High Stakes Quest Walkthrough in The Witcher 3

Introduction

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the quest "High Stakes" invites players into a thrilling Gwent tournament filled with challenging opponents and high-stakes bets. Set in the picturesque region of Novigrad, Geralt's objective is to defeat various characters in a high-pressure card game to claim a prized trophy and further his journey. This guide will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to ensure you emerge victorious and enjoy the Gwent experience.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

1. Initiate the Quest

   • Head to the inn known as the "Pawnshop" in Novigrad.
     • Look for a character named "Rudolf" who is at the bar.
     • Engage him in conversation and inquire about the Gwent tournament.
       • Accept his invitation to participate in the High Stakes tournament, thus starting the quest.

2. Meet the Opponents

   • The tournament involves a series of matches against notable Gwent players.
     • Your first opponent is "Vernon Roche."
       • Before the match, you can interact with the environment to gather tips or even play a practice round to warm up.

3. Defeating Vernon Roche

   • Deck Preparation:
     • Ensure your deck is well-rounded, balancing units, special cards, and bonuses.
       • Consider a Nilfgaard or Northern Realms deck for an edge.
   • Strategies:
     • Pay attention to Roche’s tactics; he often uses Spy cards to draw additional cards.
       • Counter his strategies with cards that can remove or negate his advantages.
   • Winning the Match:
     • Aim for a 2-0 victory by winning two rounds; draw tactics in the first and save your stronger cards for the last round.

4. Continue to Your Next Opponent

   • After defeating Roche, you will proceed to face "Zoltan Chivay."
     • Zoltan is known for his aggressive play style with a Dwarven deck.
       • Counter with cards that can bolster your defensive strength.
   • Match Tips:
     • Use potent Special cards like "Decoy" for tactical advantages, retrieving lost cards.
       • Utilize the terrain and weather cards to control the battlefield.

5. Face the Final Opponent: "Triss Merigold"

   • After Zoltan, you must take on Triss.
     • Triss employs a diverse deck filled with powerful cards.
   • Preparation:
     • Adjust your deck specifically against her; focus on counters for her strong units.
   • Winning Tactics:
     • Utilize a combination of weather cards to weaken her high-value units.
     • Save your best cards for the final round or bide your time until the last possible moment to play.

6. Claim Your Trophy

   • Upon defeating Triss, complete the tournament and receive the trophy.
     • This completion will also reward you with unique Gwent cards.
   • Dialogues:
     • Interact with Triss and other characters post-tournament for additional dialogue and lore.

7. Finishing Up

   • With the quest complete, you can choose to continue improving your Gwent skills by engaging other NPCs around the world.
   • Explore side quests that pop up following your victory to deepen the game experience.

Conclusion

Successfully completing the "High Stakes" quest in The Witcher 3 offers not just a thrilling card game experience but also enriches Geralt's journey through the engaging world of Gwent. The combination of strategic play and character interaction adds layers to the gameplay. With this detailed walkthrough on your side, you can confidently navigate the challenges of the tournament and enjoy the victories that come from smart decisions and clever tactics. Happy gaming!