Gwent Card Collecting in White Orchard: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re diving into the world of The Witcher 3, and naturally, the siren song of Gwent has already ensnared you. Excellent choice! Gwent is more than just a minigame; it’s an integral part of the Witcher experience. Let’s break down exactly how to acquire all the Gwent cards available in White Orchard, the game’s introductory area, setting you on the path to becoming a Gwent master.
The key to collecting all the Gwent cards in White Orchard boils down to engaging with specific NPCs and utilizing the game’s mechanics. In White Orchard, you can obtain Gwent cards by playing and purchasing them. There are six Gwent cards total in White Orchard, and they are acquired via a merchant and an innkeeper.
-
Elsa, the Innkeeper: Located at the White Orchard Inn, Elsa sells a total of five Gwent cards: King Foltest – Lord Commander of the North, Blue Stripes Commando, Catapult, Crinfrid Reavers Dragon Hunter, and Decoy. These cards are a crucial addition to your starting deck and will significantly improve your chances of victory in early Gwent matches.
-
The Merchant (Bargain and Rescue): You’ll encounter this merchant during the main quest “The Beast of White Orchard.” After rescuing him from the griffin, he will set up shop outside the Inn (if not he will be in the next town). He is in the location the innkeeper was originally. He sells the same five cards that the Innkeeper has. If you already purchased them from the Innkeeper, the Merchant will not sell them to you.
-
Scholar: The last card is won from the scholar in White Orchard in a game of Gwent.
Maximizing Your Gwent Card Collection in White Orchard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Head to the White Orchard Inn
First, make your way to the White Orchard Inn, a central hub of activity and your first port of call for Gwent acquisition. You’ll find Elsa behind the counter, ready to serve you drinks and sell you Gwent cards.
Step 2: Purchase Cards from Elsa (or the Merchant)
Talk to Elsa and browse her wares. Purchase all five Gwent cards she has available. Don’t worry about saving crowns; these cards are essential for building a strong foundation for your deck. If the Innkeeper is gone, go to the person you rescued from the Griffin to purchase the cards from him.
Step 3: Challenge the Scholar to a Game of Gwent
The Scholar that you must play for the Gwent card will be on the map during the quest you obtain from the Tavern in White Orchard. Be prepared! The Scholar is on a cliffside in the starting area of White Orchard.
Step 4: Play Gwent
The Gwent game is against the Scholar after he is done talking.
Step 5: Start Playing Games and Exploring
Play Gwent as much as possible to gain more cards. Playing Gwent games will allow you to explore the new towns and gain more Gwent cards.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
-
Don’t neglect Gwent early on. Building a solid deck in White Orchard provides a significant advantage later in the game.
-
Prioritize buying all available cards from Elsa (or the Merchant) first. Her cards are essential for building a competitive deck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gwent Cards in White Orchard
1. How many Gwent cards are there to collect in total in The Witcher 3?
There are a total of 482 Gwent cards to collect in the complete edition of The Witcher 3, including all expansions.
2. Can I miss Gwent cards in White Orchard?
Yes, technically, you can miss Gwent cards. If you progress too far into the story without purchasing the cards from the Innkeeper (or Merchant) or playing the scholar, you might find it more difficult to acquire them later. However, the patch fixes this problem, and the Gwent cards can now be acquired later.
3. What happens if I leave White Orchard without getting all the Gwent cards?
If you leave White Orchard without collecting all the Gwent cards, the Innkeeper and merchant will not be there anymore, which means you will need to replay the game or find an alternative way to collect the cards.
4. Is Gwent an important part of The Witcher 3?
While Gwent is optional, it’s a significant and enjoyable part of The Witcher 3 experience. It offers a strategic minigame, provides access to unique quests and rewards, and enriches the world’s lore. The Games Learning Society would likely argue that the game’s complexity can even enhance strategic thinking skills!
5. What are the different Gwent factions?
The main Gwent factions are: Northern Realms, Nilfgaardian Empire, Scoia’tael, Monsters, and Skellige (introduced with the Hearts of Stone expansion). Each faction has unique leader cards and strategies.
6. How do I build a good Gwent deck?
Building a good Gwent deck involves a few key steps:
-
Focus on a specific faction to leverage faction bonuses and synergies.
-
Include a mix of unit cards with varying strengths and abilities.
-
Add special cards like weather cards, decoys, and scorch to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.
-
Pay attention to the leader card’s ability, as it can significantly impact your gameplay.
-
Gradually upgrade your deck by acquiring stronger cards throughout the game.
7. How do I know which Gwent cards I am missing?
To keep track of missing cards, obtain the book “A Miraculous Guide to Gwent” by playing Gwent with Albert Geert in White Orchard. This book tracks the number of missing cards by region.
8. What’s the best way to earn more Gwent cards?
The best ways to earn more Gwent cards are:
-
Playing and winning Gwent matches against NPCs.
-
Purchasing cards from merchants and innkeepers.
-
Completing Gwent-related side quests.
9. Are there any missable Gwent quests?
Yes, there are several Gwent quests that can be missed if you progress too far in the main storyline. Pay close attention to side quests that involve Gwent, and complete them as soon as possible.
10. What are hero cards in Gwent?
Hero cards are special unit cards that are immune to weather effects and cannot be affected by special cards like Scorch or Commander’s Horn. They are powerful additions to any deck, but they are also relatively rare.
11. How does weather affect Gwent matches?
Weather effects (Rain, Frost, Fog) reduce the strength of all melee, ranged, or siege units (depending on the weather) to 1. Weather can be strategically used to weaken your opponent’s forces or protect your own.
12. What is the purpose of decoy cards in Gwent?
Decoy cards allow you to return a unit card from the battlefield to your hand, either to reuse its ability or to protect it from a Scorch effect. They are versatile cards that can be used in various situations.
13. Where can I find rare Gwent cards in the game?
Rare Gwent cards can be found in various locations throughout the game, including:
- Winning them from challenging Gwent players.
- Purchasing them from rare merchants.
- Obtaining them as rewards for completing Gwent quests.
- Exploring hidden locations and finding them in chests.
14. What is the “Big City Players” quest in Novigrad?
The “Big City Players” quest in Novigrad is a Gwent-related side quest that involves challenging and defeating four skilled Gwent players in the city. Completing this quest rewards you with unique Gwent cards and valuable experience.
15. Where can I learn more about the strategy behind the Gwent card game?
You can dive deeper into the game’s mechanics and connect with fellow learners at GamesLearningSociety.org, a great resource for exploring the educational potential of games, including strategic card games like Gwent.
Mastering Gwent in White Orchard is just the first step in a long and rewarding journey. By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Gwent champion in The Witcher 3!