Ciri's Story Quests

Follow Ciri's journey and powers in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Master her unique combat and linear action sequences during her flight from the Wild Hunt.

While Geralt's journey forms the bulk of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players will periodically step into the boots of Ciri, the Lion Cub of Cintra. These segments offer a unique perspective, showcasing Ciri's burgeoning powers and her desperate flight from the Wild Hunt. Unlike Geralt's open-world exploration, Ciri's quests are typically linear, action-packed sequences designed to advance the main narrative and highlight her abilities. This section will guide you through each of Ciri's playable story moments, providing strategies and key information.

Ciri's Story: The King of Wolves

This is your first playable segment as Ciri, occurring early in the game as Geralt searches for her. You'll find yourself in a snowy, desolate landscape, learning the basics of Ciri's unique combat style.

• Objective: Find the herbalist, Lena, and escape the pursuing wolves.
• Location: A remote, snow-covered forest near Hindarsfjall, Skellige.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Follow the Tracks: Begin by following the distinct tracks in the snow. These will lead you towards Lena's hut.
  2. Combat Tutorial: You'll soon be ambushed by a pack of Wolves. This is your introduction to Ciri's combat.
     • Strategy: Ciri's combat is fast-paced. Utilize her unique blink ability (Dash) to quickly close distances or evade attacks. Her sword attacks are swift and effective against single targets. Focus on dodging and counter-attacking.
     • Key Ability: Remember to use her Blink ability (bound to the dodge/roll button when not locked onto an enemy, or a dedicated button depending on your control scheme) to cover ground rapidly and escape danger.
  3. Reach Lena's Hut: Continue following the path. You'll encounter more wolves along the way. Prioritize taking them down quickly.
  4. Defend Lena: Upon reaching the hut, you'll find Lena injured. More wolves will attack. Protect Lena by dispatching the remaining threats.
  5. Escape: After the wolves are dealt with, a short cutscene will trigger, and the quest will conclude.
• Important Note: Ciri does not have an inventory or traditional Witcher gear. Her abilities are fixed for these segments.

Ciri's Story: The Race

This quest sees Ciri in Velen, attempting to outrun the Wild Hunt with the help of a local baron.

• Objective: Win the horse race against the Bloody Baron to gain his trust and assistance.
• Location: The fields and roads surrounding Crow's Perch in Velen.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Speak to the Baron: The quest begins automatically after a cutscene with the Bloody Baron.
  2. Mount your Horse: Get on the horse provided.
  3. The Race: This is a straightforward horse race.
     • Strategy: Maintain your horse's stamina by tapping the gallop button rhythmically. Avoid obstacles like rocks, fences, and trees, as these will slow you down significantly. Cutting corners can be effective, but be mindful of terrain.
     • Key Mechanic: Watch the stamina bar of your horse. If it depletes completely, your horse will slow to a trot for a short period, giving the Baron a significant advantage.
  4. Victory: Win the race to proceed with the story. Don't worry if you lose; the story will still progress, but winning offers a small dialogue variation.

Ciri's Story: Fleeing the Bog

Following her escape from the Crones of Crookback Bog, Ciri must navigate the treacherous swamps.

• Objective: Escape the Crones' pursuit and reach safety.
• Location: Crookback Bog, Velen.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Start Running: The quest begins with Ciri already on the run. Immediately sprint forward.
  2. Avoid the Crones: The Crones are powerful and cannot be defeated in this segment. Your goal is pure evasion.
     • Strategy: Utilize Ciri's Blink ability extensively. It's crucial for crossing water quickly and evading the Crones' attacks. Pay attention to the mini-map for their positions.
     • Environmental Hazards: Be wary of the bog's environment. Deep water will slow you down, and certain areas might have hidden enemies (though your primary threat is the Crones).
  3. Reach the Village: Follow the linear path through the bog. You'll need to jump over obstacles and use Blink to traverse gaps.
  4. Confrontation: You'll eventually reach a small village. Here, you'll face a few Drowners and Water Hags.
     • Strategy: These enemies are manageable. Use quick attacks and Blink to dodge their slower, telegraphed attacks. Focus on one enemy at a time.
  5. Escape Continues: After clearing the village, continue your escape until a cutscene triggers, marking the end of this segment.

Ciri's Story: Visiting Junior

This quest places Ciri in Novigrad, seeking information about Dandelion and confronting Whoreson Junior.

• Objective: Infiltrate Whoreson Junior's casino and arena to find Dandelion.
• Location: Novigrad, specifically Whoreson Junior's casino and arena complex.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Approach the Casino: Ciri will start outside the casino. You can choose to enter through the front door or find a more discreet entrance.
  2. Casino Infiltration:
     • Stealth Option: If you choose stealth, look for open windows or back alleys. You'll need to avoid guards. Ciri's Blink can be useful for quickly moving past their line of sight.
     • Direct Approach: If you enter through the front, you'll likely have to fight your way through Junior's thugs.
     • Combat Strategy: Ciri's combat is effective against multiple human opponents. Use her rapid attacks and Blink to weave between enemies, avoiding being surrounded. Prioritize ranged attackers if present.
  3. Arena Confrontation: After navigating the casino, you'll find yourself in Junior's arena.
     • Objective: Survive the arena fights.
     • Opponents: You'll face waves of various human enemies, including swordsmen, archers, and brutes.
     • Strategy: This is a test of Ciri's combat prowess. Keep moving, use Blink to reposition and avoid heavy attacks, and focus on isolating and eliminating enemies one by one. Don't be afraid to use her powerful area-of-effect ability (unlocked during this sequence) when surrounded.
  4. Confronting Junior: After the arena, you'll confront Whoreson Junior. The outcome of this encounter is predetermined, but your choices in dialogue can affect Geralt's later interaction with him.

Ciri's Story: The Battle of Kaer Morhen

This is a pivotal moment where Ciri fights alongside Geralt and the other Witchers to defend Kaer Morhen from the Wild Hunt.

• Objective: Defend Kaer Morhen from the Wild Hunt's assault.
• Location: Kaer Morhen.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Initial Defense: Ciri will be positioned on the ramparts. You'll engage various members of the Wild Hunt, including Hounds of the Wild Hunt and Wild Hunt Warriors.
     • Strategy: Work with the other Witchers. Focus fire on individual enemies. Use Ciri's Blink to quickly move between targets and avoid incoming attacks. Her powerful charge attack can be devastating against groups.
  2. Gate Defense: You'll eventually be called to defend the main gate.
     • Strategy: This is a more intense fight with numerous enemies. Prioritize the larger, more dangerous Wild Hunt Warriors. Keep an eye on your allies' health, though you can't directly heal them.
  3. Inner Courtyard: The battle will progress into the inner courtyard.
     • Strategy: Continue fighting alongside Geralt and the others. This segment is about survival and contributing to the overall defense. Use Ciri's abilities to maximum effect.
  4. Eredin's Arrival: The battle culminates with the arrival of Eredin, the King of the Wild Hunt.
  5. Conclusion: This segment ends after a dramatic cutscene, regardless of your individual performance in the combat.

Ciri's Story: Avallac'h's Laboratory

Ciri accompanies Avallac'h to his hidden laboratory in Ard Skellig.

• Objective: Navigate Avallac'h's laboratory and retrieve crucial items.
• Location: An ancient elven laboratory on Ard Skellig, Skellige.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Follow Avallac'h: The quest begins with Ciri following Avallac'h through the laboratory.
  2. Environmental Puzzles: You'll encounter a few simple environmental puzzles.
     • Strategy: Look for glowing runes or interactable objects. Avallac'h will often provide hints. You might need to activate mechanisms or use Ciri's Blink to cross gaps.
  3. Defend Avallac'h: At certain points, you'll be attacked by various creatures, often Gargoyles or Elementals, guarding the lab.
     • Strategy: These enemies can be tough. Use Ciri's speed and Blink to get behind them and exploit their weaknesses. Focus on dodging their heavy attacks.
  4. Retrieve the Items: Follow Avallac'h's instructions to locate and retrieve the necessary artifacts.
  5. Escape: The quest concludes after you've gathered the items and escaped the laboratory.

Ciri's Story: The Final Preparations (Part of main quest)

While not a standalone "Ciri's Story" quest, Ciri is playable during key moments within the broader "Final Preparations" main quest in Novigrad.

• Objective: Assist Ciri in her own investigations and preparations for the final confrontation.
• Location: Novigrad.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Meeting with Philippa Eilhart: Ciri will meet with Philippa. This is primarily a dialogue sequence.
  2. Confronting the Lodge: Ciri will have a tense encounter with the Lodge of Sorceresses. Your dialogue choices here can influence Ciri's attitude and future interactions.
  3. The Bathhouse: Ciri will need to visit the bathhouse to retrieve an item. This might involve a small combat encounter with thugs if you choose a direct approach.
  4. Interactions with Allies: Ciri will also have important conversations with various allies, reinforcing her character and motivations.

Ciri's Story: On Thin Ice

This is the climactic battle where Ciri confronts Imlerith, one of the Wild Hunt's generals.

• Objective: Defeat Imlerith.
• Location: The snowy peaks of the Bald Mountain.
• Walkthrough:
  1. Imlerith Battle - Phase 1: Imlerith is a formidable foe.
     • Strategy: Imlerith wields a large mace and shield. His attacks are slow but powerful. Use Ciri's Blink to quickly get behind him and land a few hits. Do NOT try to block his attacks; always dodge.
     • Exploit Openings: After his heavy attacks, Imlerith will be momentarily vulnerable. This is your chance to strike.
  2. Imlerith Battle - Phase 2: Once you've dealt enough damage, Imlerith will shed his helmet and become more aggressive.
     • Strategy: His attack patterns remain similar, but he's faster. Continue to use Blink to evade and counter-attack. Be patient and wait for clear openings. Don't get greedy with your attacks.
     • Key Ability: Remember Ciri's powerful charge attack for bursts of damage when Imlerith is staggered.
  3. Victory: Defeating Imlerith is a significant achievement and a crucial step in Ciri's journey.