How to Complete the "Applied Escapology" Quest in The Witcher 3

Introduction

In "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," players encounter a myriad of quests, each with its unique challenges and storytelling. One of these quests, "Applied Escapology," invites players to delve into a captivating narrative intertwined with puzzles and exploration. This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough to guide Geralt through the intricacies of this quest, ensuring that players can successfully navigate the challenges posed by mysterious kidnappers and their prison escape scenarios.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Accepting the Quest

   • Begin by heading to the "Quest Board" at the Novigrad region or find a relevant NPC who provides information about the missing woman.
   • Look for notices about the high-profile kidnapping case of a local crime lord's daughter, leading you to the quest's initial hook.
     • After receiving the quest, follow your map to the designated location for the next step.
       • Locate the house of the kidnap victim, marked on your map.

2. Investigating the Crime Scene

   • Upon arriving, interact with the various points of interest in the vicinity of the house.
   • Examine the bloodstains on the ground and any nearby items that may contain clues.
     • Using your Witcher senses effectively, highlight the clues and follow the trail that leads you deeper into the storyline.
       • This will prompt a cutscene highlighting key dialogue with NPCs regarding the kidnapping.

3. Following the Leads

   • After gathering sufficient evidence, speak with the relevant characters, typically found in the tavern or local square.
   • Pursue the dialogue options that seem to further delve into the details surrounding the crime.
     • This will guide you toward a hideout used by the kidnappers.
       • The hideout should be marked on your map, making navigating there more straightforward.

4. Entering the Hideout

   • When you arrive at the kidnapper's hideout, prepare for possible combat scenarios.
   • Stealth is paramount at this stage, so use your abilities wisely to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
     • Utilize your sign spells, especially Quen for defense and Axii for controlling enemies.
       • Assess the layout of the hideout; crouch behind cover to scan for foes.

5. Confronting the Kidnappers

   • As you move deeper into the hideout, you'll encounter multiple enemies.
   • Focus on defeating or evading them based on your preferred gameplay style.
     • Remember to manage your health and potions efficiently during the skirmishes.
       • Once the enemies are taken care of, proceed to the last room which holds the captive.

6. Rescuing the Captive

   • Interact with the captive to initiate dialogue.
   • At this moment, you have to make key choices regarding her fate.
     • Decide whether to escort her home or offer assistance that may lead to side stories.
       • Your decisions here may influence future interactions and the quest's outcome.

7. Returning to Safety

   • If you chose to escort the captive, navigate back to ensure her safety while possibly facing more kidnappers.
   • Upon reaching the safety of the city or relevant location, you will have to report back to the quest giver.
     • This will round off the quest, and you may receive rewards or new challenges.
       • Ensure to explore any new dialogue options, as they may unlock additional quests or lore.

Conclusion

Completing the "Applied Escapology" quest is a fulfilling experience in The Witcher 3, rewarding players not only with gear and experience but also with a deeper immersion into the world and its characters. By following this detailed walkthrough, you should be well-equipped to navigate the challenges this quest presents, ensuring that justice is served and the innocent are saved in true Geralt fashion. Happy hunting!