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The Whispering Hillock: A Detailed Walkthrough in The Witcher 3

Introduction

"The Whispering Hillock" is one of the intriguing quests found in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where players must navigate a dark and mysterious environment while interacting with supernatural elements. This quest tests your problem-solving skills, moral choices, and combat abilities. In this guide, we will provide a highly detailed step-by-step walkthrough to help you complete the quest successfully.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Starting the Quest

  • Begin by traveling to the village of Downwarren, which is located in the Velen region.
  • Speak to the local villagers. You can gather information about the hillock and the strange events happening in the area.
  • Confirm that the quest is active by checking your quest log.

• Reaching the Whispering Hillock

  • Once you have gathered sufficient information, make your way to the Whispering Hillock, located northwest of Downwarren.
  • Use your map to navigate; you can either walk or ride a horse to reach your destination quickly.
  • Upon arrival, you will notice an eerie, unnatural ambiance surrounding the hillock.

• Investigating the Hillock

  • As you approach the hillock, you’ll notice the unusual whispering sounds.
  • Interact with the nearby trees and look for signs of a struggle or disturbance that might present clues about the source of the whispers.
  • Use your Witcher senses (hold the appropriate button) to locate clues, such as blood stains or the presence of a spirit.

• Encounter with the Spirit

  • Continue your investigation around the hillock until you encounter the spirit. The spirit will communicate with Geralt and request help, revealing its tragic backstory.
  • The dialogue provides essential context; make sure to listen carefully. You have a choice at this point that can influence the outcome of the quest.

• Choosing Sides

  • You’ll have to make moral choices regarding the spirit and the nearby tree.
    • Option 1 - Help the Spirit: Agree to help the spirit by offering to free it from its torment.
      • In this case, prepare for a battle against the Ekkimara (a vampire creature).
      • Equip your best potions and gear up for combat.
    • Option 2 - Destroy the Spirit: If you feel like the spirit has misled you, you may choose to destroy it by interacting with the cursed tree.
      • This option involves different combat scenarios and challenges.

• Combat Encounter

  • If you choose to help the spirit:
    • Engage in combat with the Ekkimara and use appropriate strategies such as utilizing Quen for damage protection and applying the Igni sign for fire damage.
    • Attack the creature until it is defeated, and then return to the spirit to complete this part of the quest.
  • If you choose to destroy the spirit:
    • Prepare to confront any manifestations that may arise during this encounter. Focus on quick dodges and powerful strikes to vanquish your foes.

• Resolving the Conflict

  • After defeating the Ekkimara or the spirit's summon, you will have to decide the spirit's fate. Making this decision will shape the quest's conclusion and your moral standing.
    • If you saved the spirit, be rewarded with experience points and potentially unique items.
    • If you destroyed the entity, you’ll also gain experience but at a moral cost.

• Completing the Quest

  • After resolving the situation at the hillock, return to Downwarren and report your findings to the villagers.
  • Collect your rewards and any new quests that may arise from this quest.

Conclusion

Completing "The Whispering Hillock" quest in The Witcher 3 not only expands the game’s narrative but also challenges your decision-making abilities and combat skills. Whether you chose to aid the spirit or banish it, the quest leaves a lasting impact on your journey through Velen. With this detailed walkthrough, you should be well-prepared to successfully navigate the eerie mysteries that await you. Happy playing!