The Witcher 3: Obtaining the Bloody Baron’s Gwent Card – A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can get the Bloody Baron’s Gwent card even after he’s shuffled off this mortal coil, or more accurately, left Crow’s Perch for good. The card isn’t tied to his physical presence but to a specific location that becomes accessible whether he lives, dies, or simply takes a long vacation.
The Saga of the Baron’s Card: A Gwent Collector’s Tale
The Bloody Baron, also known as Philip Strenger, is a key figure in the early stages of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Beyond his captivating, albeit tragic, storyline, he also plays a crucial role in the Gwent experience, specifically the “Collect ‘Em All” side quest. His unique and powerful hero card is a must-have for any serious Gwent enthusiast.
Traditionally, players could win the Baron’s card by challenging him to a game of Gwent at Crow’s Perch. However, the ever-evolving storyline can often lead to unforeseen circumstances. The Baron’s fate is tied to several pivotal decisions, and it’s entirely possible to complete his questline without ever facing him across the Gwent table.
Fear not, fellow Witchers! CD Projekt Red, in their infinite wisdom, implemented a failsafe to prevent players from permanently missing out on this essential card. Patch 1.20 introduced a mechanic that makes the Baron’s card available for looting, regardless of his current state.
Where to Find the Baron’s Card After He’s Gone
The key lies in revisiting Crow’s Perch. After the Baron’s questline concludes (whether he lives, dies, or departs with Anna), head to his office. You will find it inside the main keep. The Baron’s card is now attached to the list of players on his desk. It’s a neatly tucked-away solution for players who may have missed their chance to challenge him directly. Remember, the card typically appears after the Return to Crookback Bog quest has been initiated or completed, so don’t go searching too early!
This mechanic ensures that even players who made specific choices affecting the Baron’s storyline can still complete their Gwent collection. It’s a welcome addition that respects the player’s agency while still providing a way to achieve their collecting goals.
Pro-Tip: Get it Early!
While you can get the card after the Baron leaves, there’s really no reason to wait. As soon as you get to Crow’s Perch, challenge him to Gwent. Not only will it save you the hassle of returning later, but you’ll also get to experience the thrill of playing against one of the game’s more formidable Gwent opponents. The Baron, being fairly new to the game, you meet quite a big challenge from the old Baron, but it’s a challenge well worth taking on!
A Note on Missable Cards and the “Collect ‘Em All” Quest
The “Collect ‘Em All” quest is notoriously unforgiving. Many cards are tied to specific quests, merchants, or opportunities that can be easily missed. While the Baron’s card has this failsafe, others do not! It’s crucial to be diligent, especially during quests, and make sure to talk to every innkeeper and merchant you encounter. Check their inventory for purchasable cards and challenge them to a game of Gwent.
This attention to detail is particularly important during quests that have branching storylines or time-sensitive elements. Certain NPCs may disappear or become unavailable depending on your choices, taking their associated Gwent cards with them.
Gwent and the Educational Power of Games
The strategic depth of Gwent provides an engaging learning experience for players. Decision-making, resource management, and strategic thinking are all crucial for success in the game. This aligns perfectly with the principles promoted by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the potential of games for education and research. You can learn more about their work at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Importance of Game Preservation
The fact that CD Projekt Red added a safeguard to prevent players from missing the Baron’s card highlights the importance of game preservation and accessibility. Developers are increasingly aware that players may approach games in different ways, and providing alternatives to ensure a complete experience is a welcome trend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Bloody Baron’s Gwent Card
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional valuable information for the readers:
1. Can I miss the Bloody Baron’s Gwent card permanently?
No, thanks to Patch 1.20, the Baron’s card is no longer permanently missable. If you fail to win it from him directly, you can find it on his desk in Crow’s Perch after his questline is complete.
2. Where exactly is the Baron’s office located in Crow’s Perch?
The office is inside the main keep of Crow’s Perch, accessible after completing some of his main quests. It’s typically the room he occupies during the early stages of his storyline.
3. What patch do I need to have to access the fail-safe for the Baron’s card?
You need to have Patch 1.20 or later installed. Most modern versions of The Witcher 3 include this patch automatically.
4. What happens if I kill the Baron before playing him in Gwent?
His card will still be available on his desk in his office at Crow’s Perch after the questline resolves.
5. Do I need to complete a specific quest to make the card appear on his desk?
The card typically appears after you’ve started or completed the Return to Crookback Bog quest. It will also become available after finishing the main Family Matters quest, regardless of its outcome.
6. Can I play the Baron in Gwent multiple times?
Yes, you can challenge him multiple times before his questline progresses to a certain point. Take advantage of this to practice and refine your Gwent skills.
7. Is the Baron a difficult Gwent opponent?
The Bloody Baron can be a challenging opponent early in the game, as he possesses a strong deck. However, with a well-constructed deck and sound strategy, he can be defeated.
8. What kind of card is the Bloody Baron card?
The Bloody Baron is a hero card that doesn’t have weather effects.
9. How important is the Bloody Baron card for completing the “Collect ‘Em All” quest?
The Baron’s card is essential for completing the “Collect ‘Em All” quest. It’s one of the unique cards that cannot be obtained through random means.
10. Are there other Gwent cards that are easily missable?
Yes, several other Gwent cards can be easily missed. Be sure to complete the Gwent-related quests and purchase cards from merchants whenever possible. Dandelion, Iorveth, and Triss are easily missed.
11. Does it matter which choices I make regarding the Baron’s fate?
Your choices do not affect the availability of his Gwent card as of Patch 1.20. Whether he lives, dies, or leaves, the card will be on his desk.
12. What if I can’t find the card on his desk?
Make sure you’ve completed or progressed far enough in his questline, specifically the “Family Matters” quest. If you still can’t find it, double-check that you’re in the correct room (his office in the main keep of Crow’s Perch).
13. Can I purchase the Baron’s card from a merchant?
No, the Baron’s card cannot be purchased. It can only be obtained by either defeating him in Gwent or looting it from his desk after his questline.
14. Does the difficulty level affect the availability of the Baron’s card?
No, the difficulty level of the game does not affect the availability of the card.
15. Will CD Projekt Red continue to support Gwent in the future?
Support for CD Projekt Red’s Gwent: The Witcher Card Game will wind down and conclude at the end of 2023, the studio announced on Sunday. From 2024 on, a small CDPR team will support the game at a maintenance level, while the Gwent community will be given tools to continue balancing and playing the game. However, the Gwent card availability for Witcher 3 remains as described above.
Conclusion: A Gwent Master’s Assurance
Fear not, fellow Gwent enthusiasts! The quest for the Bloody Baron’s card is achievable, regardless of the narrative path you choose. Embrace the challenges, explore every nook and cranny, and may your Gwent deck always be strong! With persistence and this guide, you will become a true Gwent Master, and the realm will know your name.