Complete Guide to "At the Mercy of Strangers" Quest in Witcher 3

Introduction

"At the Mercy of Strangers" is a main quest in CD Projekt Red's critically acclaimed game, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This quest unfolds during the gripping narrative as Geralt navigates the complex political landscape surrounding the tensions between various factions and characters. In this guide, we will take you through a step-by-step walkthrough on how to successfully complete this quest, ensuring you navigate the challenges effectively.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Starting the Quest

2. Begin the quest by traveling to the foggy regions of Novigrad. This quest becomes available during the "The Name of the World" quest, which sets the tone for the ensuing challenges.

   • Start your journey by speaking to a band of locals in Novigrad who reveal critical information regarding your target, the merchant named "Gratian."
   • Prepare yourself for a combat scenario in the area; it's advisable to be at least level 12 for an optimal experience.

3. Finding the Merchant

4. Make your way to the designated marker on your map labeled “Gratian’s Hideout.”

   • Use your Witcher senses to spot clues in the area that hint at the merchant's whereabouts.
   • Engage in dialogue with the various NPCs present in the vicinity to gather further information on the merchant.

5. Entering the Hideout

6. Once you’ve pinpointed the location, approach the hideout cautiously.

   • Use your inventory to ensure you have enough potions or items to aid you in potential conflicts.
   • As you enter, be ready for some hostile encounters; utilize your combat skills with a preference for swift strikes to minimize damage.

7. Confronting Gratian

8. After navigating through the hideout, you’ll finally confront Gratian.

   • Engage in conversation with him, where he will present his charge regarding the state of affairs. Stay attentive to dialogue options for branching narrative paths.
   • Choose your line of questioning wisely, as this can impact your standing with him and affect potential rewards later.

9. Decision Making

10. Gratian may present you with various choices. Here, you often face moral dilemmas that are characteristic of The Witcher series.

    • Consider your options carefully; you can either assist him or choose to turn him over to other parties.
    • The outcome of these choices can lead to different scenarios affecting your progression.

11. Exiting the Hideout

12. Once your conversation concludes, head to the exit.

    • Be prepared for additional encounters; enemies may ambush you as you leave.
    • Use strategic evasion tactics and spells like Aard or Igni to maintain the upper hand in combat.

13. Returning to Novigrad

14. Make your way back to Novigrad once you’ve dealt with the enemies.

    • On your journey, you might come across side quests and hidden treasures—feel free to explore if time permits.
    • Upon arrival, locate the nearest fast travel point to expedite your return trip if you prefer.

15. Reporting Back

16. Interact with the relevant NPC in Novigrad to wrap up the quest.
    • Provide all the necessary updates regarding your findings from Gratian.
    • Depending on your choices, you may unlock unique dialogue options and potentially receive special rewards.

Conclusion

Completing the "At the Mercy of Strangers" quest in The Witcher 3 not only advances the storyline but also enriches your character development through pivotal moral decisions. The choices you make can lead to unexpected outcomes, showcasing the depth of storytelling that The Witcher 3 is known for. By following this detailed guide, you should be well-equipped to navigate the quest successfully and enhance your gaming experience. Happy hunting, Witcher!