This article is part of a directory: The Witcher 3: Full Guide and Walkthrough
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The crossbow is a new weapon introduced in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, Geralt can't use one until he's completed some quests in the game's early stages. It's suited for flying monsters like the Griffin, but it becomes more powerful as the player unlocks new abilities.

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Geralt will receive his first crossbow from Vesimir during The Witcher 3's Beast of Wild Orchid quest. But before getting it, Geralt must complete specific tasks before he receives the crossbow and faces off against the deadly Griffin that's been killing the village locals and soldiers in the area.

The Beast Of Wild Orchid Quest

The Witcher 3 Geralt's asking about Yen at the White Orchid Inn

Hunting The Griffin

Before getting the crossbow, players must find the White Orchid first. Geralt and Vesemir need to converse with the Inn's patrons before making the journey to speak to the Nilfgaardian captain about the Griffin attacks.

The Witcher 3 Geralt's confrontation outside the Inn

Some peasants will be looking to pick a fistfight with Geralt outside the Inn. He can make short work of these thugs using his parry and counterattack moves. Before the fight begins, ensure Geralt casts the AXII Sign. Doing so will hinder one of the thugs and earn Geralt an extra few EXP points.

The Witcher 3 Nilgardian Garrison in White Orchid

With the thugs defeated, Geralt must make his way north to the Nilfgaardian Garrison in White Orchid. It's worth grabbing a few quests from the White Orchid notice board before proceeding, as many of these secondary quests can be completed on the way.

The Witcher 3 Nilgardian Captain

At the Garrison, speak to the Nilfgaardian Captain about Yennefer. He has information, but before complying with Geralt, he sets up a contract to hunt and kill the Griffin that's been attacking and killing the locals in White Orchid.

The Witcher 3 Buckthorn location on the map

The Beast of Wild Orchid quest is now triggered, and Geralt must seek out the herbalist in a shack west of White Orchid village for bait and information from a local hunter.

The Witcher 3 Geralt speaking with the herbalist

Head to the herbalist first, and she'll tell Geralt where to locate the Buckthorn to use as bait for the Griffin.

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After Geralt has found the Buckthorn in the river, he should seek out the reclusive hunter to gain more information about the dead Nilfgaardian soldiers in the area. The hunter's shack is located south of the White Orchid village.

The Witcher 3 Hunter's shack location on the map

When Geralt arrives at the hunter's home, he will need to use his Witcher senses to track him. Players must hold the LT/L2 button on the controller.

The Witcher 3 tracking the Hunter

The Huntsman isn't far away, but before helping Geralt with the information he needs about the dead soldiers, he requests Geralt's help to track and hunt down a pack of wild dogs.

The Witcher 3 Geralt and the Hunter

Use Geralt's Witcher senses again to track the wild dogs to their latest kill. Attack and kill the wild dogs before they surround Geralt and the hunter.

The Witcher 3 Geralt fighting infected wild dogs

After the wild dogs have been defeated, the hunter will direct Geralt to the bodies of the dead Nilfgaardian soldiers. Use Geralt's senses again to track their steps to the lair of the Griffin.

The Witcher 3 Geralt discovers the dead female Griffin

Geralt discovers a dead female Royal Griffin and concludes that its mate is taking vengeance on the soldiers and the locals for killing her and destroying the eggs. Geralt decides to take this information back to The Witcher 3's Vesemir so they can begin their hunt for the creature.

The Witcher 3 Geralt informing Vesemir about the Griffin

Heading back to White Orchid village, Vesemir will be waiting outside the Inn and talking to a peasant. Inform him about the Griffin contract and the mess the Nilfgaardian soldiers made, and the two will set off for their hunt.

The Witcher 3 Geralt meeting Vesemir for the Griffin hunt

Vesemir will be setting up a trap for the Griffin outside the village. Meet him there and wait for the conversation to end. The Griffin will arrive, and Vesemir will hand over the crossbow to use in the battle against the monster.

The Witcher 3 the Griffin taking the bait

How To Use The Crossbow In The Witcher 3

The Witcher 3 Geralt using a crossbow on the Griffin

Vesemir will hand over the crossbow to Geralt just before the battle with the monster begins. It's a vital tool to defeat it because one shot from the crossbow will bring it down for a ground attack.

  • Press and hold L1/LB to bring up the wheel menu.
The Witcher 3 activating the crossbow
  • Use the L Stick to select the new crossbow with the A/X button.
  • Geralt can now aim and fire with the RB/R1 button.
  • Geralt will automatically aim and shoot at the monster with a quick press of the RB/R1 button.
  • Players can manually aim the crossbow by holding the R1/RB button.
  • With the Griffin down, attack it with Geralt's sword to defeat it.

Complete The Griffin Quest

With the Griffin defeated, loot its body and take the evidence back to the Nilfgaardian captain by following the trail on horseback.

The Witcher 3 the captain offers Geralt pay for his efforts

When Geralt arrives at the base, he witnesses the captain being cruel to a peasant by punishing him for delivering poor grain. After a scolding from Geralt, he informs the Witcher of the raven-haired Yennefer's whereabouts and offers money for his trouble. It's up to the player if they accept the reward, but this will complete The Beast of White Orchid Quest.

The Best Abilities For The Crossbow

The Witcher 3 Trick Shot info

If players want to put more time into upgrading Geralt's crossbow abilities, it is a good idea to know the best available in The Witcher 3.

  • Steady Shot - General skill that deals 25% more damage per shot.
  • Trick Shot - A skill found in the General category. It shoots one additional bolt before reloading.
  • Anatomical Knowledge - A Combat skill that increases crossbow damage by up to 25%.
  • Lightning Reflexes - A combat skill that slows time up to 45% when fully upgraded.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available now for the PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S version is to launch in December 2022.

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