The Witcher 3 quest “Free City of Novigrad 1”: how to find all the keys and treasure

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, released by CD Projekt Red in 2015, is celebrated for its sprawling open world and engrossing narrative. Among its numerous quests, “Free City of Novigrad 1” stands out as a challenging treasure hunt requiring players to locate hidden keys and treasures scattered throughout Novigrad. This guide aims to help players navigate this quest with ease and efficiency.

Understanding the Quest: “Free City of Novigrad 1”

The “Free City of Novigrad 1” quest is a treasure hunt that takes place in Novigrad, the bustling metropolis of The Witcher 3’s universe. Unlike standard quests with clear objectives and pathways, treasure hunts often require players to rely on exploration, keen observation, and sometimes a bit of puzzle-solving.

In this quest, your primary mission is to discover the whereabouts of several keys that unlock different treasures throughout the city. The complexity of this quest lies in its hidden clues scattered across the city’s sprawling layout. These keys and treasures often require players to explore unorthodox paths and hidden locations typically overlooked during regular gameplay.

Preparation: What You’ll Need

• Sufficient Inventory Space: Ensure that you have ample space in your inventory to carry the treasures you will find.
• Enhanced Senses: Make use of Geralt’s Witcher senses to spot hidden clues and interactable objects.
• Patience and Persistence: Like many treasure hunts, this quest involves a fair amount of trial and error as you search for subtle hints and concealed locations.

Finding the Keys

Each key in “Free City of Novigrad 1” is hidden in a distinctly unique location, often guarded by puzzles or minor side activities. Here, we’ll explore the primary locations and strategies to discover each key.

1. The Merchant’s Hideout Key

Your journey begins in the bustling market area of Novigrad. Navigate through the myriad of stalls to find a merchant who offers seemingly ordinary goods. Pay attention to his dialogue—sometimes, the clue to the key’s location is subtly embedded in conversations with NPCs.

Search the merchant’s stall discreetly for any hidden compartments. Often, the first key can be found hidden within a false-bottom crate or tucked away in a hidden drawer beneath the counter.

2. The Docks Key

Head towards the docks, known for their labyrinthine pathways and complex networks of piers and jetties. The next key is concealed within the docks’ area. Carefully inspect storage crates and barrels along the water’s edge.

• Check around the mooring posts where ships are docked. Frequently, the key might be tied or nailed to an inconspicuous spot on a boat or the dock itself.
• Engage in conversation with dock workers; sometimes, a friendly chat reveals overheard secrets about a misplaced key.

3. The Key in the Sewers

Novigrad’s sewers are infamous for harboring hidden secrets and treasures. To find the third key, descend into the sewers, accessible from various entrance points throughout the city.

• Use your Witcher senses to detect anomalies or spots of interest that might lead you to hidden alcoves or locked grates.
• Certain sections of the sewers contain levers or buttons that, when activated, reveal secret compartments or rooms where the key might be hidden.

4. The Upper City Key

The final key is located in the opulent upper district of Novigrad. This part of the city is heavily guarded, requiring a more stealthy approach.

• Focus on finding high vantage points, such as balconies or rooftops, which often harbor secret stashes. This key might be hidden in a rooftop garden or within a noble’s estate patio.
• Alternatively, some keys may be in possession of influential characters. Completing minor tasks or favors for these individuals might reward you with the key.

Locating the Treasures

Once all keys are collected, the next step is systematically locating the treasures they unlock. As with finding the keys, each treasure’s location is spread across different parts of Novigrad, often requiring players to remember certain visual or auditory clues noted earlier during their search for the keys.

Treasure One: Market District Cache

With the Merchant’s Hideout Key in hand, return to the market district. The treasure is often stashed below one of the stalls in a hidden compartment. Activate your Witcher’s senses to spot the telltale signs of a hidden latch or trapdoor leading to the stash.

Treasure Two: Docks Trove

The Docks Key allows access to a locked storeroom situated near the water. This area typically houses shipping crates and heavy canvas-covered goods. Uncover these containers to reveal the treasure hidden beneath. Sometimes, solving a minor puzzle involving the movement of crates might be needed to access the treasure.

Treasure Three: Hidden Sewer Hoard

Use the Sewer Key to unlock a previously inaccessible tunnel or chamber within the sewers. Beware of monsters that may guard these hoards. The treasure chest is usually disguised or partially submerged, requiring keen observation to discover.

Treasure Four: Aristocrats’ Spoils

The Upper City Key will open pathways and doors previously off-limits. These treasure locations often benefit from the high security in the upper districts, reducing the actual threat from monsters or robbers. Instead, players must be vigilant for traps designed to deter thieves. Look for pressure plates or hidden triggers near where the treasure is stashed.

Challenges and Tips

During “Free City of Novigrad 1,” several challenges may arise as part of the treasure hunt. It’s important to employ strategic thinking and effective use of Geralt’s abilities.

• Combat Preparedness: Ensure you are well-prepared for combat, as guarding monsters in places like the sewers can be formidable. Equipping appropriate gear and using oils or potions can turn the tide of battle.
• Pay Attention to NPC Clues: NPCs may inadvertently reveal valuable hints about key or treasure locations. Therefore, thorough exploration and engagement in dialogue can greatly aid your quest.
• Timing and Weather: Certain weather conditions or times of day might impact visibility and accessibility within the city. Consider exploring during different times to gain unique advantages or uncover less visible paths.

Conclusion

The “Free City of Novigrad 1” quest is a quintessential example of The Witcher 3’s depth, offering players a treasure hunt within the richly detailed cityscape of Novigrad. By successfully navigating through this quest, players not only gain valuable treasures but also the experience of uncovering the multitude of secrets this world has to offer. As you find each key and locate its corresponding treasure, remember that it’s not just the rewards that matter but the adventure and the stories encountered along the way.

Armed with this guide, players should find themselves better prepared to tackle one of The Witcher 3’s intriguing challenges confidently. Happy hunting, Witchers!