The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt is celebrated for its deep narrative choices and engaging side activities that seamlessly enrich the main storyline. Among these optional missions, the secondary quest involving Zoltan Chivay titled A Dangerous Game stands out as a high-stakes adventure centered around rare Gwent cards. Players must navigate the criminal underworld of Novigrad to help an old friend settle a mounting debt with dangerous local figures.
How to Initiate the Quest
To unlock this specific mission, Geralt must first complete the main story segment titled A Poet under Pressure to ensure Zoltan is available outside the Rosemary and Thyme. Speaking with him triggers a conversation about his severe financial troubles regarding the King of Beggars. This conversation prompts the monster slayer to hunt down three exceedingly rare cards scattered across the city.
It is absolutely vital to complete this assignment before traveling to the Isle of Mists later in the campaign. Neglecting the timeline will cause the secondary mission to fail automatically, permanently locking you out of the unique rewards. Plan your regional exploration carefully to avoid missing this classic narrative sequence.Tracking the Rare Gwent Cards
The journey requires tracking down three collectors who hold the cards of Isengrim Faolitarna, Fringilla Vigo, and John Natalis. Geralt must visit different locations in Novigrad, searching rooms and interacting with various characters to secure each piece. Some encounters involve straightforward investigations, while others drop the protagonist directly into hostile confrontations.
Successfully recovering the items demands a balance of combat readiness and careful environmental scanning using witcher senses. Each location presents its own minor obstacles that test your patience and problem-solving abilities. Overcoming these challenges ensures that Zoltan has the leverage required to clear his dangerous financial obligations.
The Final Choice and Best Rewards
At the conclusion of the mission, players face a definitive decision after fending off a sudden ambush from Caesar Bilzen's associates. Zoltan will offer Geralt a choice between taking the three rare Gwent cards or receiving a substantial sum of coin instead. Your choice heavily depends on your specific gameplay goals for the remainder of the playthrough.
For dedicated collectors and achievement hunters, choosing the cards is universally considered the best outcome. These specific pieces are essential for completing the full catalog and cannot be easily acquired elsewhere. Choosing the monetary payout might offer immediate financial relief, but it sacrifices long-term deck optimization.