Complete Guide to the "Hidden in the Depths" Quest in The Witcher 3

Introduction

"Hidden in the Depths" is a thrilling quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that takes Geralt on an adventure involving mystery, exploration, and combat. The quest is set in the intriguing underwater realm, and it requires keen observation and strategic skills to navigate through the challenges presented. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you successfully complete the quest.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Starting the Quest
2. Locate the quest by visiting Gwynbleidd's Cave, which can be found west of the Wyzima Gate in the region known as Skellige.

3. Speak to Yennefer or Ciri at the cave entrance to initiate the quest dialogue.

4. Entering the Cave

5. Once the dialogue is complete, head inside the cave. The entrance will lead you into a dark and damp area filled with foliage.

6. Use your Witcher Senses (hold the appropriate button for your platform) to highlight interactive objects and enemies.

7. Exploration

8. As you descend deeper into the cave, you will encounter:

   • Lesser Monsters: Be ready for combat with creatures like Drowners and Water Hags. Use your sword skills and sign spells like Igni or Aard for effective combat.
   • Treasure: Pick up various loot along the way. There might be hidden chests with valuable items to improve Geralt's equipment.

9. Finding the Underwater Entrance

10. After clearing the initial monsters, look for a sealed door that requires a key. To find this, look for clues near the cave walls.

11. Dive underwater at the provided junction. You’ll need to hold your breath and swim swiftly to avoid drowning.

12. Solving Puzzles

13. Once inside the underwater section:

    • Pay attention to the ancient ruins and activate the mechanisms you encounter to open up the pathway. These may include:
      • Pressure plates located on the floor.
      • Rotating stones that need to be aligned to the correct symbols.
    • Use your Witcher Senses to highlight interactable objects.

14. Defeating the Mini-Boss

15. After you’ve navigated through the puzzles, you’ll face a mini-boss. Prepare for a challenging battle using dodge moves and signs.

16. Tips:

    • Watch the boss’s attack patterns and find openings to strike.
    • Consider using Potions and Bombs to weaken the boss before engaging in melee combat.

17. Completing the Quest Objectives

18. After defeating the mini-boss, a cutscene will play out, revealing more narrative elements and leading to the quest completion.

19. Ensure you collect any final loot or treasure before exiting the cave.

20. Returning to the Surface

21. Navigate back to the entrance of the cave, retracing your steps. You may encounter more enemies on the way back.
22. Once out of the cave, report back to Yennefer or complete any final objectives given.

Conclusion

Upon completing the "Hidden in the Depths" quest, you will have uncovered hidden treasures, fought formidable foes, and expanded Geralt's rich story within the Witcher universe. This guide should help streamline your experience, ensuring you achieve success without missing any vital steps or secrets hidden within the depths of the cave. Happy hunting!