Complete Guide to the Quest "Contract: Patrol Gone Missing" in The Witcher 3

Introduction

In "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," players embark on various contracts that unfold intriguing stories and challenges. One such contract is "Patrol Gone Missing," where Geralt of Rivia must investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patrol tasked with guarding a region. This quest leads players into the heart of danger, filled with suspense and combat. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step walkthrough to ensure you complete this quest efficiently and enjoyably.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Receive the Contract
2. Start by traveling to the village or settlement near the contract board where the quest is posted. Look for a notice board.

3. Interact with the notice board to read the "Contract: Patrol Gone Missing" notice. Accept the quest to begin.

4. Gather Information

5. Head to the location marked on your map, which is usually near the border patrol area.

6. Upon arrival, seek out the NPC named Patrolling Soldier or the NPC who has lost the patrol. Speak to them to gather necessary information.

   • Listen carefully to their account regarding the patrol's last known movements and any strange occurrences in the area.
   • They may provide clues on where to search first, such as a nearby cave or hideout.

7. Investigate the Area

8. Open your map and track the objective marker to your next location.

9. Carefully explore the designated area for any clues. Use your Witcher Senses (hold the designated key/button) to highlight objects of interest.

   • Look for bloodstains, tracks, or signs of combat. These will guide you toward the patrol's fate.
   • If you find tracks, follow them closely; they may lead you directly to the missing patrol or its assailants.

10. Encounter Monsters

11. Be prepared for combat; you may face monsters like bandits or wild beasts.

12. Engage with caution, using your signs and weapon skills effectively.

    • Utilize Quen for defense and Igni for direct damage against enemies.
    • If overwhelmed, consider using potions, bombs, or traps.

13. Find the Missing Patrol

14. Continue to piece together clues as you follow the trail.

15. Eventually, you should come across an area where the patrol was ambushed or located.

    • Examine the bodies of the fallen soldiers and interact with them to gather more information.
    • This may reveal any leads on who or what caused the ambush.

16. Confront the Culprits

17. Upon gathering the necessary evidence, you will likely confront the individuals responsible for the disappearance.

18. Engage in the fight with your chosen strategy in mind.

    • Use the environment to your advantage, and target key enemies first.
    • Once defeated, loot the area for any potential rewards and documents for additional lore.

19. Return to the Villager

20. After successfully dealing with the culprits, head back to the villager or NPC who initially posted the contract.
21. Speak to them, relaying any findings and the fate of the missing patrol members.

22. Based on your response, you may influence the outcome of the conversation and your reward.

23. Claim Your Reward

24. After delivering your report, you will receive a reward, typically in crowns and possibly additional crafting materials or items.
25. Check for any dialogue options that may allow for more information about the area or further quests before concluding.

Conclusion

Completing the quest "Contract: Patrol Gone Missing" not only enriches your knowledge of the world through engaging storytelling but also rewards you with valuable loot and experience. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to navigate the challenges of this quest with ease, uncovering its mysteries along the way. Enjoy your journey as Geralt of Rivia in the vast realms of The Witcher 3!