Witcher 3
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Table of contents

Complete Guide to "Contract: The Mystery of the Byways Murders" in Witcher 3

Introduction

"Contract: The Mystery of the Byways Murders" is one of the intriguing side quests in Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that showcases the game’s rich storytelling and atmospheric world. In this quest, Geralt investigates a series of mysterious murders in a small village, unraveling a chilling narrative as he uncovers the truth. This guide offers a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough for completing the quest, ensuring you gain all the details and complete it effectively.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

  • Accept the Quest

    • Head to the village of Byways, located in the region of Velen.
    • Look for a notice board to find the contract about the murders. This board is usually near the village’s main area.
    • Read the notice to accept the quest automatically.
  • Talk to the Villagers

    • After accepting the contract, talk to the villagers in Byways to gather information.
      • Focus particularly on NPCs like the innkeeper and various townsfolk who will mention details related to the murders.
        • You should hear stories about strange occurrences happening at night and the victims of the murders.
        • Take note of any leads or names they mention, as these will help in the investigation.
  • Investigate the Crime Scenes

    • The next step involves visiting the crime scenes mentioned during your conversations.

      • Use your Witcher senses to look for clues at the locations.

        • Start by going to the first murder scene, marked on your map.
        • Look for signs of a struggle and any items left behind by the attackers.
      • Proceed to the next murder site, repeating the process of using your Witcher senses.

        • You may find blood trails or other evidence indicating what happened.
        • Make sure to examine everything thoroughly to gather enough clues.
  • Follow the Blood Trail

    • After inspecting the second murder scene, look for a blood trail that leads away from the site.
      • Follow the blood trail carefully; it will guide you through the outskirts of Byways.
        • Stay alert for any hostile creatures along the way, as the area is known to harbor dangers.
        • Continue following the trail until it leads you to a hidden lair.
  • Confront the Creature

    • You will eventually reach the creature's den, where you will face a monster responsible for the murders.
      • Prepare for battle by ensuring you have the necessary potions (like Swallow or Thunderbolt) and your weapons are equipped.
        • Observe the creature’s attack patterns and utilize dodges effectively during combat.
        • Consider using appropriate oils (like Beast Oil) to deal extra damage.
  • Defeat the Creature

    • Engage the creature in combat until you successfully defeat it.
      • After defeating it, be sure to loot its remains for any additional resources or crafting materials.
  • Return to the Village

    • Once the creature is slain, make your way back to Byways.
      • Speak to the village elder or the innkeeper to report on the completion of the contract. *
        • If you chose to spare the creature or made decisions during the quest, ensure to discuss them with the townspeople for different outcomes.
        • Collect your reward for completing the quest from the NPC.

Conclusion

Completing "Contract: The Mystery of the Byways Murders" not only rewards you with experience and loot but also adds depth to the unsettling lore of the Witcher universe. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the quest, uncover the truth behind the murders, and ensure that peace is restored to the village of Byways. Happy hunting!