The Next-Gen (4.0) update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt did more than just enhance the visuals; it integrated a substantial piece of lore-driven content that bridges the world of the games with the Netflix series. While most players were busy testing Ray Tracing, many missed the start of the secret quest “In the Eternal Fire’s Shadow.” This isn’t just a simple fetch quest; it is a dark, tragic tale involving a forgotten Witcher from the School of the Wolf, a terrifying new boss, and a reward that fans of the show have been waiting years to wear.
1. How to Trigger the Quest
Unlike most DLC content that appears on notice boards automatically, this quest is tucked away in the Velen countryside. To find it, you must travel to the Devil’s Pit, located southeast of Hanged Man’s Tree.
The Encounter
At the entrance to the pit, you will find a desperate priest of the Eternal Fire. He is trying to contain a plague that has broken out inside the caverns. He won’t give you much information, but the sheer amount of corpses and the presence of a “red miasma” suggest a supernatural threat that only a Witcher can handle.
Pro-Tip: This quest is designed for Level 15. If you enter too early, the final boss—The Red Miasmal—will likely one-shot you.
2. Navigating the Devil’s Pit Caverns
Once you enter the caves, you will find notes left behind by a Witcher named Reinald. Through his journals, you learn that he was trapped here centuries ago while trying to contain a sentient plague.
- The Voices: As you walk through the cave, you will hear a voice mimicking Reinald. Do not follow the voice blindly. Use your Witcher Senses to find the red markings on the walls; following the voice too quickly will lead you into traps or groups of plague-riddled “flesh-eaters.”
- The Potion: You will eventually find a recipe for Reinald’s Philter. It is absolutely essential that you craft this potion before the final room. Using it during the dialogue or fight unlocks a different outcome for the story.
3. Boss Fight: Reinald and The Red Miasmal
The climax of the quest is a two-stage battle. First, you must fight a possessed Reinald. He uses Witcher signs (specifically Quen and Yrden), making him a rare and dangerous opponent.
Strategy for the Red Miasmal
Once Reinald is freed, the Red Miasmal will manifest.
- Sign Usage: The Miasmal is highly susceptible to Igni. Its health bar is massive, so focusing on burning damage over time is the safest way to chip it down.
- Avoid the Teleport: When the creature vanishes into red smoke, dodge immediately. It will reappear behind you for a devastating swipe.
4. The Rewards: Forgotten Wolven Gear
The main reason to complete this quest is the Forgotten Wolven Gear Set. This is the armor and sword set worn by Henry Cavill’s Geralt in the Netflix series.
- Standard Set: You get the diagrams for the base set immediately after the quest.
- Mastercrafted/Grandmaster Upgrade: To unlock the higher-tier versions of this armor, you must find a hidden note in Kaer Morhen (in the library) that reveals how Reinald improved the design before his imprisonment.
The armor provides a unique bonus to the duration of potions and increases the damage of the Aard sign, making it a powerful choice for hybrid alchemy/sign builds.
5. The Moral Choice (The “Realistic” Outcome)
The Witcher 3 is famous for its shades of gray. At the end of the quest, you must decide the fate of the Priest.
- Forgiveness: If you show the Priest Reinald’s notes and encourage forgiveness, he will stay behind to help the plague victims, and you receive a higher gold reward.
- Vengeance: If you allow Reinald’s ghost to confront the Priest, the outcome is much bloodier and leaves the Devil’s Pit as a cursed, abandoned site.
GGC