Contract: Woodland Beast

Track and defeat the Woodland Beast in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Learn how to initiate the contract and prepare Geralt for this monster hunt.

The Woodland Beast contract in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt tasks Geralt with hunting a dangerous creature terrorizing a village. This guide details how to initiate the quest, track the beast, and ultimately defeat it, offering strategies for preparation and combat.

Starting the Contract: Woodland Beast

To begin the "Woodland Beast" contract, Geralt must first find the notice posted on the notice board in the village of Midcopse, located in Velen. After accepting the contract, speak with the village elder, a man named Bram, who will provide details about the attacks and the creature responsible.

Tracking the Beast

Bram will direct Geralt to the site of the latest attack, a clearing in the nearby woods. Upon arrival, Geralt will need to use his Witcher Senses to locate clues. These clues will include:

• Tracks: Large, clawed footprints leading into the forest.
• Bloodstains: Evidence of the beast's prey.
• Torn Fur: A sample of the creature's coat, which will help identify it.

Following these clues will lead Geralt deeper into the woods, eventually to a cave where the beast makes its lair. Along the way, Geralt may encounter other hostile creatures, such as wolves or nekkers, which should be dealt with before proceeding.

Identifying the Woodland Beast

Upon reaching the cave, Geralt will find the remains of the beast's victims. Using his Witcher Senses, he can examine the remains and the surrounding area to confirm the creature's identity. The torn fur sample will also be crucial here. The Woodland Beast is a powerful Leshen, a ancient forest spirit known for its control over nature and its formidable combat abilities.

Preparing for the Fight

Before confronting the Leshen, it is highly recommended to prepare:

• Potions: Tawny Owl (for stamina regeneration), Thunderbolt (for attack power), and Swallow (for health regeneration) are excellent choices.
• Oils: Apply Specter Oil to Geralt's silver sword, as Leshens are considered specters.
• Bombs: Dancing Star (for fire damage) and Devil's Puffball (for poison) can be effective.
• Ss: Yrden (to trap the Leshen and slow it down) and i (for fire damage) are particularly useful. Quen is always a good defensive option.

Fighting the Leshen

The Leshen is a challenging opponent. It possesses several dangerous attacks:

• Root Attack: The Leshen can summon roots from the ground to impale Geralt. Dodge these by rolling away.
• Summoning Minions: It can summon wolves or crows to aid it in combat. Prioritize dealing with these adds quickly.
• Melee Attacks: The Leshen has swift claw attacks and can also throw projectiles.

Strategy:

• Use Yrden to create a trap that slows the Leshen and makes it vulnerable.
• Cast i to inflict fire damage, which Leshens are weak to.
• Dodge its root attacks and melee swings.
• Quickly dispatch any summoned wolves or crows.
• Maintain your health with Swallow potions and Quen ss.

Completing the Contract

Once the Leshen is defeated, Geralt can collect its trophy. Return to Bram in Midcopse to report your success and claim your reward. The reward typically includes experience points, coin, and potentially a unique item or diagram.