Mastering alchemy in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt allows players to brew superior potions, oils, and decoctions that are essential for higher difficulty playthroughs. Unlocking the master alchemist Gremist through the Practicum in Advanced Alchemy quest is the key to gaining access to high-tier crafting recipes and rare ingredients in Skellige. Completing this multi-stage side quest requires Geralt to navigate a series of errands that test both his combat skills and patience.
Starting the Quest and Meeting Gremist
To begin this quest, Geralt must travel to Gedyneith in Ard Skellig and locate the stubborn Druid named Gremist. Upon speaking with him, Gremist refuses to share his advanced knowledge unless Geralt completes three distinct tasks for him. Accepting his demands sets off a series of objectives that take you across different parts of the island.
The first task involves obtaining a rare pimpernel flower from a nearby forest area. When Geralt reaches the search location, he discovers another druid who explains that a mysterious creature is kidnapping flower pickers. Tracking the footprints leads to a Succubus, giving Geralt a choice to either defeat her or peacefully resolve the situation to secure the required plant.
Retrieving the Distillery Supplies
Gremist's second task requires Geralt to fetch a bottle of exceptionally strong alcohol from an abandoned distillery on Mount Shamans. The distillery is guarded by a Cyclops that must be eliminated before Geralt can inspect the brewing equipment inside. Exploring the workshop reveals the necessary instructions to operate the stills correctly.
To successfully brew the spirit, Geralt must place the mash in the evaporator, light the furnace below, and operate the cooling levers in the proper order. Following the written notes found in the distillery ensures that the distillation process yields the high-proof alcohol Gremist demands. Once crafted, Geralt can retrieve the bottle and move on to the final requirement.
Finding Fritjof for the Ritual
The final task sends Geralt to the village of Blandare to convince a druid named Fritjof to join Gremist for a ritual. Fritjof agrees to assist, but only after Geralt helps him perform a rainmaking ceremony to save the local crops from severe drought. During the ritual, Geralt must defend Fritjof from waves of attacking foglets until the storm successfully begins.
After keeping Fritjof safe from the monstrous threats, he departs for Gremist’s workshop to fulfill his promise. Geralt then returns to Gedyneith, where the two druids lock themselves inside for an entire night to conduct their secret ritual. Resting until the following day allows Geralt to re-enter the dwelling and speak with Gremist once the process concludes.
Unlocking Master Alchemy Rewards
Upon finishing the quest, Gremist rewards Geralt with valuable alchemy components and officially opens his shop for business. As a Master Alchemist, Gremist sells top-tier recipes including Mastercraft oils, bomb upgrades, and rare crafting materials like Nigredo and Rebis. Completing this quest is a crucial step for players looking to maximize their character's combat effectiveness through powerful alchemical builds.
