A Hunter’s Hoard: Securing The Witcher 3’s Ultimate Quest Rewards
Every witcher knows the path is paved with difficult choices, but few are as deliciously agonizing as deciding which quests to pursue in the sprawling, monster-infested world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. While a handful of Crowns and a common sword might be enough to get by, the true treasures—the game-changing gear, the powerful abilities, and the unforgettable stories—are hidden behind specific, and often challenging, contracts and quests. This guide isn't just a list of loot; it's your personal map to the most rewarding adventures the Northern Realks have to offer. We’ll delve into the quests that provide the best rewards in The Witcher 3, breaking them down by what makes them essential for any serious monster hunter.
For the wandering witcher, gear is more than just statistics; it's a lifeline. And nothing defines a late-game build quite like the legendary Witcher Gear Sets. These are not random drops; they are the pinnacle of craftsmanship, earned through multi-part scavenger hunts known as Scavenger Hunts.
The undisputed king for many players is the Grandmaster Ursine Gear. Acquired through the quests starting with "Master Armorers" and culminating in the Blood and Wine expansion's "Grandmaster Ursine Gear" scavenger hunt, this set is a tank's dream. With its massive damage resistance and the phenomenal bonus that lets Quen actively damage enemies when it breaks, you become an unkillable fortress. The quest to find the best heavy armor in The Witcher 3 will take you to the stormy shores of Skellige, but the payoff is the ultimate survivability tool.
If you prefer speed and critical hits over brute force, your path leads to the Feline Gear Set. Starting with the "Scavenger Hunt: Feline Gear" quest in Velen, this armor culminates in the Grandmaster Feline set in Toussaint. Its bonuses focus on boosting attack power and critical hit chance, especially from behind. For players specializing in fast attacks and dodging, this set provides some of the highest consistent damage output in the game. Pursuing this gear is a must for those asking, "what is the best Witcher 3 gear for a DPS build?"
No discussion of iconic rewards is complete without the Aerondight silver sword. This isn't just a weapon; it's the weapon. Bestowed upon you during the Blood and Wine expansion quest "There Can Be Only One," this sword has a unique property: it permanently gains damage every time you level up while using it, and it always deals critical hits on enemies at full health. Earning it requires passing a series of chivalric tests, but once you have it, you have arguably the most powerful silver sword in the entire game, a reward that literally grows with you.
Beyond the specialized Witcher sets, some of the most uniquely powerful items come from specific monster contracts. These quests often offer more than just coin; they provide gear with effects you can't find anywhere else.
The contract "Master Armorers" in Crow's Perch is a perfect example. While its primary goal is to unlock the ability to craft master-level armor, completing it also grants you the unique and incredibly useful Toussaint Knight's Steel Sword diagram long before you ever set foot in the duchy. This sword is a workhorse, offering high damage and a great critical hit bonus, making it one of the best steel swords available in the base game.
Another legendary contract with an unforgettable reward is "Skellige's Most Wanted," found on the notice board in Urialla Harbor. The quest itself is a fascinating investigation, but the true prize is the Hjalmar's steel sword. While not always the top in raw stats, its high chance to cause bleeding and its strong connection to the Skellige spirit make it a fantastic and thematic weapon for any witcher exploring the isles.
In Novigrad, the high-stakes quest "Of Swords and Dumplings" is non-negotiable for any serious weapon-smith. By helping the dwarf blacksmith Hattori re-establish his business, you not only get access to a master-level blacksmith, but you also receive the diagram for the Blade from the Bits, a steel sword with a massive boost to armor piercing. This quest is a cornerstone for optimizing your damage output in the mid-game.
Let's not forget the simple, yet profoundly impactful, Witcher 3 mutation rewards. The quest "Turn and Face the Strange" in Velen unlocks the entire Mutation system. By retrieving a research journal and defeating a powerful mutant, you gain the ability to equip powerful mutagens that dramatically alter your playstyle. Mutations like Euphoria (which increases sword and sign intensity based on your Toxicity) can define entire combat builds, turning a strong Geralt into a god-like figure. This single quest's reward opens up a new layer of character customization and power.
Of course, rewards in The Witcher 3 aren't always something you can hold in your hand. Some of the most valuable prizes are new abilities, allies, and even story outcomes. The questline involving Keira Metz in Velen is a classic case. Your choices during "A Favor for a Friend" and "A Towerful of Mice" culminate in the "For the Advancement of Learning" quest. Handling this situation with care and persuading Keira to go to Kaer Morhen doesn't give you a new sword, but it grants you a powerful ally for the epic battle later on—a reward that can mean the difference between life and death for one of your friends.
Similarly, the "Carnal Sins" quest in Novigrad is renowned for its narrative complexity. While you can earn a decent reward by solving the mystery incorrectly, following the clues to the true culprit and securing the rare Cockatrice Inn mutagen is the real "best reward" here. It’s a perfect example of how thorough investigation and smart choices in Witcher 3 side quests often yield the most unique and satisfying outcomes.
So, how do you prioritize? Here’s a quick hunter’s checklist:
- Early Game (Velen/Novigrad): Focus on "Of Swords and Dumplings" for a master blacksmith and a great sword. Start the "Scavenger Hunt: Griffin Gear" for a solid all-around set that boosts Sign intensity. Don't forget "Turn and Face the Strange" to unlock Mutations early.
- Mid Game (Skellige & Onward): Embark on the scavenger hunts for the Ursine or Feline gear, depending on your playstyle. Complete "Master Armorers" to unlock higher-tier crafting. Tackle contracts like "Skellige's Most Wanted" for powerful, unique weapons.
- Late Game (Blood and Wine): This is where you perfect your build. Undertake the quest "There Can Be Only One" to get the Aerondight sword. Finally, complete the Grandmaster Witcher gear quests in Toussaint to upgrade your chosen set to its ultimate form.
Ultimately, the "best" rewards are the ones that fit your personal vision of Geralt of Rivia. Whether you seek the raw power of the Ursine armor, the elegant lethality of the Aerondight, or the narrative satisfaction of having a full roster of allies at Kaer Morhen, your journey is defined by these pursuits. So check your potions, sharpen your steel, and set out on these quests—your greatest treasures await.
