The Tower Out of Nowhere — The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Walkthrough

Investigate 'The Tower Out of Nowhere' on Skellige, a mysterious quest involving a magically appearing tower and puzzles.

The Skellige Isles, steeped in ancient lore and untamed magic, are home to many mysteries. One such enigma is "The Tower Out of Nowhere," a captivating side quest that blends exploration, environmental puzzles, and a touch of combat, offering a unique change of pace from typical monster hunting. This quest becomes available after completing the main quest "The King is Dead - Long Live the King" and is typically encountered around Level 16-18. It can be found on the island of An Skellig.

Quest Giver and Initiation

To begin this peculiar adventure, travel to the village of Urialla Harbor on An Skellig. Look for a group of concerned villagers gathered near the docks. Speak with the Elder, who will recount the strange tale of a tower that materialized seemingly overnight, bringing with it an unnatural fog and an unsettling silence. He'll implore Geralt to investigate this phenomenon, fearing it portends ill tidings for their community.

Investigating the Tower

1. Locate the Tower: The Elder will mark the tower's location on your map. It's situated on a small, isolated island to the northeast of Urialla Harbor. You'll need a boat to reach it.
2. Approach the Anomaly: As you draw closer, you'll notice a thick, shimmering magical barrier surrounding the tower, making direct entry impossible. The air will grow heavy with magic, and the fog will intensify.
3. Examine the Surroundings: Disembark your boat and use your Witcher Senses to investigate the area around the magical barrier. You'll find several clues:
   • Magical Runes: Look for glowing runes etched into the ground near the barrier. Geralt will deduce that these are part of a protective spell.
   • Strange Devices: You'll also discover peculiar magical devices, humming with arcane energy. These are key to disabling the barrier.

Solving the Magical Barrier Puzzle

The barrier is protected by a series of three distinct magical pylons, each requiring a specific action to deactivate. This is the primary "environmental puzzle" element of the quest. Their exact locations might vary slightly, but the method for deactivation remains consistent:

1. First Pylon - Igni: One pylon will be covered in ice or frost. Cast the Igni sign to melt the ice and deactivate it. This pylon is often found near the water's edge.
2. Second Pylon - Aard: Another pylon will be surrounded by crumbling rocks or debris. Use the Aard sign to clear the obstruction and activate the pylon. This pylon is typically located further inland, perhaps near a small rock formation.
3. Third Pylon - Yrden: The third pylon will be flickering erratically or surrounded by a minor magical disturbance, often manifesting as a spectral glow. Cast the Yrden sign to stabilize its energy and deactivate it. This pylon can be a bit more hidden, sometimes nestled amongst trees or behind a small rise.

Common Pitfalls: Ensure you are close enough to the pylon for your sign to register. Sometimes, the visual effect of the pylon's deactivation can be subtle. If the barrier doesn't drop, double-check all three pylons with your Witcher Senses to confirm they are inactive.

Once all three pylons are deactivated, the shimmering magical barrier will dissipate, granting you access to the tower's interior.

Inside the Tower: Combat and Exploration

The tower itself is a multi-level structure filled with magical constructs and a few environmental hazards. Be prepared for combat as you ascend:

• Enemy Types: The primary enemies within the tower are various types of Golems and Elementals (Earth Elementals, Ice Elementals, and occasionally a more powerful Golem). These creatures are slow but hit hard. Expect to face 2-3 enemies at a time in most encounters.
• Recommended Strategy:
  • Elementals Oil: Absolutely essential. Apply this to your silver sword for significantly increased damage against all elemental foes.
  • Igni: Highly effective against all Elementals, especially Ice Elementals. Use it to burn them and reduce their health quickly.
  • Quen: Your best defensive sign. Cast Quen before engaging and reapply it frequently. It will absorb incoming damage, allowing you to trade blows more safely.
  • Aard: Can stun or knock down smaller Elementals, creating openings for critical strikes or to gain distance. Use it to interrupt their attacks.
  • Dodge/Roll: Elementals have predictable, heavy attacks. Dodge or roll to their flanks or rear to avoid damage and land your own hits.
  • Group Management: If facing multiple enemies, try to separate them or focus fire on one at a time to reduce incoming damage.
• Navigating the Levels: You'll need to find your way through several floors, often involving climbing ladders or using magical lifts. Keep an eye out for glowing objects with your Witcher Senses to locate interactive elements or hidden pathways.
• Lore and Notes: Scattered throughout the tower, you'll find notes, journals, and books hinting at the tower's true nature and its previous occupant. These provide valuable lore and context for the quest, revealing the tower's purpose as a mobile magical laboratory.

The Tower's Creator and the Final Encounter

As you ascend the tower, you'll eventually reach the top floor, where you'll discover the source of the magical anomaly: a powerful, albeit somewhat eccentric, mage named Kaelen. Kaelen is not hostile but rather a reclusive scholar who accidentally transported his tower to Skellige while experimenting with teleportation spells. He is surprised by Geralt's presence and genuinely apologetic for the disturbance he caused.

A brief dialogue ensues where Kaelen explains his predicament. He needs Geralt's help to stabilize his teleportation spell and return the tower to its original location. This involves interacting with a central magical console or device in the room.

• Activating the Device: Follow Kaelen's instructions to activate the device. This usually involves a simple interaction with the glowing console. Use your Witcher Senses to highlight the correct panel or lever.
• Final Combat (Optional/Situational): In some rare instances, a final magical construct (e.g., a more powerful Golem or an Elemental) might appear as Kaelen attempts to teleport the tower, requiring one last combat encounter. This serves as a final test of your combat readiness. However, often the quest concludes peacefully after the device is activated.

Quest Conclusion and Rewards

Once Kaelen successfully teleports his tower away, the unnatural fog will lift from An Skellig, and the villagers will be safe. Geralt will automatically return to Urialla Harbor to report back to the Elder, who expresses his profound gratitude.

• Experience Points: Approximately 300-500 XP, a significant amount for a side quest, especially if you're within the recommended level range.
• Crowns: A moderate sum of gold, usually between 50-150 Crowns.
• Unique Crafting Components/Diagrams: Kaelen often rewards Geralt with rare alchemical ingredients (e.g., Albedo, Nigredo, Rubedo) or a valuable diagram for a magical item (e.g., a Relic Sword or Armor piece), reflecting his gratitude for Geralt's assistance.
• Minor Runes/Glyphs: Useful for enchanting your gear, such as Lesser Runestone of Igni or Lesser Glyph of Quen.

Key Lore Revealed

This quest offers a glimpse into the broader magical world beyond monster hunting. It highlights the existence of powerful mages who conduct complex experiments, sometimes with unforeseen consequences. It also reinforces the idea that not all magical anomalies are malevolent, and sometimes, a simple misunderstanding is at the heart of a supernatural event. Kaelen's character adds a touch of humor and eccentricity to the often grim world of the Witcher.

Tips for Success

• Prepare for Elementals: Craft and apply Elementals Oil to your silver sword. Have Igni and Quen readily available and upgraded if possible.
• Witcher Senses are Key: Use them constantly to find clues, hidden items, and the magical pylons outside the tower, as well as interactive elements within.
• Explore Thoroughly: The tower contains various containers with crafting materials, alchemy ingredients, and occasionally, valuable gear. Don't rush through.
• Listen to Kaelen: During the final stage, pay attention to his dialogue for instructions on how to operate the teleportation device.
• Save Frequently: Especially before entering the tower, as the combat encounters can be challenging if you're under-leveled or unprepared.

This quest is a refreshing break from the usual Witcher contracts, offering a blend of mystery, environmental puzzle-solving, and a touch of lightheartedness with the eccentric mage Kaelen. It's a memorable experience that adds depth to the rich world of The Witcher 3.