Can You Still Do Failed Quests in The Witcher 3?
The short, direct answer is: No, you cannot redo or “un-fail” a quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt once it has been marked as failed. Once a quest is listed as failed in your journal, it’s permanently inaccessible within that specific playthrough. This is a core design element of the game, where player choices and story progression have lasting consequences. While this can be frustrating for completionists, it adds weight to your decisions and creates a truly unique, personalized experience. This article will delve deeper into the nuances of failed quests, exploring when and why they occur and offering guidance to help you navigate the complex world of The Witcher 3.
Understanding Quest Failure in The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 doesn’t operate on a purely linear structure. Instead, it’s a vast world where your actions, inaction, and the order in which you tackle objectives significantly influence the game’s outcome. This is why understanding when quests can fail is vital.
The Impact of Story Progression
The primary trigger for quest failure is the progression of the main storyline. Certain pivotal moments in the narrative act as points of no return, making some side quests unavailable as the world around Geralt evolves and characters’ fates are decided. The most notable of these is the journey to the Isle of Mists, where a significant number of side quests become inaccessible.
The Significance of Decisions
Beyond plot progression, your own choices during quests can also lead to their failure. For example, if a particular quest requires you to make a specific decision, choosing an alternative path might lock you out of completing that quest successfully. Sometimes, it’s the timing of your actions that determine whether a quest succeeds. If you delay a specific step for too long, it might lead to the quest failing due to a character’s changed circumstances.
Quests Related to Key Characters
Quests that are tied to significant non-player characters (NPCs) are particularly susceptible to failure if you don’t address them before key story points. The quests involving Geralt’s friends and allies, like Lambert, Yennefer, and Roche, are prime examples. Failure to complete them before specific triggers (such as reaching Kaer Morhen) can lead to their unavailability. This design encourages you to explore those personal narratives and build meaningful connections with the characters.
Missable Quests and How to Avoid Failures
Avoiding quest failure in The Witcher 3 requires a combination of awareness and strategic planning.
Focus on White Orchard
It is essential to complete all quests within White Orchard before leaving for the first time. This initial area contains a few side quests that become unavailable after you move forward in the story, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly exploring each location before leaving.
Prioritize Time-Sensitive Quests
Certain quests have a sense of urgency attached to them that are not always explicitly told to the player. Pay close attention to dialogue and the general tone of quests, as they may provide a hint that there is a need for haste. This is particularly true of quests where a character’s safety is at risk or if a specific event is timed.
Be Aware of Key Story Triggers
Understanding the major story beats and their implications for quest availability is vital. The journey to the Isle of Mists is the most notorious example, but there are other points in the story that can trigger failures. Prioritizing personal quests and character-related tasks before diving into the main story’s critical moments is a wise tactic for completing the bulk of the available quests.
Multiple Playthroughs
Even with diligent planning, it’s impossible to experience every single quest in a single playthrough of The Witcher 3. The game is designed to encourage multiple playthroughs, with different choices leading to varied questlines and outcomes. You can see how different decisions will impact your game by utilizing the save feature often. This can allow you to experiment with different paths within your first playthrough, if you so choose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Failed Quests
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding failed quests in The Witcher 3, offering additional insights and clarifications:
1. Can I use console commands to redo a failed quest?
No, console commands cannot be used to revive or “un-fail” a quest in The Witcher 3. Console commands can be useful for other things, like obtaining items, but they will not reset a quest’s status.
2. Does failing a quest impact the main story ending?
While some quest failures may result in minor changes to side stories, failed quests rarely have a direct impact on the main story ending. However, some character-specific side quests affect the game ending. For example, completing all the “Brothers In Arms” side quests positively impacts the final battle.
3. Are there any missable unique items tied to failing a side quest?
Yes, some quests can lock you out of certain missable unique items. A few examples are the Venomous Viper armor in the ‘Hearts of Stone’ expansion, and the mutagens from specific monsters. These often require careful planning and exploration to obtain.
4. Can I continue the game after completing the main quest and redo failed quests then?
No, failed quests remain failed even after completing the main story. The world state is saved at specific points, and completing the main story does not give you an option to revisit prior quests. However, you can still explore the world and continue with side quests that are not tied to the story.
5. Do Witcher contracts fail?
Most Witcher contracts do not fail and are available for completion throughout most of the game. However, there is one contract in Velen, that will fail if not completed before the appropriate story point. This is a rare exception that can only be done by progressing the story.
6. Does failing a quest affect the player’s leveling experience?
While not directly, failing quests may reduce the number of experience points earned, thus indirectly affecting the leveling process. This loss is usually not significant enough to hinder your progress, but consistent failure to complete quests will have an impact on overall level.
7. Is it worth trying to complete every quest in a single playthrough?
While it’s impossible to complete every single quest, attempting to complete most quests will make for a richer experience. If you’re aiming for a completionist run, plan on multiple playthroughs. But, don’t feel obligated to do every quest available, some quests will not be enjoyable.
8. Can I revisit the Isle of Mists?
No, the Isle of Mists is not re-visitable. Once you leave the area after completing that section of the game, it cannot be revisited.
9. What is the best time to complete the “Brothers in Arms” quests?
The “Brothers in Arms” side quests, which recruit Geralt’s allies to help during the final fight, must be completed before progressing to the Isle of Mists. Make sure to complete these before reaching that point in the story.
10. Does the main quest “Destination Skellige” fail any quests?
No, the main quest “Destination Skellige” does not automatically fail any quests. You can freely travel between regions. Quests are only locked by progressing the main story.
11. How can I tell which quests are time-sensitive?
The game doesn’t explicitly label quests as “time-sensitive.” Rely on dialogue and the context of the quest itself. If the quest involves a character in peril, or is explicitly tied to the main story, it’s best to complete it quickly.
12. Does eavesdropping on Ciri affect quest outcomes?
Eavesdropping on Ciri has a positive effect on the game’s ending. By allowing Ciri to handle situations independently, it builds trust and leads to a better overall outcome.
13. What is the optimal level for the Isle of Mists quest?
The recommended level for starting the Isle of Mists quest is level 22. At this point, it is vital to remember that some side quests may become unavailable.
14. Can I save Vesemir at the end of the conflict with the Wild Hunt?
No, Vesemir cannot be saved at the end of the conflict with the Wild Hunt. His death is a critical plot point in the story and cannot be changed by player choice.
15. What side quests are known to fail at the Isle of Mists?
Many quests fail if they are not completed before entering the Isle of Mists. Some examples include “A Dangerous Game,” “A Deadly Plot,” “A Favor for a Friend,” “Cabaret,” and “Redania’s Most Wanted”. In addition, many character-specific quests can be lost if not completed before this major story point.
Conclusion
The inability to redo failed quests in The Witcher 3 is a deliberate design choice that contributes to the game’s rich, immersive world. It emphasizes the weight of your decisions and encourages multiple playthroughs to explore different paths and outcomes. While it can be frustrating to miss content, understanding the mechanisms behind quest failure can help you navigate the world of The Witcher 3 more effectively, allowing you to experience the game in a way that is uniquely your own.