The quest titled In The Heart Of The Woods presents players with a moral dilemma and intricate contract objectives in the world of Witcher 3. Navigating the ancient forest near Fayrlund requires careful tracking, understanding Leshen lore, and deciding the fate of a divided village. Following a clear guide ensures you complete all side goals while earning the best possible rewards for your chosen path.
Starting the Quest in Fayrlund
To begin this quest, travel to the small Skellige village of Fayrlund and approach the arguing villagers near the center of town. You will witness a heated debate between Sven, who wants to slay the monster, and Harald, who believes the spirit protects their community. Speaking with both elders reveals conflicting perspectives on how to handle the beast lurking in the nearby woods.
After gathering initial details from both sides, activate your Witcher Senses to examine the surrounding forest area. Searching the designated search zone unveils claw marks on trees, slaughtered victims, and supernatural footprints left by the ancient creature. Identifying these clues updates your journal and confirms that you are dealing with a powerful Leshen.
Locating the Monster and the Village Mark
Investigating the beast further reveals that the Leshen has bound itself to one of the villagers in Fayrlund, granting it immortality until the bond is severed. Use your Witcher Senses around the town residents to identify the marked individual. Once you locate the marked villager, you must decide whether to exile or execute them to proceed with Sven's path.
Alternatively, if you choose to side with Harald, your objective shifts toward performing an ancient ritual at the woodland altar. This path requires offering hearts to the shrine to appease the spirit without engaging in direct combat. Weighing your choices carefully is vital, as each decision heavily impacts the future of the Fayrlund settlement.
Confronting the Leshen in Battle
If you decide to eliminate the creature for Sven, prepare your equipment by applying Relict Oil to your silver sword and equipping the Igni sign. Navigate deep into the dense forest to destroy the Leshen's totem structures scattered across the woodland zone. Destroying these totems draws out the beast and forces it into a open confrontation.
During combat, dodge its long-range root attacks and maintain pressure using fire damage to interrupt its movement. Keep an eye out for packs of wolves that the beast summons to distract you during the fight. Once the monster falls, collect your trophy and return to claim your contract reward.
Quest Outcomes and Village Consequences
Returning to Fayrlund after completing either objective brings the quest to its dramatic conclusion. Siding with Sven leads to a brutal political shift within the community, leaving the village under new leadership. Choosing Harald's ritual route preserves ancient traditions, though it creates lingering tension among the surviving residents.
Completing all quest goals yields experience points, rare crafting components, and unique monster trophies. Understanding the full consequences allows players to tailor their story choices while mastering one of the most memorable contracts in the game.
