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The Witcher 3’s Most Grueling Contracts: A Deep Dive

So, you want to know which Witcher contract in The Witcher 3 will truly test your mettle? While difficulty is subjective and depends heavily on your build, playstyle, and preparedness, many players agree that “The Phantom of Eldberg” stands out as one of the most challenging. This contract throws you into a perilous situation involving a deadly sea monster haunting the waters near Skellige, often tackling it at a lower level. This means you’re facing a tough foe with limited resources and experience, making it a true test of skill and strategic thinking.

Diving Deep into “The Phantom of Eldberg”

What makes this contract so notoriously difficult? Several factors contribute to its challenge:

Low Level Recommendation: Players often encounter this contract relatively early in their Skellige adventures. The recommended level is around 17, but even at that level, the Sirens and the sea monster, the Udalryk, can be a brutal fight.
Environmental Hazards: The battle takes place on the open sea, exposing you to the elements. Strong winds and waves can hinder movement and make targeting with crossbows difficult.
The Udalryk’s Abilities: This creature is not your typical monster. It possesses powerful melee attacks, can summon Sirens to its aid, and can quickly regenerate health. This combination makes it a formidable opponent that requires careful planning and execution to defeat.
Limited Resources: At lower levels, Geralt may not have access to the best potions, oils, or bombs. This lack of resources makes the fight even more challenging, as players must rely on their skill and knowledge of the game’s mechanics to survive.
Strategic Approach Required: Simply hacking and slashing won’t cut it against the Udalryk. Players must utilize Quen to absorb damage, Igni to interrupt attacks, and carefully time their strikes to maximize damage output. Utilizing the crossbow to bring down the sirens is essential.

Other Contenders for the Title

While “The Phantom of Eldberg” consistently ranks high on difficulty lists, other contracts present unique challenges:

“In the Heart of the Woods”: This contract tests your moral compass as much as your fighting skills. Facing a Leshen deep in the forest forces you to make difficult choices with potentially devastating consequences.
“Skellige’s Most Wanted”: Taking on this contract involves hunting a dangerous creature with exceptional tracking abilities and a penchant for ambushes, demanding keen observation and strategic combat.
“Missing Miners”: Navigating treacherous caves and battling multiple Arachas makes this contract a claustrophobic and intense experience, especially for those with arachnophobia.

Tips for Tackling Tough Contracts

Regardless of which contract you find the most challenging, a few general tips can significantly increase your chances of success:

Prepare Thoroughly: Research the monster in the Bestiary to identify its weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Craft the appropriate oils, potions, and bombs to exploit those weaknesses.
Level Up: Consider postponing difficult contracts until you reach a higher level. This will give you access to better gear, abilities, and resources.
Utilize Signs: Mastering the various Witcher Signs is crucial for success. Quen provides essential protection, Igni can deal damage over time, and Aard can stun enemies.
Master Combat Mechanics: Practice dodging, parrying, and counter-attacking to minimize damage taken and maximize damage dealt.
Exploit Environmental Advantages: Use your surroundings to your advantage. Lure enemies into traps, use narrow passages to funnel them, and take advantage of elevated positions for ranged attacks.
Don’t Be Afraid to Run: If a fight is going poorly, don’t hesitate to disengage and regroup. Reassess your strategy, replenish your resources, and return when you’re better prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level should I be for “The Phantom of Eldberg”?

Ideally, be around level 17 or higher. While skilled players may attempt it earlier, having access to better gear and abilities at a higher level significantly increases your chances of success.

2. What is the best strategy for defeating the Udalryk?

Utilize Quen for protection, Igni to interrupt attacks, and carefully time your strikes. Prioritize taking down the Sirens it summons with your crossbow to minimize distractions.

3. Are there any specific potions or oils that are particularly effective against the Udalryk?

Apply Drowner Pheromones oil to your silver sword. Potions like Thunderbolt for increased attack power and Tawny Owl for faster stamina regeneration can also be helpful.

4. How do I start “The Phantom of Eldberg” contract?

Find the notice board in Arinbjorn in Skellige and accept the contract.

5. Can I fail a Witcher contract?

Yes, some contracts can be failed if you make the wrong choices or take too long to complete them. For example, one of the contracts in Velen is subject to auto-fail if not completed before a certain point in the story.

6. What’s the easiest Witcher contract in the game?

“Devil by the Well” in White Orchard is generally considered one of the easiest, especially early in the game.

7. How do I get more money from Witcher contracts?

Always negotiate for a higher reward before accepting the contract. Haggle assertively to maximize your earnings.

8. What difficulty level should I play on for the best experience?

This depends on your skill level. “Blood and Broken Bones” (Hard) offers a challenging but fair experience, while “Death March” (Very Hard) is for experienced players seeking a truly punishing challenge.

9. What makes “Death March” so difficult?

Enemies hit harder, you take more damage, and you need to prepare thoroughly with potions, signs, and bombs. Knowledge of enemy weaknesses is crucial.

10. Which is the hardest monster to fight in The Witcher 3 overall?

Many consider The Toad Prince from the Hearts of Stone DLC to be one of the toughest, due to its unpredictable attacks and high health pool.

11. Who is the strongest character in The Witcher 3 lore?

Ciri is arguably the most powerful, with her ability to manipulate time and space.

12. Which enemy is the creepiest in The Witcher 3?

The Hym is widely considered the creepiest, due to its disturbing appearance and the unsettling atmosphere of its related quest.

13. What is Yrden’s weakness?

Yrden may be a simple magical sign but it can make enemies vulnerable to physical attacks. With Eredin being able to teleport and create an ice armor, using Yrden against him can buy you time to attack and cause him real damage.

14. Where can I learn more about the game design elements in The Witcher 3?

You can explore resources at the GamesLearningSociety.org, an organization dedicated to the study of games and learning.

15. Can my choice during the play with Priscilla affect my contract results?

No, your choices during the play with Priscilla do not affect any of your contract results.

Mastering the art of Witchering requires more than just swinging a sword. It demands careful planning, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the monsters you face. While “The Phantom of Eldberg” is a formidable challenge, overcoming it and other difficult contracts will transform you into a true monster slayer, worthy of the title “Witcher.”

What is the hardest contract in The Witcher 3?