The vast world of The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt features numerous optional side missions that provide deep narrative value and rare rewards. Among these, a secondary quest involving Zoltan Chivay stands out as a critical venture for Gwent enthusiasts looking to expand their collections. Players must navigate tense criminal underbelly dealings in Novigrad to help an old companion settle a massive debt.
How to Initiate the Investigation
This pursuit automatically becomes available to Geralt after completing the main story mission known as A Poet under Pressure. You must visit Zoltan outside the Rosemary and Thyme establishment to find him arguing with thugs. Speaking with him reveals a complex scheme to locate three incredibly rare cards to pay off his mounting debts.
It is absolutely vital to tackle this task before traveling onward to the Isle of Mists, as advancing the narrative past that threshold will trigger an automatic quest failure. Prioritizing this journey ensures you do not lock yourself out of completionist achievements later on.
Tracking Down the Elusive Cards
The hunt requires tracking down three distinct targets across the city who possess the legendary pieces needed for the deck. First, you will search for Zed, which quickly leads to a break-in situation involving hidden ledgers and lethal encounters. Investigating the upper level of the building reveals vital clues regarding the remaining distribution of the inventory.
Next, the path leads to Caesar Bilzen, a wealthy collector with a heavily guarded secret room containing the coveted Fringilla Vigo piece. Finally, Geralt must meet with Ravik at the Golden Sturgeon to secure the third item through high-stakes bargaining or direct combat. Each location features unique environment puzzles and environmental storytelling elements that enrich the overall experience.
The Final Choice and Consequences
After successfully securing all three rare items, a sudden ambush forces Geralt and Zoltan to flee toward an ultimate meeting with a shady buyer. Duke intercepts the transaction, leading to a rooftop chase sequence that concludes with a vital choice regarding the final reward structure. Zoltan offers a major dilemma where you must pick between taking a substantial sum of gold or keeping the rare Gwent pieces for yourself.
For dedicated players aiming to achieve full completion, selecting the cards is the only logical path because these specific items cannot be obtained anywhere else. Choosing the coin provides instant financial stability but permanently locks out specific deck upgrades required for tournament success. Balancing these factors depends entirely on your current inventory requirements and overall gameplay goals.
