The Beast of White Orchard is the second main quest in White Orchard. This walkthrough will guide you through White Orchard's opening areas, and include tips for monster slaying preparation, and defeating the Griffin that is terrorizing the region.

The Beast of White Orchard Walkthrough

The Nifgaardian’s know where Yennefer went, but that knowledge comes at a price. A Griffin nearby has been causing trouble for the troops and they want you to get rid of the beast in exchange for their knowledge of Yennifers whereabouts. 

When leaving the Nifgaardian Garrison, pull up your map. On the river, just north of the garrison, you will spot an Unknown Location. This is a marker for Spoils of War. Swim out to a wrecked boat and dive down to find a Maribior Sword of steel and some money. Besides the loot, there is Buckthorn growing near the bottom of the river. You need Buckthorn to lure the Griffin. Little plant markers will show up on your map when you swim close enough. Dive down and use your Witcher Sense to grab some. Grabbing it now removes the need to go see the herbalist and fetch some later. Swim back to shore and call on your horse, Roach, since you will need to ride to the Griffin’s nest.

Thankfully, the nest is marked on your map. Ride to the south-west corner of White Orchard and investigate. After investigating the place where the Nilfgaardian men were killed, use you Wicher Senses and follow the red tracks up the hill. On top of the hill, you will find a dead female Griffin to investigate. The death of the female Griffin has lead the other Griffin to seek revenge and therefore it's anger and boldness. With this information about the beast and the Buckthorn, go meet Vesemir back at the inn. You will fill in your fellow Witcher and set a plan in motion. Vesemir sets out to lay the trap. Go meet him in the nearby field when you are ready. At the ambush site, the Griffin will swoop in and take the bait.

Monster Fight: Royal Griffin

There are two waves to this fight. With your newly equipped crossbow, you can hit and bring down the Griffin from the air if your shot is straight. When the Griffin dives down to attack, dodge sideways to avoid damage. As soon as the Griffin lands, take the Thunderbolt potion, which boosts your attack. Stick to the beast’s side and wail on it with your Silver Sword.

When the Griffin gets down to half of his health, it will fly off. Hop on your horse and follow quickly. When you close in on its new location, just up the hill, finish the fight the same way. Dodge the dives and hit the Griffin on the side. Your crossbow has unlimited arrows, so don’t worry about that. Use the Thunderbolt potion when the Griffin is grounded, since you will not be able to hit it in the air.

With the Griffin dead and decapitated, take the proof to the Nifgaardian Garrison. During your chat with the Garrison you will stumble upon a time-constrained option, which will demand you to make a quick decision when answering. Some of these time-constrained options will have a crucial impact on the story, but not all of them and not this one. So don't worry about accepting the coin. Once you claim your reward (or choose not to) and learn about Yennefer’s location, the main mission, Lilac and Gooseberries will continue.