Complete Guide to "A Costly Mistake" Quest in Witcher 3

Introduction

"A Costly Mistake" is a side quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that offers players a glimpse into the darker dealings of the game's world. In this guide, we will walk through each step of the quest, highlighting important decisions, interactions, and battle strategies along the way. Prepare to traverse the beautifully chaotic world of Witcher as you help Geralt navigate a path filled with moral dilemmas and danger.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Starting the Quest

   • Begin your journey by traveling to No Man's Land.
     • Look for the quest marker near the Odrin's camp.
     • Approach the camp and you'll automatically trigger a cutscene.
   • After the cutscene, you will speak with Odrin, the merchant who will introduce the main conflict of the quest.

2. Gaining Information

   • Your first task involves gathering information on what happened recently with Odrin's business dealings.
     • Ask Odrin about his past mistakes and who he was dealing with.
     • Listen carefully to the background story he shares about the lost shipment and the people involved.

3. Investigating the Area

   • After talking with Odrin, you will need to investigate the nearby area for clues.
     • Examine the blood trail near the camp; use your Witcher senses to follow it.
       • Look closely to find clues that might indicate what happened to Odrin's shipment.
     • You will find a crossbow and some wreckage that will reveal more about the ambush.

4. Confronting the Bandits

   • Following the clues will lead you to a hideout where bandits are located.
     • Ensure you are prepared for combat; consider using potions or enhancing your gear before entering.
     • Enter the hideout and eliminate the bandits in a strategic manner.
       • Use Geralt's signs (like Igni and Quen) to gain an advantage during the fight.
     • After defeating the enemies, loot the area for relevant items and read notes that may further the quest.

5. Finding the Shipment

   • Within the hideout, you will find remnants of the stolen shipment.
     • Investigate the crates to confirm that Odrin's goods were indeed taken here.
     • After examining the crates, you may need to engage in dialogue with any surviving bandit to extract information.

6. Returning to Odrin

   • After gathering all necessary information, return to Odrin at his camp.
     • Discuss what you found and present him with the details about the bandits.
     • Your dialogue choices here may influence how Odrin reacts.

7. Final Decision

   • You will reach a point where you must make a moral decision regarding Odrin’s involvement and how to deal with the bandits.
     • Choose wisely; your decision will not only affect Odrin’s future but also your rewards.
       • You might advise him to confront the bandits or take a more diplomatic approach.

8. Quest Completion

   • Once you've made your choice and the dialogue concludes, the quest will be marked as completed.
     • You will receive your rewards, often in the form of crowns and possibly a unique item depending on your choices.
     • Check your inventory for any new items gained from the quest and ensure you appreciate the result of your decision-making.

Conclusion

Completing the "A Costly Mistake" quest in The Witcher 3 not only enriches your journey through the game but also provides insight into the complexities of the characters involved. This quest emphasizes the importance of decisions and their consequences, reflective of the larger narrative in the Witcher saga. Embrace Geralt's choices and prepare for the next adventure that awaits!