Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the more interesting side quests in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: the hunt for deserter gold. This quest, while seemingly simple, can lead you on a mini-adventure filled with choices and consequences. So, grab your silver sword, ready your signs, and let’s get started!

Getting Started with the Deserter Gold Quest

So, you're looking for deserter gold in The Witcher 3? Awesome! To kick things off, you'll usually stumble upon this quest by exploring the war-torn lands of Velen. Keep your eyes peeled for notice boards in small villages or settlements. These boards are your best friends for finding contracts, quests, and rumors. Often, the deserter gold quest will be posted by a concerned villager or a local authority looking to recover stolen funds.

Once you've found the notice, read it carefully. It will usually detail the situation: soldiers who deserted their posts, taking with them a significant amount of gold. The notice might also give you some initial clues about where these deserters might have fled. Key locations to investigate include abandoned ruins, bandit camps, and secluded forests. Remember, the beauty of The Witcher 3 lies in its exploration, so don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path! While exploring, use your Witcher Senses frequently. They'll help you locate footprints, blood trails, or other subtle clues that can lead you to the deserters' hideout. Sometimes, you might even find a witness who saw the deserters passing through, offering valuable information.

Talking to the right people is also crucial. Local villagers, merchants, or even other travelers might have heard something about the deserters and their stolen gold. Don't hesitate to engage in conversations and ask around. A little bit of dialogue can unveil a whole new layer of information. As you gather clues, make sure to piece them together. This will help you narrow down your search area and make your investigation more efficient. The deserter gold quest is not just about combat; it's about being a detective and using your wits to solve a mystery. So, keep your eyes open, your ears sharp, and your mind focused, and you'll be well on your way to finding that elusive deserter gold.

Investigating the Clues

Alright, so you've got the quest, now it's time to put on your detective hat and follow those leads. The investigation phase of the deserter gold quest is where The Witcher 3 truly shines, offering a blend of exploration, combat, and moral decisions.

First things first, head to the locations mentioned in the quest details or any clues you've gathered. This could be anything from a dilapidated farmhouse to a hidden cave. When you arrive, activate your Witcher Senses by pressing the left trigger (or the equivalent button on your platform). This will highlight important objects, footprints, and scents that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Footprints are a common starting point. Follow them carefully, as they can lead you through forests, across streams, and eventually to the deserters' hideout. Be prepared to face some resistance along the way. Bandits, wolves, and other creatures might be guarding the path, so keep your sword sharp and your signs ready.

As you follow the trail, pay close attention to your surroundings. Look for broken branches, discarded items, or any other signs of passage. These small details can provide valuable insights into the deserters' movements and intentions. Don't just focus on the ground; look up as well. Sometimes, the deserters might have taken a less obvious route, such as climbing over rocks or hiding in trees. When you reach a potential hideout, approach with caution. Deserters are not known for being friendly, and they'll likely be armed and ready to defend their stolen loot. Use your signs to your advantage. Quen can provide a protective shield, while Igni can set traps or ignite flammable objects. Aard can knock enemies off their feet, giving you a tactical advantage.

Inside the hideout, search every nook and cranny. The deserter gold might be hidden in chests, under floorboards, or even inside barrels. Use your Witcher Senses to reveal hidden compartments or secret passages. Be thorough and leave no stone unturned. Besides the gold, you might also find letters, diaries, or other documents that shed light on the deserters' motives and plans. These documents can provide additional context to the quest and help you make informed decisions later on. Remember, the investigation is not just about finding the gold; it's about understanding the story behind it.

Confronting the Deserters

Okay, you've tracked them down. Now comes the moment of truth: confronting the deserters. This part of the deserter gold quest can go in several different directions, depending on your choices and Geralt's actions.

When you finally locate the deserters, approach them cautiously. They are likely to be hostile and will attack on sight. Before engaging in combat, try to assess their numbers and equipment. Are they heavily armed? Do they have any mages or archers in their group? This will help you plan your strategy. Use your signs and combat skills to your advantage. Quen is always a good starting point, providing a protective shield that can absorb the initial blows. Igni can set the deserters on fire, dealing damage over time, while Aard can knock them off balance, creating openings for attack. Remember to dodge and parry effectively to avoid taking unnecessary damage.

Once you've defeated the deserters, take a moment to loot their bodies and search their hideout thoroughly. Besides the deserter gold, you might find valuable weapons, armor, and crafting materials. Now comes the crucial decision: what to do with the gold? You have several options. You can return the gold to the person who posted the quest, fulfilling your duty as a Witcher and earning their gratitude (and a reward). Alternatively, you can keep the gold for yourself, reasoning that you earned it through your hard work and effort. This decision will affect your reputation and might have consequences down the line.

Another option is to try and negotiate with the deserters before engaging in combat. If you have strong persuasion skills (enhanced by certain dialogue options or skills), you might be able to convince them to surrender or return the gold peacefully. This can avoid bloodshed and potentially lead to a more favorable outcome. No matter what you choose, remember that your decisions have consequences in The Witcher 3. Think carefully about the implications of your actions and choose the path that aligns with your values and goals. The deserter gold quest is not just about finding gold; it's about making choices and living with the consequences.

Consequences and Rewards

Alright, so you've made your choice regarding the deserter gold. Now, let's talk about the consequences and rewards that come with it. This is where your decisions truly shape the world around you in The Witcher 3.

If you chose to return the deserter gold to the quest giver, you'll likely receive a reward in the form of coin and experience points. The amount of gold you receive might vary depending on your negotiation skills and the quest giver's generosity. More importantly, you'll earn the gratitude of the villagers or authorities, improving your reputation in the region. This can lead to more favorable interactions with NPCs and unlock new quests or opportunities.

On the other hand, if you decided to keep the deserter gold for yourself, you'll obviously get to enjoy the financial benefits. This can help you purchase better equipment, upgrade your skills, or simply live a more comfortable life as a Witcher. However, there might be negative consequences as well. Your reputation could suffer, leading to distrust from certain NPCs or even attracting unwanted attention from bandits or law enforcement. Some characters might refuse to help you or offer you quests, knowing that you're not the most honorable Witcher around.

If you managed to negotiate a peaceful resolution with the deserters, the consequences and rewards might be different. Depending on the terms of the agreement, you might receive a portion of the gold as a reward for your mediation skills. The deserters might also offer you valuable information or assistance in the future, depending on their circumstances. No matter what outcome you achieve, remember that your choices have a ripple effect in the world of The Witcher 3. The deserter gold quest is just one small example of how your actions can shape the story and the lives of the people around you. So, choose wisely and be prepared to live with the consequences, good or bad.

Final Thoughts

Finding the deserter gold in The Witcher 3 is more than just a simple fetch quest. It’s a mini-adventure that tests your Witcher skills, your detective abilities, and your moral compass. Whether you choose to return the gold, keep it for yourself, or find a peaceful resolution, the consequences of your actions will add depth and complexity to your playthrough. So, the next time you see a notice about deserter gold on a village notice board, don't hesitate to take on the quest. You never know where it might lead you!