The Phantom of Eldberg: Finding the Elusive Lighthouse in The Witcher 3
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The Eldberg Lighthouse is located on the northernmost point of Ard Skellig, one of the main islands in the Skellige archipelago of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It’s a key location for the quest “Contract: The Phantom of Eldberg,” and holds secrets beyond just a simple monster contract. Getting there involves a little bit of exploration and potentially a watery entrance, as you’ll discover.
Locating the Eldberg Lighthouse
To find the lighthouse, first ensure you’ve progressed far enough in the main story to access Skellige. Once there, look to the far north of Ard Skellig, almost at the very top of the map. You’ll likely need to sail by boat to reach the island where the lighthouse stands.
Initiating the Quest
Before setting sail, it’s wise to pick up the “Contract: The Phantom of Eldberg”. You can find it in a few ways:
- Talking to Jorund: You can find Jorund in the tavern at Arinbjorn.
- Arinbjorn Notice Board: The contract will be posted on the notice board in Arinbjorn.
- Madman Lugos: Defeating Madman Lugos in a fistfight during “The King is Dead – Long Live the King” quest can trigger dialogue about it.
- Direct Investigation: Simply heading to the lighthouse might trigger the quest.
Reaching the Lighthouse Island
Once you’re at the northern tip of Ard Skellig, you’ll see a small island dominated by the Eldberg Lighthouse. Dock your boat on any accessible shore. Be prepared to face some enemies upon landing.
Gaining Access to the Lighthouse
There are a couple of ways to enter the lighthouse:
- The Obvious Entrance: After speaking with Mikkjal, the surviving lighthouse keeper, he’ll provide you with the Lighthouse Key. This key unlocks the main door.
- The Underwater Entrance: If you are interested in a quicker entrance, look for a partially submerged opening near the lighthouse’s base. There are drowners guarding the area. Swim through this opening to gain access to the interior.
What Awaits Inside
Expect resistance from wraiths. Clear the enemies before thoroughly exploring the lighthouse. Make your way to the top to investigate and continue the quest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eldberg Lighthouse
1. How do I start the “Phantom of Eldberg” contract?
You can initiate the “Phantom of Eldberg” contract by talking to Jorund in Arinbjorn’s tavern, finding the notice on the Arinbjorn notice board, or by defeating Madman Lugos in a fistfight during the quest “The King is Dead – Long Live the King.” Investigating the area around the lighthouse may also trigger the quest.
2. Where is Arinbjorn located?
Arinbjorn is a town located on Ard Skellig, one of the main islands in the Skellige archipelago. You must advance the main story and travel there before you can find Arinbjorn.
3. What is the significance of the Lighthouse Key?
The Lighthouse Key is a quest item given to Geralt by Mikkjal, the lighthouse keeper. While not strictly necessary to enter the lighthouse (due to the underwater entrance), it unlocks the main door and grants access to a letter inside that reveals more about the events that transpired at the lighthouse.
4. What happened at Eldberg Lighthouse before Geralt’s arrival?
A powerful wraith, known as the Penitent, appeared at the lighthouse, shrouding the island in fog and extinguishing the light. The phantom terrorized the area and drove most of the inhabitants away.
5. What is Mikkjal’s role in the Eldberg Lighthouse story?
Mikkjal is the sole surviving lighthouse keeper. He initially seems like a victim, but later it’s revealed that he colluded with pirates, deliberately letting the lighthouse go dark to cause shipwrecks, which they then plundered.
6. How do I beat the Penitent wraith?
You cannot effectively harm the Penitent until Mikkjal relights the beacon. Once the lighthouse is lit, the wraith becomes vulnerable, and you can defeat it.
7. Should I let Mikkjal stay at the lighthouse or force him to leave?
The decision to let Mikkjal stay or leave does not significantly affect the quest’s outcome. The quest continues even if you do not find the letter which leads to uncovering the details on the true cause of the issue.
8. What is the reward for completing “The Phantom of Eldberg”?
Upon showing the trophy from the Penitent to Jorund, you will receive your negotiated fee and gain experience points.
9. Is it possible to save Jorund’s life during the quest?
Jorund can survive if you complete the “King’s Gambit” quest before turning in “The Phantom of Eldberg.” Otherwise, he will die during a scripted fight at the end of the contract.
10. Where can I find the Griffin Silver Sword schematic at the lighthouse?
The Griffin Silver Sword schematic can be found inside the lighthouse. Climb to the top, use the drawbridge mechanism, then exit. There is a ladder beside the exit door that leads to a storage area, where the schematic is located in a chest.
11. How do I lower the drawbridge at Eldberg Lighthouse?
To lower the drawbridge, swim into the underwater entrance and get to the top of the lighthouse. On the wall on the other side of the drawbridge (the lighthouse side, not the land side), there is a wheel mechanism that lowers the bridge.
12. What other quests are related to “The Phantom of Eldberg”?
Completing “The Phantom of Eldberg” can unlock the side quest “Cave of Dreams,” which is obtained from Madman Lugos’s son, Blueboy Lugos.
13. What is the significance of the succubus in The Witcher 3?
If you choose to kill the succubus in the game, you have a chance to acquire the Succubus Mutagen. This mutagen is required for crafting the Succubus Decoction.
14. Where is the best place to find black pearls in Skellige?
Talk to Nidas atop the broken bridge in Arinbjorn. Follow him to the shore near the oyster bed and he will ask you to dive for the black pearl. Use your Witcher Senses underwater to find the oysters.
15. What kind of lessons can be learned from games like The Witcher 3?
Games like The Witcher 3 provide immersive environments that encourage problem-solving, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making. These elements align with the mission of organizations like the Games Learning Society that explores the intersection of games and education, promoting the idea that gaming can be a tool for learning and development. You can find more information on innovative approaches to learning through gaming at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Navigating the intricate world of The Witcher 3 is a rewarding experience, especially when unraveling the mysteries surrounding locations like the Eldberg Lighthouse. The quest is challenging, but the rewards make it worthwhile.