The world is vast in The Witcher 3, and there’s a lot to discover and (try to) remember. Perhaps one of the most expansive areas in the game is that of Velen, the swampy wasteland where a good majority of the game takes place.
Here, Geralt will help a Baron find his family, contend with a group of ancient witches, deal with the King of Redania in the halls of Oxenfurt, and much more. While navigating this No-Man’s Land, here are the most important locations to keep in mind.
10 Inn at the Crossroads
One of the earliest crossroads that Geralt will encounter is on the island west of Mulbrydale. This small but important crossing of different routes is a central point between Crow’s Perch, Novigrad, Oxenfurt, and more. The inn here, aptly titled the Inn at the Crossroads, is an important pitstop in both the travels of many as well as several quests.
The Nilfgaardian Connection, a portion of Fists of Fury, and a few other quests are all associated with this venue. Plus, it’s very centrally located, meaning it’ll be passed through when traveling between many important locations.
9 Fyke Isle
Even though it’s extremely terrifying, Fyke Isle is an important spot that you’ll have to visit a few times if you want to complete all the quests. That’s right — you might think you’re done with this nightmare-inducing haunted island after you help Keira with her quests.
But, if you complete Forefathers’ Eve, you’ll be visiting this island again, and fending off some spirits while you’re there.
This island is located in the middle of the large lake in Velen’s southern half, Lake Wyndamer.
8 Aeremas’ Abandoned Manor
It might seem unassuming at first glance, but there’s much more than meets the eye with this strange mansion. If you discover this abandoned manor in the northeastern section of Velen, it will trigger the quest Of Dairy and Darkness.
This quest is also triggered after purchasing the required artifacts from a shop in Velen, which may leave you confused at first if you haven’t found this mansion. To find it, just head east from Oxenfurt. This truly is one of the strangest quests in the game, and it’s a cool spot to keep track of for that reason.
7 Novigrad Entrances
The large city of Novigrad is home to many of its own important locations, and though the game considers it its own region, it is also considered part of Velen. It has several entrances from different parts of Velen, each of which leads to a different part of the city.
The most useful is probably via the Gate of the Hierarch since it leads right to the main hub of gameplay, the Rosemary and Thyme. It also has a few entrances to the south and east of the city’s walls.
6 Keira’s Hut
Keira is one of many sorceresses that has a long and storied past with the witcher Geralt. She’s currently in hiding in Velen, living as a modest herbalist (as far as anyone knows) in a small hut.
Geralt will visit this hut a few times for some important quests and some side missions, and Keira will play an important role in the game’s story. Annoyingly, this hut does not have a warp marker on the property. The nearest one is the Forest Hut, a short trek west of Keira’s place.
5 Master Armorer
Finding some useful armor is difficult at times. Looking for a journeyman or amateur is usually pretty easy, as there are a few of them here and there. But, if you really want the best of the best, you’ll need to find a Master Armorer. Luckily, there’s one in Velen.
Yoana, a Skelliger living in Crow’s Perch, can be unlocked as a master armorer after completion of the quest by the same name: Master Armorers.
4 Bald Mountain
The first time you visit Bald Mountain, you’ll probably be severely under-leveled. Quests involving the Crones of Crookback Bog might take you close to this area. But, you’ll be returning here much later in the game as part of a main quest: Bald Mountain.
It’s great if you’ve been earlier than you were meant to because the warp marker will be unlocked. However, if you haven’t been, find it southwest of Crookback Bog, about halfway between there and Fyke Isle.
3 Crookback Bog
Speaking of Crookback Bog, it’s another important spot to keep in mind. If all the quests related to it are completed, Geralt will have visited quite a few times. It’s the location where the Baron’s wife, Anna, will eventually be found.
Regardless of which route you take on this quest (and which ending you get), it’s an important spot with a lot going on. There are also a couple of side quests that might take you through the area. It’s located in the far east of Velen, and one of the most southeasterly markers.
2 Oxenfurt
Sure, it’s very noticeable on the map, but newer players to the Witcher 3 might not know how often they’ll be visiting this academic city. In fairness, it looks similar to Novigrad on the map and those who aren’t experts on Velen may confuse them.
Oxenfurt is the large city (look for a lot of orange) in the northeastern section of Velen. The city, since it’s on an island, can be entered via one of two bridges. The first is to its western gate, just near the Stonecutters’ Settlement. The other bridge enters the city’s northeastern section and can be accessed near the Herbalist’s Hut.
1 Crow’s Perch Entrance
Arguably the most visited and most important location in Velen is Crow’s Perch, the large settlement that houses Velen’s self-appointed ruler, the Baron. This town and its stately castle are located just to the west of Velen’s center.
What’s irritating about Crow’s Perch is that it can only be accessed from its main front entrance. Any other attempts to get into the place (without sneaking through the sewer) will result in you taking a dip in its moat. The entrance is on the southern section of the town.
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