Witcher 3 Without A Trace Quest Guide

The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt is filled with side quests that challenge a player's moral compass and attention to detail. One such memorable quest is Without a Trace, which takes place in the dangerous wilderness of Velen. This guide covers how to successfully navigate the investigation and uncover the dark secrets hidden within the Deadwight Wood.

Starting the Quest and Meeting Otto

To begin this contract, head to the notice boards in Velen or visit the herbalist named Otto Bamber directly at his hut northeast of Oxenfurt. Otto explains that his halfling apprentice, Folkert, went into the nearby forest to gather rare herbs but has failed to return. Geralt agrees to track down the missing apprentice, leading him straight into the eerie woods nearby.

Investigating the Deadwight Wood

Follow the quest marker into the heart of the forest where Folkert was last seen collecting ingredients. Use your Witcher Senses to scour the area for clues, eventually locating an abandoned cart amidst the thick undergrowth. Examine the tracks and blood splatters near the vehicle, which will lead you further down a winding trail toward a secluded settlement.

The Elderly Couple and the Hidden Truth

The trail eventually brings Geralt to a small, isolated village inhabited by an elderly couple who claim to know nothing about the missing halfling. They tell the Witcher that the apprentice was attacked by wolves and that his body was completely devoured. While you can choose to believe them and return to Otto immediately, a thorough investigation reveals a much darker reality.

Uncovering the Dark Secret

If you choose to ignore their claims and investigate further, follow the scent of rotting meat using your Witcher Senses. This scent leads Geralt to a locked cellar door hidden behind the house, which can be broken open using the Aard sign. Inside the damp cellar, you will discover the gruesome remains of Folkert, proving that the couple are actually cannibals who killed and ate him.

Making the Final Decision

Confronting the elderly couple presents players with a significant moral choice that changes the outcome of the quest. You can decide to execute the cannibals on the spot for their horrific crimes, or show mercy because they are starving peasants. Returning to Otto allows you to either tell him the brutal truth about his apprentice or lie to spare his feelings, concludes this grim Velen tale.