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Is the Baron Gwent Card Missable in The Witcher 3? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: no, the Baron’s Gwent card is technically not missable. Even if you fail to win it from him during your initial encounter at Crow’s Perch, you can loot it from his desk later in the game, specifically after completing or progressing far enough in his questline, “Family Matters.” This makes it accessible even if the Baron’s story concludes in various ways.

However, “easily obtainable” is another question altogether. If you want to avoid unnecessary backtracking and potential confusion, winning it from him during your first playthrough is highly recommended. This will mark it off your list early and streamline your Gwent collection journey. The beauty of The Witcher 3 lies in its dynamic narrative, but that dynamic narrative can affect Gwent opportunities.

Failing to win the card the first time doesn’t lock you out, but it does require a bit more effort. Knowing exactly where to look after he’s left Crow’s Perch, or, in some cases, perished, is essential. This guide will explain exactly what to do to ensure you secure this crucial card for your Gwent collection.

Securing the Baron’s Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

The most straightforward method is to challenge the Baron to a game of Gwent when you first meet him at Crow’s Perch. He uses a Northern Realms deck and will be one of the first moderately challenging opponents you face.

If, for whatever reason, you are defeated, don’t panic. It simply means you will have to use the back-up plan.

Here’s how to grab the card even if you missed your initial opportunity:

Complete (or substantially progress through) the “Family Matters” questline. This quest is pivotal to the Baron’s story and is a prerequisite for the card’s availability.
Locate the Baron’s office at Crow’s Perch. This is the same room where you initially spoke with him.
Look for a box with sparkles (highlighted interactable object) on his desk or nearby. The Baron’s Gwent card is attached to a list of players for you to challenge.

The Baron’s Fate and the Gwent Card: What You Need to Know

The Baron’s questline has multiple outcomes, all of which can influence his availability and the ease of obtaining his card.

If the Baron survives and leaves Crow’s Perch: Even if he departs to seek a cure for Anna, his card will still be present in his office.
If the Baron dies: Whether due to suicide or other circumstances, the card will still be found in his office after the relevant quest is completed.

Why The Baron’s Gwent Card Matters

Collecting all Gwent cards is a major undertaking in The Witcher 3. It’s part of a larger quest, “Collect ‘Em All,” which is essential for completionists. The Sigismund Dijkstra card, which you receive from the Baron, is powerful and can significantly enhance your Northern Realms deck. Don’t underestimate the strategic importance of adding this powerful card to your deck! Gwent is more than just a side-game; it’s an integral part of the world and offers a strategic depth often overlooked. This is where resources such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, can contribute to researching the link between game mechanics and actual learning.

The Risk of Missable Cards

While the Baron’s card has a safeguard, many Gwent cards are missable if specific quests are failed or NPCs become unavailable. Keeping a close eye on quest-related cards and ensuring you challenge all merchants, innkeepers, and blacksmiths along your travels is crucial for completing your collection. Gwent is a wonderful game within a game, but the anxiety of potentially missing key cards adds another layer to the whole experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with comprehensive information about missable Gwent cards and related aspects of Gwent in The Witcher 3:

Are there any truly missable Gwent cards? Yes, there are several Gwent cards that can be permanently missed if you don’t obtain them during specific quests or from specific NPCs who later become unavailable. Pay close attention to quest-related cards.
Which Gwent cards are considered easily missable? The Dandelion card (from “A Matter of Life and Death”), Iorveth card (from “Shock Therapy”), and Triss card (from Lambert’s part of “Gwent: Old Pals”) are prime examples. Always complete these quests and play Gwent with the relevant characters.
How do I know which Gwent cards I am missing? Start the “Collect ‘Em All” quest. Acquire the “A Miraculous Guide to Gwent” book from the scholar in White Orchard. This book tracks how many cards you are missing in each region.
What happens if the Baron dies before I get his Gwent card? Even if the Baron dies, his Gwent card will still be located in his office at Crow’s Perch, accessible after completing “Family Matters.”
Can I still play Gwent with the Baron after completing his questline? No, once the Baron’s questline concludes, he is no longer available to play Gwent with, regardless of his fate.
What deck does the Baron use when playing Gwent? The Baron uses a Northern Realms deck. Prepare your own deck accordingly, focusing on strong melee units and weather cards to counter his strategy.
Is the Sigismund Dijkstra card the only card I can get from the Baron? Yes, the Sigismund Dijkstra card is the unique card associated with the Baron.
How important is it to complete the “Collect ‘Em All” quest? While not mandatory for completing the main story, “Collect ‘Em All” is vital for those aiming for 100% completion of the game. It also offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment for Gwent enthusiasts.
Are there any Gwent cards that can only be obtained through random merchants or inkeepers? Yes, some common cards are acquired randomly from merchants and inkeepers, so make it a habit to check their inventory whenever you encounter a new one.
Is it possible to track my Gwent card progress online using third-party resources? Yes, several websites and apps provide detailed checklists and guides to track your Gwent card collection progress. These can be helpful for identifying which cards you still need and where to find them.
Does the difficulty setting affect the Gwent card acquisition? No, the difficulty setting does not influence which Gwent cards you can acquire or the chances of obtaining them.
Should I buy all Gwent cards available from merchants early in the game? Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase all available Gwent cards from merchants early on, as this will give you a significant advantage in later games and ensure you don’t miss out on any unique cards.
Can I lose Gwent cards? No, you cannot lose Gwent cards once you have acquired them. They remain in your deck for use in future games.
What are the best strategies for winning Gwent games? Focus on building a balanced deck with a mix of unit types, hero cards, and special cards. Utilize weather effects strategically, and always try to force your opponent to use their best cards early on.
Does the Gwent tutorial adequately prepare players for the complexities of the game? While the Gwent tutorial provides a basic understanding of the rules, it doesn’t fully prepare players for the strategic depth and nuances of the game. Experimenting with different decks and strategies is key to mastering Gwent.

By following these guidelines and being diligent in your quest, you can secure the Baron’s Gwent card and build a formidable deck to dominate your opponents throughout the Northern Realms.

Is the Baron Gwent card missable?