The Northern Realms may be vast, but they’re just one part ofThe Witcher 3’slarger world. In the base game the rest of it is Skellige, a large archipelago populated by warring clans that raid ships and the mainland’s shores. At some point in his story, Geralt will need to return to the islands to meet Yennefer and continue searching for Ciri.

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Thanks to its fearsome reputation, few captains are willing to go anywhere close to its shores. With few options, Geralt will need to find a brave seaman to ferry him through the dangerous waters and survive them.

Finding A Captain And Getting The Money

Destination: Skellige will begin as soon asImperial Audienceis completed. Having met both Yennefer and Emhyr, Geralt’s quest to find Ciri begins. Though his search takes him through Velen and Novigrad, he is to meet Yennefer in Skellige at some point. This task sounds simple enough. After all, it’s just a boat ride away, right?

Nope, not in the slightest. Thanks to the Skelligers' habit ofraiding merchant ships,few captains are willing to sail to the archipelago. Those who do, need a hefty coin pouch to even consider it.

A ship sails out of an medieval city as the evening sun bathes the docks in a deep orange glow.

You will need 1,000 crownsto pay for passage to Skellige. While you couldearn the money through normal means,Geralt cantake on a loanfrom Vimme Vivaldi in Novigrad to embark on the journey early.

This is not recommended.The game expects you tosearch Velen and Novigrad first.This is more a suggestion than a rule, and you couldgo to Skellige first,though your enemies will bemuch deadlierthan in other regions.

An annotated screenshot of The Witcher 3’s map, with a circle over a quest marker.

The quest will lead you tothree ships docked in Novigrad.All of them have the same outcome;their captains will not take Geralt.Not all hope is lost, however.Captain Ligald,based on thesouthernmost ship,will tell Geralt to look forCaptain Wolverstone,the only one who might take the witcher.

This captain isat the Golden Sturgeon,close to the docks. He is by the bar, having done an effective job at getting truly drunk. Despite his state, he does not hesitate to charge Geralt1,000 crownsfor the trip. You will departas soon as you pay.

Geralt cuts a pirate with his steel sword on the deck of a ship in the middle of a storm.

The Voyage

After a short cutscene, it becomes readily apparent thatthe other captains were right.Before long, the ship isboarded by Skelliger piratesand the crew put to the sword. Geralt will burst from his cabin fully armed and armored.

The pirates are a combination ofarchers, swordsmen, and shield-bearers.The archers are particularly annoying thanks to the lack of cover on the ship. There is nothing to hide behind save for the mast. In the beginning,the ship’s crew will fight alongside you,though they will be slain by the attackers.

Geralt arrives at a costal village with the towering castle of Kaer Trolde high in the mountains in front of him.

The lack of space may make it harder for you to avoid their hits, but it cuts both ways.Bombs are especially deadlyon the deck, letting youstrike multiple pirateseasily.

After some time fighting and killing attackers, a cutscene will play. The storm pushes the ship into a cliff, tearing it apart and sending the mast into Geralt’s face,knocking him out.

Getting To Kaer Trolde

Geralt will be washed ashore and woken up by a thief. Congratulations, you have arrived at Skellige. Geralt will question the thief, learning his name and getting situated. During the conversation, the thiefinsults Yennefer.You maybrawl him in her honorif you desire. The conversation will end with himgiving Geralt directions.

Before you leave,go south to the wreck of the ship.You can find Captain Wolverstone’s body andthe gold you paid him.The washed-up cargo will come with useful items, as well.

You will have a quest marker taking you toKaer Trolde Harbor,where King Bran’s funeral is taking place. The death of the king brings political upheaval that will define Geralt’s time in Skellige. A long series of cutscenes will play, setting up this conflict and the people involved.

In case you were wondering, thebearded man in red robes is Ermion,an old friend of Geralt’s. He helped raise Ciri and had even witnessed the series of events that intertwined Geralt’s fate with Ciri’s.

You may recognize him asMousesackfrom the Netflix series.

Yennefer will arrive before long, giving you the chance to flirt with her. At a funeral, yes, but there is no time like the present. When the ceremony is over, the two of you willshare what you have learned about Ciri.

The quest ends after a short conversation with Geralt’s old friend,Crach an Craite.The next step would be to attend King Bran’s wake inThe King Is Dead, Long Live The King.

Next:The Witcher 3: Complete Guide And Walkthrough