How to Free Quinto in The Witcher 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Freeing Quinto, the master safecracker, in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone expansion is a crucial step towards successfully completing the “Open Sesame” quest. Quinto is imprisoned by Hans of Cidaris, and Geralt has several options for securing his release, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You can free Quinto through a combination of bargaining, combat, or skillful play in Gwent, allowing the witcher flexibility and the player multiple choices as to how they want to proceed to complete the quest.

Unlocking Quinto: Your Options

There are three main routes you can take to liberate Quinto from Hans of Cidaris:

• Paying the Ransom: The most straightforward, but arguably least satisfying, method is to simply pay Hans the requested ransom of 200 crowns. However, a true Witcher knows how to haggle! You can attempt to barter with Hans to lower the price. With a successful Persuasion (Axii) attempt, you can shave off some crowns.

• Winning in Combat: If you’re feeling confident in Geralt’s swordsmanship, you can challenge Hans to a fight. Defeating him and his guards in combat will secure Quinto’s release. This method can be challenging, especially at lower levels, so be sure to prepare with the appropriate potions and oils.

• Gwent Master: For the card game aficionados, Hans is also willing to settle the matter with a game of Gwent. If you can outwit him in a match of Gwent, Quinto will be freed. This option requires a decent Gwent deck and strategic gameplay.

Once you’ve successfully chosen your path and freed Quinto, he’ll be eager to join Geralt’s heist team. Remember, choosing Quinto over Casimir Bassi affects the challenges you will face later in the quest. Quinto is considered the superior safecracker, and recruiting him first is recommended for a smoother experience and to avoid failed objectives.

Navigating the Negotiations

When interacting with Hans of Cidaris, your dialogue choices matter. Here’s how you can leverage conversations to your advantage:

• Persuasion (Axii): As mentioned earlier, use the Axii sign to influence Hans and lower the ransom.

• Demonstrate Confidence: Show Hans that you are not easily intimidated. Choosing assertive dialogue options can sometimes lead to him being more willing to negotiate.

• Understand the Stakes: Recognize that Hans is a mercenary, and his primary motivation is profit. Appeal to his desire for a quick and easy transaction if you choose to pay.

Preparing for the Heist

Once Quinto is freed and recruited, focus on the subsequent steps of the “Open Sesame” quest. Remember the following points as you continue:

• Art Auction Intel: Gather information about the auction and its participants. This intel will be crucial for planning the heist.

• Painting Identification: At the auction, you’ll be asked to identify a painting. The correct answer is “the portrait of the merchant.” This leads to a side quest that rewards the player handsomely.

• Moral Choices: Be prepared to make difficult moral choices, such as deciding whether to take the box and documents, which leads to fighting Ewald and potentially Casimir.

The Consequences of Your Choice

Your decision between hiring Quinto or Casimir carries significant consequences:

• Enemy Encounters: Choosing Quinto allows you to avoid fighting guards outside the auction house if you choose the right dialogue options, while choosing Casimir leads to a brawl with guards but avoids a fight with spiders later in the quest.

• Allegiances: Quinto and Casimir will choose opposing sides at the heist’s climax; Quinto sides with Horst, while Casimir sides with Ewald.

• Quest Objectives: Recruiting Quinto first often makes it easier to achieve all quest objectives without failure.

By carefully considering these factors and employing Geralt’s skills, you can successfully free Quinto and navigate the challenges of the “Open Sesame” quest in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone. The nuances of the narrative and the impact of your decisions make it a standout experience in the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if I fail to free Quinto?

Failing to free Quinto will mean you cannot recruit him for the heist. You’ll be forced to rely on Casimir, which changes the enemies you face and potentially impacts quest success.

2. Is it better to pay, fight, or play Gwent to free Quinto?

It depends on your playstyle and Geralt’s stats. Paying is the easiest but least rewarding. Fighting is challenging but satisfying. Gwent is ideal if you have a strong deck.

3. Can I recruit both Quinto and Casimir?

Yes, you can recruit both, but only by recruiting one of them first and then finding the other one. However, your initial choice impacts the quest’s events more significantly. You can hire the other after the first, but there are only minor rewards through payments and Axii.

4. Does the order in which I recruit Quinto and Casimir matter?

Yes, it does. Starting with Quinto is generally recommended to avoid failed objectives during the heist.

5. What are the benefits of choosing Quinto over Casimir?

Quinto is generally regarded as the better safecracker, and choosing him allows you to potentially avoid fighting guards outside the auction house with the correct dialogue options. He also helps to achieve all quest objectives without failure.

6. How does my choice of safecracker affect the heist?

Your choice determines which enemies you face during the heist and which side the safecracker takes at the end – Quinto siding with Horst, and Casimir with Ewald.

7. What is the correct dialogue choice to avoid fighting the guards with Quinto?

Focus on negotiating calmly and assertively. Show that you’re confident in your abilities and that unnecessary bloodshed would be detrimental to everyone involved. There is no guarantee this will work.

8. What happens if I side with Ewald during the heist?

If you side with Ewald, you’ll have to fight off the guards, Horst, and Quinto (if he was the chosen safecracker).

9. Should I tell Vivaldi about the Van Rogh painting tip?

No, do NOT tell Vivaldi about the tip! If you do, you’ll end up paying 80 crowns instead of 20 for information.

10. What is the correct painting to identify at the auction?

The correct painting is “the portrait of the merchant.”

11. What is the significance of the phrase “Open Sesame”?

The phrase comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in One Thousand and One Nights, where it’s used to open the door to the thieves’ cave. It is a phrase representing the witcher successfully breaking into the vault, no matter the cost.

12. What happens if I take the box and documents during the heist?

Taking the box and documents will lead to a fight with Ewald and potentially Casimir, depending on who you recruited.

13. Can I keep the Van Rogh painting after the quest?

Yes, with the Blood and Wine expansion, you can hang the painting in Corvo Bianco before selling it to Marcus for a tidy profit.

14. Are there any failed objectives I should be aware of during the “Open Sesame” quest?

Yes, if you want to ensure no failed objectives, it’s best to start with Quinto. His skill as a safecracker is what makes it easier to achieve a full-completion of the quest.

15. How does this quest relate to broader learning principles?

The “Open Sesame” quest exemplifies several learning principles discussed within the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org. It showcases the impact of player agency, decision-making, and the value of information gathering. The quest also demonstrates how problem-solving skills and strategic thinking are essential for success in game-based environments.

By mastering these elements, players can fully appreciate the intricacies and rewards of the “Open Sesame” quest in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone.