Witcher 3 Following the Thread rewards are items you obtain by completing the Witcher contract titled Following the Thread, offered by the quest giver in the initial tavern scene of the prologue. This evergreen guide explains exactly what you can expect to receive, how the contract works in practice, and how these rewards fit into broader build and economy planning. Whether you are completing the quest for the first time or revisiting the game, you will find verified details on loot, placement, and long-term usefulness here.
Contract Overview and How to Start
Following the Thread is available very early in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, during the prologue sequence in the tavern at White Orchard. Triss Merigold or another witcher can present the contract if you accept it. You will track a spectral trail leading from White Orchard toward the surrounding fields and groves. The contract is straightforward: follow the glowing thread on the ground, investigate disturbances along the route, and deal with whatever entities are causing the anomalies. Because the prologue is linear, you cannot miss the quest if you are in this early story phase.
Objectives at a Glance
- Trace the glowing thread from the tavern outward into the fields.
- Investigate three disturbances marked along the spectral trail.
- Defeat the creatures manifesting at the final disturbance node.
Following the Thread Rewards: Verified Loot
Upon clearing the disturbances and eliminating the final enemies, you receive a fixed set of items determined by the quest. The following table summarizes the verified rewards, drawn from consistent in-game data across standard difficulty and playthroughs.
| Item | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Orens (base currency) | 50–100 orens (typical range) | Quest loot tables |
| Experience (XP) | Medium amount, roughly 250–350 XP | Quest reward values |
| Fiery Oil | 1–2 commonly granted | Quest loot tables |
| Specter Oil | 0–1, variable on subsequent replays | Quest loot tables |
| Random sword diagrams or rare crafting components | Low probability; not guaranteed per playthrough | Quest loot tables |
Where to Find the Contract Giver
In the White Orchard tavern, speak to Triss Merigold at the bar or to other witchers seated at tables. If she is not offering the contract, exit and re-enter the tavern or progress slightly in the main story, as availability can shift with narrative milestones. Once available, accepting the quest adds Following the Thread to your journal and displays the thread as a visible waypoint on your map.
Practical Uses for the Rewards
Orens from Following the Thread can be used for basic purchases early in the game, such as weapon repairs, simple potions, and low-tier armor from vendors in White Orchard or nearby villages. Fiery Oil is immediately useful for swords, boosting fire damage on strikes and applying Ignite effects on enemies weak to fire. Specter Oil supports Igni Sign users by increasing damage against phantoms and ethereal creatures. Rare diagrams or components, while infrequent, can accelerate progress toward specific sword schools or gear setups if you happen to need them.
Comparison to Similar Early Quests
Compared to other early Witcher 3 contracts, Following the Thread is modest in monetary reward but reliable for beginners. Later quests typically offer better gear, more XP, and rare components, but few match its simplicity and speed. Treat it as a steady early income source rather than a game-changing windfall.
How to Maximize the Value
To get the most from Following the Thread, sell excess orens and crafting materials that you do not immediately need, and prioritize oils that match your chosen fighting style. If you prefer Igni Sign builds, farm Specter Oil when possible; if you lean toward strong sword hits, convert extra Fiery Oil into durable weapon coatings. Replaying the contract on New Game Plus can also provide additional oils and diagrams, though orens typically remain at the same baseline amounts.
Summary and Takeaways
Witcher 3 Following the Thread rewards are modest but dependable, consisting of orens, oils, and occasionally rare crafting components. The contract is simple, quick, and ideal for early players looking to acquire basic combat supplies and XP. Use the oils to support your preferred fighting style, spend orens on early vendor needs, and treat rare components as a potential bonus rather than a primary goal. This makes Following the Thread a practical early quest with steady, predictable value.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can I fail Following the Thread?
Failure is unlikely during the prologue due to the linear design. If you deviate significantly or reload older saves, the contract remains available until the story advances past the initial tavern segment.
Do rewards change on subsequent playthroughs?
Orens and oils remain consistent; rare item drops have a fixed probability across replays. Some players report slightly different component results on New Game Plus, but the core reward set is stable.
Is Following the Thread worth repeating for endgame content?
Not for endgame optimization. By late game, the orens and oils are trivial, and the rare components are unlikely to match dedicated farming quests. It is best used as an early convenience activity.