The Witcher 3: "Volunteer" - Walkthrough, Consequences (2024)

In the expansive world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players encounter various quests that offer unique narratives and intriguing consequences. One such quest is “The Volunteer,” which involves dealing with a rock troll named Trollololo. Below is a detailed and comprehensive guide for completing this quest, covering the steps, decisions, and possible consequences for the troll soldier.

The Volunteer Location and Rewards

The “Volunteer” quest is located in the region of Novigrad, specifically at White Eagle Fort, just west of Oxenfurt harbor. This quest is categorized as a secondary quest and has a suggested level of 13. While the quest does not provide a gold reward, it does offer several other valuable rewards depending on the player’s choices.

How to Unlock The Volunteer

There are two ways to unlock the “Volunteer” quest:

• By finding and reading the notice titled “Beware of Trolls!” on the notice board in Oxenfurt.
• By encountering the troll directly at White Eagle Fort.

Is The Volunteer Missable or Failable?

The quest “The Volunteer” is not missable or failable. Players can approach it at any point during their time in the Novigrad region. However, the choices made during the quest can influence the rewards and consequences for Trollololo, the troll soldier.

The Volunteer Walkthrough

Below is the step-by-step process to complete the quest:

1. Talk to the Rock Troll

Upon reaching White Eagle Fort, players will hear a badly sung Redanian marching tune. Follow the sound to locate the troll, who introduces himself as Trollololo. Engaging in conversation with Trollololo reveals his self-appointed role as a Redanian soldier guarding some boats. The situation escalated when local peasants tried to reclaim their boats, leading to a deadly skirmish that resulted in the deaths of all humans involved, which Trollololo exacerbated by consuming their remains.

2. Decide Trollololo’s Fate

Players have two main choices at this juncture:

• Kill the Troll: Engaging in combat with Trollololo requires careful strategy, as his armored back deflects sword hits. Using Ogroid Oil and adopting a hit-and-dodge approach is recommended. Successfully killing Trollololo results in a reward of 50 XP and the key alchemical ingredient, Cave Troll Liver.
• Spare the Troll: Choosing to spare Trollololo sets off a chain of tasks where Geralt must assist the troll in his pseudo-military duties. This involves procuring and delivering paint to the troll, who then uses it to mark Redanian insignia on the boats.

Killing the Troll

If Geralt decides to slay Trollololo, prepare for a defensive battle. Trollololo’s armored back is impervious to attacks, necessitating frontal assaults. Using Ogroid Oil will render Trollololo more vulnerable. The best strategy involves quick, nimble attacks complemented by immediate dodging to avoid Trollololo’s retaliatory blows. Once defeated, loot Trollololo for a Cave Troll Liver, an ingredient essential for crafting upgraded versions of Ogroid Oil. The quest concludes following Trollololo’s demise.

Letting the Troll Live

If Geralt opts to spare Trollololo, the troll will request Geralt’s assistance, conscripting him into the imaginary Redanian Army to fetch paint. The paint can be bought from a specific merchant in Oxenfurt. With the paint in Geralt’s possession, returning to Trollololo triggers another task—painting the Redanian insignia. Geralt faces a choice here: either paint the insignia himself or let Trollololo handle it. Both options yield 50 XP, the Diagram: Gven’nel, Diagram: Axeman’s gauntlets, and several deer and goat hides.

Is The Volunteer Worth It?

Determining the worth of the “Volunteer” quest hinges on the player’s priorities. The quest offers modest experience points and interesting item rewards. Additionally, the quest provides insight into the world of The Witcher, showcasing Geralt’s interactions with non-human creatures and complex moral choices. The decision to engage in the quest should be weighed against these benefits.

The Consequences for Trollololo

The consequences for Trollololo depend entirely on the player’s choices:

• Merciful Path: Sparing Trollololo and assisting him result in his continued existence, marked by some semblance of purpose within his deluded military role. The resultant items and experience points serve as tangible rewards.
• Fatal Outcome: Choosing to kill Trollololo ends his life and yields alchemical resources beneficial for crafting purposes. This path also aligns with Geralt’s monster-slaying profession.

Strategies and Tips for The Volunteer

Here are some strategic insights to ensure a smooth quest completion:

• Planning Combat: If opting to kill the troll, ensure you have Ogroid Oil and practice hit-and-dodge techniques to minimize damage from Trollololo’s powerful swings.
• Resource Management: If sparing the troll, purchasing paint from Oxenfurt is straightforward. Ensure you have sufficient coin and inventory space for the transaction.
• Moral Reflection: Consider the ethical weight of each choice—whether fulfilling your role as a witcher means slaying creatures indiscriminately or discerning the nuances of their actions and motivations.

Conclusion

The “Volunteer” quest in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt provides an engaging blend of moral complexity and practical gameplay benefits. Whether you choose to execute or assist Trollololo, each path offers unique rewards and shapes your experience within the world of The Witcher. By following the detailed steps and strategies outlined above, you can navigate this side quest with confidence and purpose.