Should I Pay 1000 Crowns to Go to Skellige in The Witcher 3?
Yes, absolutely. You must pay the 1000 crowns to the captain to travel to Skellige in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, don’t let that hefty price tag deter you. While it may seem like a significant expense at first, it’s essentially a temporary loan. You’ll get the vast majority, if not all, of that gold back incredibly soon after you arrive. The journey to Skellige is integral to the game’s narrative and overall experience. Skipping it is not an option for players looking to fully immerse themselves in the rich world the Witcher series offers. Think of it as a necessary investment into one of the most compelling regions in the game.
Why the 1000 Crowns is a Necessary “Investment”
The 1000 crowns is essentially a gatekeeping cost for the journey to Skellige. The game narrative pushes you to pursue Ciri, and part of that path leads to these rugged isles. The hefty fee might seem unfair, especially early in the game, but rest assured the game developers provide a built-in safety net. You’re not actually losing that money.
Getting Your Crowns Back
Immediately following your arrival, the ship will crash on the rocky coast of Skellige. The captain, regrettably, perishes during this event. However, you’ll have the opportunity to loot the body and recover the 1000 crowns you initially paid. So, while you might feel the initial sting, you’ll recover the full amount. This ensures that the cost to reach Skellige is not a financial burden long term.
What Awaits You in Skellige
Skellige isn’t just a stop on the map; it’s a vast, captivating region with its own rich lore and compelling storylines. You’ll experience:
- A unique culture: Skellige has a distinct Norse-inspired feel, with its own customs, traditions, and social structures.
- New characters: You’ll encounter many unforgettable characters, each with their own agendas and stories to tell. This will include Jarls vying for leadership, and families wrestling with their own demons.
- Intriguing quests: From political intrigue to ancient mysteries, the side quests in Skellige are some of the most rewarding in the game.
- Beautiful, yet harsh, landscapes: Skellige’s towering mountains, snow-covered peaks, and harsh seas create a visually impressive and immersive experience.
- Key main story progression: Important events in the hunt for Ciri happen here, making it a vital part of the main story.
Progression and Timing Considerations
While you technically can travel to Skellige at a lower level, such as level 12-14, it’s generally recommended to be around level 17 before embarking on this journey. The enemies and quests you’ll encounter are often more challenging than those in Velen or Novigrad. Having a decent level will provide you with more comfortable experience. You don’t have to worry about missing out on anything if you choose to progress to Skellige. Novigrad and Skellige are on a fork in the road, letting you explore each at your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skellige
1. Is it worth exploring all the question marks in Skellige?
While Skellige’s question marks can yield good loot, much of it can be considered vendor trash. It can feel a bit repetitive going out of your way for chests that do not hold rare items. You’ll find plenty of unique loot in the main locations of Skellige. If completing every single mark feels like a chore, don’t be afraid to focus on the story and more easily accessible locations.
2. What level should I be when I first travel to Skellige?
It’s recommended to be around level 17 or higher before heading to Skellige, but if you’re experienced with the game’s combat you can go as low as level 12. The area is much harder than the starter areas, so be prepared for a significant spike in difficulty.
3. How do I get to Skellige for free and get my 1000 crowns back?
You cannot get to Skellige for free, you must pay the 1000 crowns fee to the captain. However, your money comes back almost immediately. Upon arriving at Skellige, your ship will crash, and you can loot the body of the now deceased captain for that 1000 crowns.
4. Is Toussaint bigger than Skellige?
By landmass alone, Toussaint is considered to be roughly the same size as the Skellige Isles. The region of Verden/Novigrad is larger than both regions.
5. Who is the best choice for the ruler of Skellige?
Many players believe that Cerys is the best choice for the ruler of Skellige. Her leadership qualities are seen as more balanced, and she will contribute to a better game ending for many.
6. Will going to Skellige cause any quests to fail?
Traveling to Skellige will not fail any quests. You can always fast travel back to Velen or Novigrad. Certain main quests in the game will cause some side quests to auto-fail, but traveling to Skellige won’t.
7. How long does it take to clear Skellige?
Depending on your completionist status, Skellige will take a good while to explore. A player who focuses on the main story and core side quests will only be in Skellige for about 20 hours. Completionists can expect to spend double or triple that.
8. Why is Skellige so cold?
The climate is due to the regions high mountain ranges. These mountains cause the air to push upwards and cool, leading to the snow and cold temperatures.
9. Should I finish the main game or DLC first?
The recommended order is to play the main game first. Then proceed to the DLC’s in the order they were released (Hearts of Stone first, then Blood and Wine). However, the DLC’s are independent enough to play in whichever order you choose.
10. Can I become the King of Skellige?
You cannot become the king of Skellige, but you do have a significant influence on who does. Through your actions, you’ll help determine the best suited leader.
11. Should I spare the succubus in Skellige?
This is a personal decision based on how you want to roleplay. If you kill her, you receive the Succubus Mutagen, useful for a decoction. If you spare her, you avoid losing some “good guy” karma. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
12. Should I accept the drink from Menge?
You should accept the drink from Menge by choosing the dialogue option “Why not”. Any other choice will lead to an unnecessary fight. You then should guide the conversation towards being paid for your interaction with Triss.
13. Should I keep Zoltan’s cards?
Yes, it’s wise to keep Zoltan’s cards. They are three rare Gwent cards that will help in the side quest “Collect ’em All!”.
14. Should I save Jorund?
If you want Jorund to live, you must not turn in his quest until after you complete “King’s Gambit”. This will cause you to miss out on some content.
15. How powerful is Skellige?
When united under a single leader, Skellige is one of the most formidable forces in the world. However, in times of internal strife, they can be vulnerable. Their strength heavily relies on their leader and how well their clans unify.
By understanding the importance of the 1000-crown investment, and by addressing some of the most common questions about Skellige, you’ll find it is one of the most enthralling and captivating sections of The Witcher 3. It provides a whole new depth to the main story, compelling side quests, and memorable characters. Happy exploring!