In The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, Monster Contracts serve as engaging side quests where players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a seasoned monster hunter. These contracts not only offer intriguing narrative hooks but also present a satisfying combat experience as players face off against formidable and unique monsters. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how these contracts function, the preparation involved, and the rewards players can expect.

How Monster Contracts Work

1. Acquisition of Contracts:
– Players can obtain Monster Contracts by checking notice boards found in various towns and villages across the game world. These boards contain announcements and requests for assistance from local inhabitants.

2. Investigation:
– After accepting a contract, Geralt is encouraged to investigate the monster’s lair. Utilizing Witcher Senses, a unique ability that enhances his perception, Geralt can gather clues about the creature, such as its tracks, blood, and other environmental signs that indicate the monster’s presence and habits.

3. Preparation:
– Each monster has specific vulnerabilities, and players are advised to prepare accordingly. This may involve crafting and using potions, bombs, and oils that are effective against the particular monster type. This aspect of preparation is crucial, as understanding the monster’s weaknesses can significantly influence the outcome of the encounter.

4. Confrontation:
– Once adequately prepared, players can confront the monster. These battles are often intense and strategic, often requiring players to adapt their fighting style and tactics mid-combat. It is not uncommon for some monsters to be significantly tougher than their ordinary counterparts, thereby providing a higher challenge.

5. Completion:
– Upon successfully defeating the monster, Geralt collects its head as proof of the kill. This trophy serves as not just a completion requirement for the contract but also as a potential trophy display, providing bonuses or can be sold for additional crowns.

Rewards

Completing Monster Contracts yields several types of rewards that contribute to Geralt’s progression:

– Experience Points (XP):
– Completing these contracts grants valuable XP, which is essential for leveling up and improving Geralt’s skills and abilities.

– Crowns (Currency):
– Players receive monetary compensation in the form of crowns upon completion, which can be used for buying equipment, upgrades, and other necessities.

– Unique Equipment:
– Defeated monsters may drop unique loot, including weapons and armor specifically tailored to the monster type or crafted using materials harvested from the defeated creature.

– Trophy Heads:
– The heads of monsters can be hung as trophies either on Geralt or his horse, offering various bonuses. Additionally, these trophies can be sold for extra crowns.

Conclusion

Overall, Monster Contracts are pivotal elements of gameplay in The Witcher III, providing players with opportunities for exploration, combat, and character progression. They allow for flexible engagement with the game, as contracts do not have an expiration date, meaning players can undertake them at their own pace, returning later if they feel under-leveled. This structure encourages players to fully immerse themselves in the rich world of the game while enjoying the dual rewards of experience and tangible loot.