In “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” side quests offer players a diverse range of adventures beyond the main storyline, each with unique challenges and sometimes quirky undertones. One such quest, “The Sad Tale of the Grossbart Brothers,” unfolds a side story full of intrigue, action, and a subtle nod to pop culture references. This quest takes place on the Skellige Isles, a rugged and beautiful archipelago known for its fierce inhabitants and ancient traditions. In this detailed walkthrough, we will explore how to initiate this secondary quest, the strategies to overcome its challenges, and insights into its hidden connections and possible outcomes.
Initiating The Quest
The quest “The Sad Tale of the Grossbart Brothers” is a Skellige side quest in “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” recommended for players at level 26. However, determined explorers can attempt it at slightly lower levels due to the nature of the opponents: three human adversaries. The adventure can begin in one of two ways, providing players the opportunity to encounter these infamous criminals either through dialogue or exploration.
- Option 1: Djenge Frett Encounter
Set in Blandare, one of the towns in Ard Skellige, players can meet Djenge Frett near the local signpost. Djenge Frett is a storied bounty hunter, his name a playful reference to Star Wars’ Jango Fett. Initiating a conversation with Djenge reveals his quest to track down the notorious Grossbart brothers, known for their heinous crimes including arson and murder. He proposes a joint effort with Geralt, our protagonist, to capture or kill these criminals. Agreeing to his proposition sets the players on a path involving collaborative combat and interaction.
- Option 2: Accidental Discovery
The Grossbart brothers reside in a cave known as Grotto on the southeastern part of Ard Skellige. Players could inadvertently encounter the brothers while exploring this region, especially if they are searching for Enhanced Bear Armor, which shares location coordinates with the criminals’ hideout. This accidental confrontation allows players to retroactively complete the quest by reporting back to Djenge, albeit with varied outcomes depending on prior knowledge and decisions taken.
Locating the Grossbart Brothers
The path to finding the Grossbart brothers is laden with potential encounters and decisions. Their hideout, Grotto, can be reached by heading east of Fyresdal, following the coastline to the east of the Ruined Inn. As players approach, caution is advised due to the cave’s murky and cramped environment—ideal for ambushes and close-quarter combat.
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Blandare, near the signpost, with Djenge Frett |
| Encounter Area | Eastern coast of Fyresdal, leading to Grotto |
Combat Approach and Strategies
The central challenge of this quest lies in engaging and defeating the three Grossbart brothers: Jesse, Hegel, and Manfred. Each brother presents unique threats typically found with human opponents, including tactical movements and potential for varied weapon attacks.
Cooperation with Djenge Frett
Choosing to team up with Djenge requires Geralt to navigate both combat strategy and the bounty hunter’s survival. Should Djenge fall in battle, the quest is deemed a failure. Thus, players might find it prudent to employ the Axii sign from a distance, utilizing both sneaky tactics and careful timing to dispatch the brothers one at a time. Alternatively, players can leverage their Witcher signs, such as Igni for direct damage or Quen for protection, to help maintain Djenge’s health and ensure his survival throughout the fight.
Solo Adventure
For those determined to tackle the quest alone, maintaining high agility and tactical use of ground rolls and dodges becomes crucial against multiple attackers. Without Djenge’s help or the need to protect him, players can fully focus on leveraging their favorite combination of oils, bombs, and weapon attacks to systematically take down each brother.
Possible Outcomes and Rewards
Decisions made throughout this quest influence both the narrative conclusion and the tangible rewards Geralt receives. Completing the quest alongside Djenge provides players with a bounty of 50 crowns, alongside the satisfaction of upholding an honor-bound agreement. Conversely, encountering and eliminating the brothers beforehand garners a smaller reward of 20 crowns but benefits from the absence of needing to keep Djenge alive.
- Successful Team-Up: Receive 50 crowns for aiding in the hunt, ensuring Djenge’s safety during battle.
- Previous Elimination of Brothers: Garner 20 crowns by reporting victory to Djenge without his assistance.
- Failure Scenarios: Abandoning Djenge or allowing him to perish results in quest failure, yielding no rewards.
Easter Eggs and Trivia
Subtle references within “The Sad Tale of the Grossbart Brothers” enrich the quest with whimsical associations. Djenge Frett’s name unabashedly aligns with Jango Fett from the Star Wars franchise, serving as a lighthearted nod to fans of both universes. Additionally, the quest title seems inspired by the book “The Sad Tale of the Brothers Grossbart” by Jesse Bullington, adding a layer of intertextual humor and homage to literature and pop culture alike.
Whether through planned strategy or accidental discovery, navigating “The Sad Tale of the Grossbart Brothers” in “The Witcher 3” provides an enriching side quest filled with combat, decision-making, and the occasional cultural reference. Players are encouraged to explore every facet of Skellige’s rugged landscapes, engaging not only with the challenges of the wild but also the complexities of human morality and partnership—a consistent theme throughout the Witcher series.
