The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt provides a wide array of quests, many of which delve deep into the lore of the game’s universe, enriching the player’s experience. One such quest is “The Phantom of Eldberg,” a contract quest set in the picturesque yet perilous region of Skellige. In this extensive guide, we will explore how to initiate the quest, locate the Eldberg Lighthouse, and tackle the formidable Penitent, ensuring you complete this haunting tale with ease.
Starting the Quest
“The Phantom of Eldberg” can be initiated through various avenues, depending on how you prefer to explore the game:
- By picking up the notice “Contract: The Phantom of Eldberg” from the notice board in Arinbjorn.
- Through direct conversation with Jorund in Arinbjorn’s tavern.
- By investigating the area around the Eldberg Lighthouse directly.
- Upon defeating Madman Lugos in a fistfight during the quest “The King is Dead – Long Live the King.”
Each of these methods will set you on the path to uncovering and solving the mystery of Eldberg, yet approaching it via the notice board or through direct conversation with Jorund tends to be the most streamlined way.
Meeting Jorund in Arinbjorn
If you chose to initiate the quest directly through Jorund, head to Arinbjorn’s tavern. Upon entering, you may encounter two Skelligers, Kori and Kraki, who are unwelcoming to outsiders. Engage in conversation, and regardless of your choice, Jorund will eventually appear and dismiss the hostile Skelligers, proceeding to invite you for a discussion about the contract.
Jorund will elaborate on the situation, explaining that a wraith has appeared on Eldberg Island, shrouding it in fog and extinguishing the lighthouse’s fire. Additionally, several men, including the lighthouse keeper Mikkjal, have gone missing. Your task is to deal with the spirit and find out what happened to these men.
Reaching Eldberg Lighthouse
Once you accept the contract, your next objective is to reach Eldberg Island. The most efficient way to get there is to head north to Arinbjorn’s port, where you can procure a boat. Sail to the southern tip of Eldberg and dock at the harbor. This approach is recommended as it allows you to spot significant markers and clues along the way.
Investigating Eldberg Island
Upon arriving at Eldberg, you will encounter several wraiths. Eliminate them and begin your investigation. You will find the first of the missing men’s bodies near the path. Further along, before reaching a small hut, you’ll find the second body. Approach the hut and knock on the door to get Mikkjal’s attention.
Depending on whether you talked to Jorund first or reached Eldberg by direct investigation, Mikkjal’s dialogue will vary slightly. If you talked to Jorund, Mikkjal will express his fear of the large wraith and provide you with the lighthouse key. If you started the quest by investigating directly, Mikkjal will offer more details about his experience.
The Lighthouse and the Penitent
With the key in hand, proceed to the lighthouse. Use your Witcher Senses to examine the tower, discovering that the wraith is a Penitent – a powerful and rare type of wraith. Enter the lighthouse and head up to the first landing where you’ll find a letter. Reading this letter reveals more about Mikkjal’s actions and his involvement with pirates, which is crucial to understanding the nature of the curse.
It’s important to read the letter before returning to Mikkjal, as failing to do so will result in losing the key, locking you out from further investigation. Return to Mikkjal and confront him with the newfound information. He admits that his actions of working with pirates, causing shipwrecks to loot them, brought the curse upon the island.
Preparing for Battle
Mikkjal will need to light the fire in the lighthouse to lift the curse, but you must defend him from the Penitent and its summons. The Penitent will call upon up to four regular wraiths to assist it, making this a challenging battle. Prepare for this fight by coating your silver sword with Specter Oil, which increases damage against wraiths, and consider using Moon Dust bombs to prevent the wraiths from becoming incorporeal. The Yrden sign, which can trap and slow wraiths, is also crucial for this encounter.
Combat with the Penitent
During the battle, your primary task is to defend Mikkjal long enough for him to light the lighthouse fire. You can deal damage to the Penitent, but it cannot be killed until the fire is lit. Focus on managing the summoned wraiths and keeping Mikkjal safe. Geralt will comment once the fire is lit, indicating that you can now kill the Penitent. Ensure you have sufficient health potions and decoctions, such as the Reliever’s decoction and Griffin decoction, to boost your endurance and combat effectiveness.
After successfully killing the Penitent, loot its body to obtain the wraith trophy and the sword Ashrune. Mikkjal will approach you post-battle.
Returning to Jorund
Upon returning to Jorund in Arinbjorn, depending on your actions with Mikkjal and the letter, you can decide Mikkjal’s fate. You can either let him go free after confronting him about his involvement with the pirates or tell him to leave Skellige. If you did not find the letter, Geralt will simply express his uncertainties about what drew the Penitent. Regardless of your decision, return to report to Jorund.
Conclusion of the Quest
Jorund will be pleased to have the curse lifted and will reward you for your efforts. You will receive 260 coins and 184 XP upon completion of the contract. However, if “King’s Gambit” has not been completed or failed before, Kori and Kraki will instigate a fight, leading to the secondary quest “Stranger in a Strange Land.”
Final Thoughts
The quest “The Phantom of Eldberg” is a testament to the depth and complexity of quests in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It combines investigative elements, rich storytelling, and challenging combat, showcasing why the game is hailed as one of the finest RPGs. Successfully navigating through the quest, understanding the underlying lore, and defeating the Penitent wraith adds to the immersive experience offered by the game.
