Comprehensive Guide to Completing the "Defender of the Faith" Quest in The Witcher 3

Introduction

In "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," the quest "Defender of the Faith" immerses players in a rich storyline that intertwines Geralt’s adventures with the world of faith, rivalries, and moral dilemmas. This quest is part of the "Hearts of Stone" expansion and requires careful navigation and decision-making. Here we provide a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you complete this quest successfully.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Starting the Quest
Begin your adventure in the city of Oxenfurt. * Locate the "Note" on the corpse near the Nilfgaardian soldier. * This will kick off the quest, leading you to speak with a character named Dandelion.
Meeting Dandelion
Head over to the tavern to find Dandelion conversing with the priest. * Engage in dialogue and gather information regarding the situation at the temple. * Accept to help Dandelion with his quest to protect the temple.
Traveling to the Temple
After your discussion, fast travel to the temple located south of the main road from Oxenfurt. * Be mindful of hostile creatures and enemies that may impede your journey. * Arrive at the Temple of the Eternal Fire and prepare for upcoming confrontations.
Dealing with the Bandits
Upon arrival, you will notice a group of bandits planning to invade the temple. * Decide whether to engage them head-on or strategize by using stealth. * If you choose to fight, make use of your Signs and potions to gain an advantage.
Protecting the Priest
Once the bandits are dealt with, you'll enter the temple where the priest is under threat. * Talk with the priest to understand what needs to be done to safeguard the temple. * Stay alert for additional threats that may emerge during the conversation.
Defending Against Attacks
As you defend the priest, you will experience multiple waves of enemies. * Each wave will bring different types of foes, so adjust your combat style as needed. * Utilize the environment to your benefit – shoot explosive barrels or lead enemies into traps. * Use Igni for crowd control and Aard to knock back attackers. * Heal using potions and food during lulls in combat.
Assessing the Damage
After wave upon wave of attackers, assess the damage done to the temple. * Interact with the remaining priests and townsfolk to understand their needs. * Make dialogue choices that help bolster morale and reinforce your position as the protector.
Final Confrontation
The quest culminates in a final confrontation with the bandit leader. * Employ everything you've learned in terms of combat skills to defeat him. * Pay attention to his attack patterns and dodge or counterattack appropriately.
Conclusion of the Quest
With the bandit leader defeated, return to the temple to speak with the priest again. * Complete any necessary dialogue and establish your actions' consequences on the story. * You will gain experience points and potentially unique items as a reward for your efforts.

Conclusion

Completing the "Defender of the Faith" quest is not just about combat; it's also about making meaningful choices and understanding the impact of your actions in the world of Geralt. By following this step-by-step guide, players can navigate the dangers of the quest with confidence, ensuring a successful outcome and a deeper appreciation for the rich narrative of The Witcher 3. Happy gaming!