
Confronting the Ice Giant
The confrontation with the ice giant takes place in a cave where you will also find Vigi the Loon trapped in a cage. Hjalmar will advise against freeing him, but you can still choose to do it. Proceed cautiously to avoid waking the giant prematurely while you free Vigi.
- Avoid walking on snow to keep the giant sleeping until you are ready to engage.
- If Vigi survives the battle, he will also become a potential ally for “The Battle of Kaer Morhen.”
The Ice Giant’s Abilities
The ice giant Myrhyff possesses a range of formidable abilities and a high health pool, making him a challenging adversary.
- Heavy Swings: The giant deals devastating damage with his massive club. His swings are slow but powerful, so timing your dodges is crucial.
- Area of Effect Attack: The giant can perform an area-of-effect attack, so maintain distance to avoid getting caught in its range.
- Anchor Weapon: Midway through the battle, the giant will grasp an anchor to increase his attack range and damage.
Battle Tactics
Defeating the ice giant requires careful planning and timely execution:
- Quen Sign: Always keep Quen up to absorb incoming damage from the giant’s heavy attacks.
- Dodge and Counter: Utilize quick reflexes to dodge the giant’s swings and counterattack when his weapon gets stuck in the ground.
- Yrden Sign: Set Yrden traps to slow down the giant and create openings for attacks.
- Maintain Distance: If accompanied by Folan or Vigi, keep your distance to minimize risk and use ranged attacks when possible.
Quest Completion
Upon successfully slaying the ice giant, you will earn XP, and a subsequent conversation with Hjalmar will conclude the quest. You will have the choice to take the glory for the kill or let Hjalmar take the credit, impacting Geralt’s reputation in Skellige.
- Accepting the fame grants Geralt a 10% discount with all merchants in Skellige.
- If Folan survived, an additional bonus is awarded.
Following the battle, you can choose to stay and loot the giant’s lair for additional rewards before meeting Hjalmar at the harbor. Completing all these objectives ensures you gain the full XP and rewards the quest has to offer.
Summary
The Lord of Undvik is a complex and layered quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, blending narrative richness with strategic combat. By understanding the ice giant’s abilities and employing effective battle tactics, players can help Hjalmar claim his place as a potential ruler of Skellige while earning valuable rewards and allies for Geralt.
