What Do You Get For Freeing Morkvarg in The Witcher 3?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a sprawling game filled with moral choices, and the quest involving Morkvarg is a prime example. Deciding whether to kill or cure this cursed werewolf has significant consequences. So, what exactly do you get for taking the path less traveled and freeing Morkvarg from his eternal torment?
Freeing Morkvarg offers a unique combination of experience points (XP), treasure, a new decoction formula, a decent silver sword, and a sense of moral satisfaction. Specifically, by opting to lift the curse instead of simply ending Morkvarg’s suffering, you gain:
- 80 XP for reasoning with Einar and discovering the source of the curse.
- 80 XP for choosing not to kill Morkvarg immediately, showing your willingness to find a cure.
- 50 XP for finding the hidden treasure in Novigrad, pointed out by Morkvarg.
- The Deithwen silver sword (worth roughly 60 crowns) from the treasure in Novigrad.
- The formula for the Werewolf Decoction, a valuable alchemical item.
- 50 XP and 85 crowns from Josta in Larvik upon completion of the quest.
Beyond the tangible rewards, freeing Morkvarg provides a narrative experience rich in moral ambiguity and the satisfaction of finding a non-violent solution. This is a key aspect of what makes The Witcher 3 so compelling, as explored in the research conducted by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which investigates the educational and social impact of games. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for more information.
Understanding the Quest: “In Wolf’s Clothing”
The “In Wolf’s Clothing” quest is initiated in Larvik, a village on the island of Hindarsfjall in Skellige. Josta, a local villager, tasks Geralt with investigating a series of mysterious killings attributed to a werewolf. This leads you to the accursed garden of Freya, where you encounter Morkvarg, a powerful and regenerative werewolf trapped in an endless cycle of death and rebirth.
The initial urge is often to simply slay the beast, ending the threat and collecting your reward. However, a deeper investigation reveals a complex backstory and the possibility of lifting the curse. This involves interacting with Einar, a former member of Morkvarg’s crew, and discovering the Cursed Fang Pendant, the artifact responsible for Morkvarg’s plight.
The Path to Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Accept the Quest: Speak to Josta in Larvik.
- Investigate the Murders: Follow the clues to Freya’s Garden.
- Encounter Morkvarg: Battle the werewolf. You don’t need to kill him initially.
- Reason with Einar: Uncover the truth about the curse and the Cursed Fang Pendant.
- Obtain the Fang: Acquire the Cursed Fang Pendant from Einar (either by convincing him or looting it).
- Confront Morkvarg Again: Return to Morkvarg’s lair and battle him until he’s incapacitated.
- Lift the Curse: Speak to Morkvarg and give him the Cursed Fang Pendant.
- Learn of the Treasure: Ask Morkvarg about his hidden treasure in Novigrad.
- Claim the Treasure: Travel to Novigrad and retrieve the Deithwen sword and the Werewolf Decoction formula.
- Collect Your Reward: Return to Josta in Larvik to receive your final reward.
The Benefits of Lifting the Curse
Choosing to lift Morkvarg’s curse yields several advantages:
- Morality and Immersion: It allows you to experience the quest’s full narrative depth and make a morally nuanced decision.
- Unique Rewards: The Werewolf Decoction is a powerful alchemical concoction that significantly boosts stamina regeneration in combat.
- Alternative Story Branch: Unlocking the treasure location in Novigrad opens up a new area for exploration.
- Completionist Satisfaction: It provides a more thorough and satisfying resolution to the quest.
While feeding Morkvarg his own flesh to kill him does offer a quicker, albeit gruesome, solution, it closes off the path to the full rewards and the moral complexity that makes The Witcher 3 so captivating.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Morkvarg
1. Can you save Freya’s garden in The Witcher 3?
No, unfortunately, you cannot save Freya’s garden. The quest line requires the use of necromancy, which inevitably damages the garden.
2. How do I get the Cursed Fang to free Morkvarg?
The Cursed Fang can be acquired from Einar in Larvik. You can either convince him to give it to you or loot it from his body if you choose to kill him. Important: you need to speak with Einar before using the Fang on Morkvarg; otherwise, you won’t get the option.
3. What does the Werewolf Decoction do?
The Werewolf Decoction grants a 50% increase in stamina regeneration during combat. This is a highly valuable buff for any combat-focused build.
4. Where is the key in Freya’s garden?
The key is located on the remains of a priestess in a cave beneath Freya’s Garden, near Skjall’s body. It unlocks a door within the cave system.
5. Should I let Morkvarg leave after lifting the curse?
After lifting the curse and claiming your reward, Morkvarg is essentially free. You can choose to leave him be, knowing he is no longer bound to his cursed existence. Whether you slay him after he is free is up to you.
6. Is there another way to lift Morkvarg’s curse if I kill Einar?
If you kill Einar before speaking to him, you will not learn the significance of the Cursed Fang. This effectively prevents you from lifting the curse, leaving you with the option of feeding him his own flesh to end his suffering permanently.
7. What do you feed Morkvarg if you can’t lift the curse?
If you cannot lift the curse using the Cursed Fang, you must feed Morkvarg Werewolf Meat. This is obtained by defeating him and looting his corpse.
8. What is the strongest decoction in The Witcher 3?
The “strongest” decoction depends on your build and playstyle. However, some consistently powerful options include:
- Cockatrice Decoction: Provides increased attack power against higher-level enemies.
- Succubus Decoction: Grants temporary attack power based on stamina spent.
- Ekimmara Decoction: Heals you whenever you deal damage.
9. Where is the hidden treasure in Novigrad that Morkvarg mentions?
Morkvarg directs you to a pawnshop in Novigrad where he had previously pawned the Deithwen silver sword. Talking to the pawnshop owner will trigger the retrieval of the sword.
10. What happens if I kill Morkvarg without trying to lift the curse?
If you simply kill Morkvarg by feeding him his own flesh, you will still receive a reward from Josta, but you will miss out on the bonus XP, the Deithwen sword, and the Werewolf Decoction formula.
11. Can you cure Morkvarg after he tells you about the treasure?
Yes. You can lift the curse anytime before completing the quest. After speaking to Morkvarg and learning about the treasure, you can return to him at any point and give him the Fang to lift the curse.
12. How do I get into Morkvarg’s flooded cave?
To access Morkvarg’s cave, you need to manipulate the sluice gates to drain the water. Look for levers and mechanisms to open the gates and gain access to the submerged areas.
13. How much is the Deithwen sword worth?
The Deithwen silver sword is worth approximately 60 crowns when sold to a merchant. However, its true value lies in its combat effectiveness and as a unique item.
14. Why can’t I give Morkvarg the Cursed Fang?
You need to speak with Einar first. If you do not speak with Einar, you will not get the option to give Morkvarg the fang.
15. Is Morkvarg worth saving?
Whether Morkvarg is “worth saving” is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. From a moral perspective, lifting the curse provides closure for Morkvarg and allows him to find peace. From a gameplay perspective, it unlocks unique rewards and a more complete quest experience. Choosing to spare him allows you to dive deeper into the nuances of the Witcher universe, exploring themes of redemption, consequences, and the complex nature of morality, subjects that the Games Learning Society researches extensively.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to kill or cure Morkvarg is yours. Weigh the pros and cons, consider the rewards, and choose the path that resonates most with your vision of Geralt of Rivia.