8 Witcher 3 Moments That Prove Exploration Is What Makes It Special

Although it was released a while ago, The Witcher 3 remains one of the greatest open-world RPGs set in a medieval society. Not only does it have tons of Scandinavian folklore and an outstanding narrative, but the combat mechanics are also great, and the potions and oils Geralt can use allow for different playstyles, making the entire experience very fun.

While it's not the only game that relies heavily on exploration, I'd argue that it is one of the best at doing so. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that The Witcher 3 is still the golden standard for Fantasy RPGs because of this, and a few other reasons. Here are some moments in the story to back up that claim.

8 A Tome Entombed

Exploring Novigrad's Sewers Pays Off

This quest is far from glorious, as you'll have to explore the Novigrad sewers in order to start it. First, you'll have to make your way through a tunnel in The Bits, or right after passing the Tretogor Gate signpost. What I love about "A Tome Entombed" is that you can easily miss this quest and not even notice given how hidden its starting location is.

If you reach the end of the quest, you'll have to fight a Katakan. It shouldn't give you much trouble, but be warned. This goes to show how exploration is always rewarded in The Witcher 3, and how even those places you'd consider pointless to enter, should never be taken for granted.

7 Velen's Cannibals

Condyle, In Western Velen, Holds A Grim Secret

Velen is far from being the most interesting area of the game, as most of it is wilderness, with a few townships and villages here and there. Personally, I'm more of a city kind of Witcher, so places like Novigrad, Oxenfurt, and Toussaint are my thing; anything with a good Inn to play Gwent and drink ale.

However, the village of Condyle, in western Velen, did catch my attention, as it is likely one of the most dangerous places in the region. Not only is it surrounded by pirate camps, but there's also vicious cannibals that the pirates try to avoid at all costs. Besides that, there's not much else to see in Condyle, but going there is, in my opinion, a great way to make a second playthrough different.

6 The Cave Of Dreams

A Mystical Experience In Skellige

The Skellige Isles are, arguably, one of the most dangerous regions in the game, as they're not only full of high-level enemies that can surprise you in the wilderness, but there are also mystical places that can either provide a positive life-changing experience, or a painful death.

One such place is the Cave of Dreams, which is nothing short of mesmerizing. Some of the things you'll see in this otherworldly location are: floating whales and fish, as well as markings on the walls. Exploring the Cave of Dreams is something every Witcher should experience at least once, and since it's a secondary quest, it can be missed if you're not exploring.

5 There Can Only Be One

Aerondight is a Just Reward for Doing This Quest

Some quests in The Witcher 3 are exciting because of the combat they involve—others shine because of the impact they have on the narrative or the outcome they have. And there are a few others that stand out because they yield outstanding rewards. "There Can Only Be One" is a quest that greatly exemplifies the latter.

Upon completing it as part of the secondary quests in the Blood and Wine expansion, you'll be rewarded with no less than Aerondight, one of the best silver swords in The Witcher 3. You'll also get to see the Lady of the Lake, who adds an even greater mystical touch to The Continent.

4 The Flying Redanian in Skellige

There's More Than Meets the Eye in the Skellige Seas

This is the second moment mentioned on this list that takes place in Skellige, and it is no coincidence, as the region is old and teeming with life and folklore. There are many reasons to explore the Skellige seas, including wreckage and Spoils of War that typically contain valuable loot that Geralt can obtain if he's willing to do some diving.

Those who want an even greater supernatural experience should look for the Flying Redanian ghost ship that appears between 1 and 3 in the morning, right in the middle of An Skellig and Hindarsfjall. Although there might be other open-worlds reviewed higher than The Witcher 3, I sincerely doubt that they can get away with hiding a ghost ship as cleverly as this title.

3 Till Death Do You Part

A Ghostly Tale In the Heart of Toussaint

While I love most of the regions in The Witcher 3, I can say with absolute certainty that none of them stole my heart like Toussaint from the Blood and Wine expansion. Not only does this France-inspired region have vineyards, beautiful scenery, and an interesting monarch, but there are also tons of exciting things to discover—including a ghostly lovers' quarrel.

At the cemetery in Beauclair, you'll find the ghosts of a married couple, Louis and Margot. You'll have to side with one of them to move the other's bones to a different place so they can stop fighting. There are many morally bankrupt choices in The Witcher 3 that you can make, but siding with either one of these ghosts in this particular quest isn't one of them, so choose freely and without remorse.

2 Flesh for Sale

One of the Easiest Quests to Miss

This quest is, arguably, one of the easiest to miss in the entire game, as it requires you to travel to Skellige before starting the quest "Following The Thread", given by Lambert. Upon starting the quest, you'll be able to choose between entering through Trottheim in the Faroe Isle or approaching the village in any other way. If you choose anything but the former, you'll have to fight the pirates there. However, if you don't, the pirates will think you're a Nilfgaardian emissary.

This quest is fascinating, as it deals with deception, slavery, and freedom. "Flesh for Sale" is just one more reason why Skellige is an outstanding region to explore. If you're looking for one of the hardest bosses in The Witcher 3, the Skellige Archgriffin will not disappoint you.

1 Equine Phantoms

A Hilarious Conversation With a Good Friend

I left this for last, as it's probably one of my favorite interactions in the entire game. The quest leads Geralt to drinking a special brew made from a mushroom known as graytop, which should allegedly allow him to see a demon he needs to fight.

If you agree to drink the special brew, you'll be rewarded with the hilarious surprise that you can now talk to Roach. This interaction is so bizarre, that it almost feels like fan fiction. And since the quest is missable, it just goes to show how important exploring every corner of The Continent is.