The Witcher 3 Griffin Contract: How to Complete The Beast of White Orchard

Stepping into the vast, unforgiving world of CD Projekt Red's masterpiece can feel overwhelming, but mastering the witcher 3 griffin contract known as "The Beast of White Orchard" is your true initiation into monster slaying. This crucial early mission not only unlocks vital information about Yennefer's whereabouts from the Nilfgaardian garrison, but it also teaches you the core mechanics of preparation, tracking, and combat that you will rely on for the rest of the game.

Whether you are jumping into the game for the first time or returning for a next-gen playthrough, understanding how to efficiently tackle this beast will save you time and resources. For more detailed statistics and game updates, you can check out the official The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Wiki on IGN. Let's dive into the essential steps needed to conquer the witcher 3 griffin contract like a seasoned professional.

Preparing for the Hunt: Gathering Intel and Buckthorn

Before you even think about facing the creature head-on, the Nilfgaardian commander demands proof of your capabilities. To draw the beast out, you need a specific lure: Buckthorn. While the local herbalist Tomira can point you in the right direction, experienced players know a quicker shortcut.

By diving into the river north of the garrison immediately after leaving the commander, you can harvest Buckthorn from the riverbed using your Witcher Senses. This skips a trip to Tomira's hut entirely. Afterward, track down the local hunter Mislav to examine the dead female griffin, which explains why her mate has become fiercely aggressive toward travelers and soldiers alike.

Tracking and Baiting the Royal Griffin

Once you have gathered the necessary intelligence and secured the lure, return to the local tavern to coordinate your next move with Vesemir. Your older mentor will agree to help set the trap in a designated open field, relying on the Buckthorn's potent smell to draw the monster out of the sky.

When you arrive at the ambush site with Vesemir, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The Royal Griffin swoops down to take the bait, initiating one of the most memorable early-game boss encounters in the entire genre.

Conquering the Royal Griffin: Combat Strategies

The battle against the Royal Griffin is split into two distinct phases. During the aerial phase, do not panic. Equip your crossbow and aim carefully. Community reports and veteran player experience suggest that utilizing perks like Lightning Reflexes slows down time just enough to land precise shots, forcing the creature out of the sky. Alternatively, casting Aard as it tries to launch back into the air will keep it grounded where your silver sword can do maximum damage.

When the creature lands, immediately consume a Thunderbolt potion to maximize your damage output. Always dodge sideways rather than rolling backward, as rolling can sometimes leave you vulnerable to sweeping wing attacks. Stay glued to its flank, striking with your silver sword until its health bar drops to fifty percent.

The Chase and Final Showdown

Upon reaching half health, the Royal Griffin panics and flees up the nearby hill. Do not waste time panicking; mount your horse, Roach, and pursue the beast. This transition period is your golden opportunity to open your inventory, consume food items to regenerate any lost vitality, and ensure your gear is ready for the final push.

Upon reaching the new location up the hill, finish the fight by utilizing the exact same tactics. Dodge its diving charges, cast Quen for a safety buffer, and hack away at its flanks with your silver sword whenever it touches down. With the beast finally defeated, decapitate the creature to claim its head as your trophy.

Claiming Your Reward and Continuing the Journey

With the head securely attached to your saddle, fast-travel back to the Nilfgaardian Garrison via the Mill signpost. During your conversation with the commander, you will face a time-constrained dialogue option regarding payment.

Rest assured that taking or refusing the coin does not lock you out of any major narrative paths, so choose whichever option fits your roleplaying style. Once the reward is settled, the commander reveals vital information regarding Yennefer's movements, successfully concluding the witcher 3 griffin contract and seamlessly transitioning you into the next main quest, "The Incident at White Orchard."

Frequently Asked Questions

What level should I be before taking on the witcher 3 griffin contract?

The Beast of White Orchard is designed for starting players around level 1 to 3. Completing all side activities, exploring points of interest, and visiting the Place of Power in White Orchard will easily prepare you for the challenge.

Where can I find Buckthorn if I don't want to visit the herbalist?

You can dive into the river just north of the Nilfgaardian Garrison. Use your Witcher Senses underwater to harvest Buckthorn directly from the riverbed, saving you a trip across the map.

How do I force the Griffin to land during the fight?

You can knock the Royal Griffin out of the air by shooting it with your crossbow—especially if you have skills that slow down time—or by casting the Aard sign just as it attempts to take flight.

Can I skip the griffin contract in White Orchard?

No, completing the witcher 3 griffin contract is a mandatory part of the prologue main quest line. You must defeat the beast to extract information about Yennefer from the Nilfgaardian commander before leaving White Orchard for Velen.