Thanks to its expansive and intricate storyline, side quests that link storylines from one installment to another can appear at any time. “Message from an Old Friend” serves as one such link, connectingThe Witcher 3with the first game in the series.

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This quest will only start when you walk into the correct bookstore in Novigrad. The shopkeeper recognizes Geralt and tells him that a book had been left for the witcher several years ago. While the book does not contain crafting diagrams for powerful alchemical creations or deadly weapons, you will still receive some experience points for your curiosity.

Where To Start Message From An Old Friend

This quest isin Novigrad,at a bookstore to thenorth of the Hierarch Square fast travel point.The only way for you to start it is towalk into the bookstoreand talk to the owner, Marcus T.K. Hodgson.

Hodgson recognizes Geralt immediately, having been told tohold on to a bookfor the witcher several years ago. It is one with ared coversomewhere in the cluttered store. You will need to find it.

The map of Novigrad with an orange circle indicating where the quest can begin.

You willearn more moneyfrom selling books to Hodgson relative to other vendors.

Locating The Book

The book in question isMy Manifesto - The Life of Jacques de Aldersberg,found on the second floor of the store, next to the short flight of stairs leading to the very top of the store.

you may use yourWitcher Sensesto highlight books that match the description.These tomes are not relevant to the quest but can beentertaining or informativeif you choose to spend the time to read them.

An annotated image of Geralt walking through a book store with an orange circle indicating where a book can be found.

Jacques de Aldersbergis thefirst game’s antagonist.He had tried tostop the White Frost,the same force that is present in this game. Geralt defeated Jacques at the end of the Witcher, leading to the latter’s death.

The book itself is not as important as the letter contained within. The quest will end once you read the letter, getting you some experience points in the process.

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