The Whispering Hillock — The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Walkthrough

Guide Geralt through Velen's 'The Whispering Hillock' quest in Act 1 of The Witcher 3. Confront an ancient spirit and grapple with its potent deals.

The Whispering Hillock quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt's Act 1 involves Geralt investigating a series of disappearances in the Velen region. He encounters a powerful, ancient being known as the Whispering Hillock, which offers a deal in exchange for its freedom, leading to significant moral choices and consequences.

The Whispering Hillock Quest Walkthrough

This quest begins after you've progressed through the "Ladies of the Wood" questline. Geralt will be directed to a specific location in Velen where the Whispering Hillock resides.

Locating the Whispering Hillock

Follow your quest markers to the western part of Velen. You'll eventually reach a clearing with a large, ancient tree. This is where the Whispering Hillock makes its presence known. You'll find it trapped within the roots of the tree.

The Whispering Hillock's Plea

Upon interacting with the area, the Whispering Hillock will communicate with Geralt. It claims to be a benevolent spirit that has been imprisoned by the Ladies of the Wood. It offers Geralt a deal: if Geralt frees it, the Hillock will reveal the whereabouts of Ciri and also grant Geralt a boon.

The Choice: Free or Destroy?

Geralt is presented with a critical choice:

1. Free the Whispering Hillock: This involves finding three specific locations where the Hillock's power is being siphoned and destroying the magical anchors. These anchors are typically guarded by monsters.
2. Destroy the Whispering Hillock: This involves a more direct confrontation, but it's not as straightforward as a typical monster fight. You'll need to follow the Hillock's instructions to a certain extent, but ultimately aim to defeat it.

Consequences of Freeing the Hillock

If you choose to free the Whispering Hillock, be prepared for the repercussions. While it will provide information about Ciri, its true nature is revealed to be far more sinister. It is a creature of immense power and malice. The consequences of freeing it will manifest later in the game, often leading to the destruction of entire villages and the deaths of many innocent people. The information it provides about Ciri will be accurate, but the cost is immense.

Consequences of Destroying the Hillock

If you choose to destroy the Whispering Hillock, you will be saving many lives in the short term. However, the Ladies of the Wood will be displeased, and this could have its own set of negative consequences. The Hillock will not reveal Ciri's location directly, and you will need to rely on other means to find her. This path generally leads to a less devastating outcome for the common folk of Velen.

Quest Progression

Regardless of your choice, the quest will conclude with Geralt having made a significant decision that will impact the world around him. The game will then guide you to the next stage of your journey, likely involving further investigation into Ciri's whereabouts or dealing with the fallout of your actions.

Tips for the Quest

• Prepare for combat: Regardless of your choice, you will likely face monsters. Ensure you have appropriate potions, oils, and bombs.
• Pay attention to dialogue: The choices you make are heavily influenced by the dialogue options presented. Consider Geralt's moral compass and the potential long-term effects.
• Explore thoroughly: When tasked with destroying the anchors, explore the areas carefully to find them.