The “Master of the Arena” quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes place in the Skellige Isles, specifically in the town of Hov on the island of Spikeroog. This secondary mission requires Geralt to lift the curse that plagues Ulle the Unlucky, a wraith who haunts the local fighting arena. Below is a comprehensive walkthrough of this quest, from initiation to completion, including all possible outcomes and rewards.
Quest Information and Requirements
The “Master of the Arena” quest is suited for players around level 14. It can be initiated by talking to Gunnar, one of the warriors in Hov, or by directly engaging with the arena combat challenge. Completing this quest yields a modest reward in terms of gold and experience points but is primarily valuable for the additional lore and world-building it offers.
Unlocking the Quest
- Travel to the village of Svorlag on the island of Spikeroog, in the Skellige Isles.
- Head to the docks and take a boat to the opposite side of the island to reach Hov.
- Look for a yellow exclamation point, indicating the quest location.
- Speak to Gunnar and Lydrik, two soldiers in a guard tower, for quest briefings.
- Gunnar and Lydrik recount that the arena is haunted by Ulle the Unlucky, who can never win a fight due to a curse placed on him by a dying Jarl.
Quest Objectives
The quest consists of several stages that guide you through interacting with Ulle, understanding his curse, and eventually lifting it. Here are the detailed steps:
| Step | Objective | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talk to Ulle the Unlucky | Hop over the fence to the arena and engage with Ulle. He will unenthusiastically challenge you to a battle. |
| 2 | Challenge Ulle to a Fight | Accept Ulle’s invitation to commence the fight. Defeating him initially triggers a cutscene, but it won’t lift the curse. |
| 3 | Lose to Ulle | Meditate for over a full day to make Ulle reappear. Talk to him again and this time, let him win by not retaliating during the fight. This triggers another cutscene where Ulle thanks you and moves on to the afterlife. |
| 4 | Return to Gunnar and Lydrik | Go back to the guards to collect your first reward. Return after a few in-game days to receive an additional reward once the arena is operational again. |
Strategy for Beating Ulle
Although Ulle is slow and wields only a short axe, beating him initially won’t lift the curse. The correct strategy to lift the curse is to lose deliberately:
- Meditate for over 24 hours to make Ulle reappear.
- Engage in the fight but do not attack Ulle.
- Allow him to strike you until your health is reduced significantly, triggering a cutscene.
- Ulle will thank you and pass on to the afterlife, lifting his curse.
Quest Rewards
The quest offers modest rewards but notable lore benefits:
- Initial Reward: 15 Crowns and 10 XP
- Additional Reward after the arena reopens: 20 Crowns and 25 XP
- Extra Reward for speaking to the warriors before fighting Ulle: 25 XP
Is “Master of the Arena” Worth It?
While the material rewards from “Master of the Arena” are minimal, the quest is invaluable for those interested in the rich lore of The Witcher universe. It offers insight into the customs and supernatural elements of Skellige, highlighting the cultural significance of honor and curses in this region. Therefore, completionists and lore enthusiasts will find this quest particularly worthwhile.
Missable or Failable?
It is possible to miss out on the extra reward if you initiate the combat with Ulle without first consulting the warriors, Gunnar and Lydrik. Otherwise, the quest is straightforward and not easily failable.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What level should I be to start “Master of the Arena”? | The recommended level is around 14, but skilled players may attempt it at lower levels. |
| Can you fight Ulle after lifting the curse? | No, once the curse is lifted, Ulle moves on to the afterlife and does not reappear. |
| What happens if I defeat Ulle initially? | Defeating Ulle initially only triggers a cutscene but does not lift the curse. You must lose deliberately to lift the curse. |
| Do I receive the reward immediately after completing the quest? | The initial reward is given immediately after completing the quest, but the additional reward requires you to return to Hov after a few in-game days. |
Conclusion
The “Master of the Arena” quest provides a unique experience within The Witcher 3, blending combat, folklore, and a touch of humor. While not essential for game progression, it offers a rich narrative and a deeper understanding of Skellige’s cultural landscape. Whether you’re a completionist or simply a fan of the game’s detailed world, this quest is definitely worth a stop during your continental travels in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
