The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game that continues to surprise players with its depth and detail. Among the myriad side quests that populate the game, many players have yet to discover some that are cleverly hidden, offering rich narratives and unique challenges. One such hidden gem is the quest “A Walk on the Shores.” This quest is tucked away within the vast world of The Witcher 3 and requires players to be observant and exploratory to uncover it. In this guide, we’ll detail how to start this secret quest, the choices available, and the consequences these choices may bring.
Starting the Quest “A Walk on the Shores”
“A Walk on the Shores” doesn’t present itself immediately as part of your journey through the main quests. It requires Geralt to explore a specific part of the map where minimal story direction is given. To locate this hidden side quest, players must travel to the rugged coastal regions of Novigrad.
- Location: To initiate the quest, head to the northern beaches of Novigrad. The location is not marked on the map, making it challenging to find. Look for unique landmarks such as a series of shipwrecks or peculiar rock formations that stand out.
- Triggering the Quest: As Geralt wanders the beaches, he will stumble upon a lone NPC—a fisherman named Lars—frantically attempting to repair his boat. Engaging with him is critical for quest initiation. Lars will recount the story of losing a treasured family heirloom to the sea, setting Geralt on his path.
Quest Objectives and Steps
Once the quest is triggered, players will have several objectives to pursue. Each step is designed to immerse the player further into the quests’ environment and narrative.
- Finding the Heirloom: Lars will give Geralt clues about where the heirloom might be. It involves diving into the sea and exploring the shipwrecks. Players need to be mindful of Geralt’s breath meter and potential drowners that may attack while he’s underwater.
- Dealing with Sirens: As players search the wrecks, they will encounter sirens, adding a combat challenge to the quest. Using the crossbow is effective underwater, while on land the Aard sign can knock them out of the sky.
- Choices and Consequences: Upon retrieving the heirloom, players have the option of returning it to Lars. However, another choice emerges—a merchant on the way back offers Geralt a generous sum of money for the heirloom, citing its historical value.
Consequences of Choices
The choices in “A Walk on the Shores” are significant, leading to different repercussions:
| Choice | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Return Heirloom to Lars | Lars is grateful, and Geralt gains a non-monetary reward: a unique fishing lure usable in another quest, which attracts rare fish. |
| Sell Heirloom to Merchant | Geralt gains a substantial amount of crowns, but his relationship with Lars sours, subtly affecting interactions at the docks in future quests. |
Environmental and Narrative Impact
This hidden quest is an example of how The Witcher 3 manipulates its environment and narrative design to deepen the player’s immersion. “A Walk on the Shores” transforms simple interaction into a meaningful adventure. By the end of the quest, players not only feel a connection to Lars’ small world but also gain an appreciation of the wider complexities within The Witcher universe.
- In-Game Economy: The opportunity to sell the heirloom offers insight into the game’s complex economy system. Players learn to weigh moral rewards against practical ones.
- Character Development: The emotional response from Lars provides depth to what could have been a simple fetch quest. The personal story adds layers to Geralt’s role as both a profit-seeking witcher and a man of justice.
- Exploration Rewards: This quest encourages exploration and attention to detail, highlighting how The Witcher 3 rewards diligent players with rich stories.
Conclusion
“A Walk on the Shores” showcases the ingenuity behind The Witcher 3’s quest design, illustrating that even the most seemingly insignificant side quests can provide compelling storylines and moral quandaries. Completing this quest not only rewards players with material items but also enriches their experience with thoughtful engagement with the game’s world. Whether for the challenge, the exploration, or the narrative depth, finding and completing hidden quests like these underscore why The Witcher 3 remains a masterpiece in game design.
