The Devil’s Pit in The Witcher 3: Bandit Camp and Caves beneath the Quarry

In the vast and intricately designed world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, one location stands out for its labyrinthine depth and perilous encounters: the Devil’s Pit. Situated on the eastern side of Mulbrydale in Velen, the Devil’s Pit serves as an enigmatic and fiendishly alluring destination for players seeking treasure, challenging combat, and intricate lore. This article delves into the detailed aspects of navigating the bandit camp and the mysterious caves beneath the quarry, offering a comprehensive walkthrough for players looking to thoroughly explore this location.

Devil’s Pit Location

Devil’s Pit is easily identifiable on the map due to its extensive size and peculiar layout. The entrance lies on the eastern side of Mulbrydale in the Grayrocks region. Historically, the quarry had been a field hospital for plague victims. However, following the cessation of the Catriona questline, it was repurposed and inhabited by defected members of the Temerian army, now turned outlaws.

Bandit Camp at Devil’s Pit

As players approach the Devil’s Pit, they will encounter numerous bandits who have taken over the quarry. The bandit leader, Nidas, resides within these treacherous bounds. Here’s a step-by-step to engage and deal with these outlaws:

• Initial Encounter: At the entrance, players will face a handful of low-level deserters. These bandits are equipped with an assortment of melee weapons, including axes and blackjacks.
• Using Axii: To manage these human enemies effectively, players can utilize the Axii sign to stun them. This allows for systematic takedowns and decreases the risk of being overwhelmed.
• Nidas: The bandit leader is located deeper within the region. When confronted, he poses a significant challenge. Defeating him concludes the bandit threat in the immediate vicinity but does not ensure permanent peace due to the respawn mechanics of the Devil’s Pit.

Caves Beneath the Quarry

Beyond eradicating bandits, the caves beneath the Devil’s Pit harbor their own brand of danger and reward. Let’s delve into these subterranean tunnels:

Accessing the Caves

Once players have neutralized the initial bandit threat, they can proceed to the cave entrance. Accessible after slaying the bandit leader, the cavern doors open up to an intricate system of passageways and chambers.

Notable Features within the Caves

• Ritual Site: Within the depths of the cave lies an abandoned bed surrounded by candles, indicative of rituals linked to a character named Martin.
• Treasure Chests: Numerous chests scattered throughout contain valuable loot, including weaponry, armor, and various artifacts. These items are integral for players aiming to acquire powerful gear.
• Historical Artifacts: Notes and journals found within the caves provide intricate lore concerning the mine’s history and its association with past events, particularly related to the plague.
• Traps and Enemies: Various traps set by previous inhabitants and cavern-dwelling monsters await unsuspecting adventurers. Using Geralt’s Witcher senses, players can detect and disarm these hazards while spotting hidden loot.

Scavenger Hunt: Griffin School Gear

One of the key quests leading players into the Devil’s Pit is the Scavenger Hunt for Griffin School Gear. This quest guides Geralt through the quarry and into the treacherous caves to locate a complete set of Griffin School Witcher gear. The rewarding set includes:

• A sword
• A crossbow
• Armor

Mastering this gear significantly enhances Geralt’s combat capabilities and is crucial for players aiming to optimize their character build.

The Devil’s Pit Respawn Mechanic

Unlike other bandit camps in The Witcher 3, enemies in the Devil’s Pit will respawn. This mechanic makes the area uniquely challenging and provides players with continuous combat experiences. Notably, post-patch 4.0, if certain conditions are met (like the death of the deacon), the pit may also become inhabited by respawning ghouls.

In The Eternal Fire’s Shadow Quest

The primary quest associated with the Devil’s Pit is “In The Eternal Fire’s Shadow.” Here’s how players can ensure successful completion:

Initiating the Quest

To start the quest, players must navigate to the Hangman’s Tree in Velen. From there, proceed southeast toward a distinct wooden tower amidst coniferous trees. Once you locate the path with hanging corpses, an NPC (dressed in red and standing beside a cart marked Eternal Fire Forest) will offer the quest.

Steps to Complete the Quest

• Negotiating Payment: At the beginning of the conversation, players can negotiate for higher gold rewards by engaging in dialogue options that leverage Geralt’s charm or intimidation.
• Eliminating Bandits: Upon entering the Devil’s Pit, players must confront and eliminate seven bandits categorized as level 9 deserters wielding axes and blackjacks.
• Utilizing Signs: Efficient use of the Axii sign can facilitate easy defeats by stunning enemies before taking them down one by one.
• Final Encounter: The quest’s climax involves a battle at the bottom of the pit, where the last bandit awaits. Defeating him rewards players with a highly valuable loot chest.

Exploration and Hints

After dealing with the bandits:

• Entering the Mine: Geralt can proceed into the mine and use his Witcher senses to locate lootable items.
• Uncovering Clues: Key discoveries within the mine, such as blood stains and a wolf emblem on the wall, can lead to additional treasure and enhance gameplay immersion.
• Rescue and Combat: Deeper within the mine, players will find Reinald trapped and ultimately face off against The Red Miasmal, a formidable ghost. Geralt will need to employ his full arsenal of skills and weapons to conquer this spectral foe.

Unique Features and Trivia

The Devil’s Pit holds several unique features and intriguing trivia points:

• Post-Quest Changes: Depending on the quest outcome, the Devil’s Pit may become repopulated, and a merchant could appear in the house outside the gates.
• Nekker Swarm: Previously, a swarm of nekkers inhabited the area south of the signpost. However, this has been altered in recent updates.
• In-Game References: If the place is repopulated, a dog named Kal will roam the area, an easter egg referring to Henry Cavill’s dog.

Conclusion

The Devil’s Pit in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is not just a location; it’s an experience filled with peril, discovery, and rich lore. Whether you’re tackling the bandit camp or diving into the extensive cave system beneath, each step brings new challenges and opportunities for reward. This guide should serve as your comprehensive roadmap to mastering the Devil’s Pit, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any treasure or crucial gameplay element.