Among the many quests found in EverQuest II, ‘A Swill Time’ stands out for its quirky tone and light-hearted challenge. While many adventurers seek fame and glory through dangerous battles or ancient mysteries, this particular quest focuses on something far more amusing: a tavern-based contest of wit, timing, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re a seasoned EQ2 player or someone exploring Norrath for the first time, understanding how to complete ‘A Swill Time’ efficiently will save you frustration and help you enjoy its full charm.
Overview of A Swill Time Quest
Where to Begin
‘A Swill Time’ is a seasonal or event-based quest that is often associated with Brewday Festival, a popular celebration in EverQuest II. Players can usually begin this quest by talking to an NPC located in the Bar of Brell or nearby tavern-related locations, depending on the active event setup. Keep an eye out for event notices or interactable characters offering festival-related tasks.
Recommended Level and Requirements
The quest does not require a high-level character, making it accessible to most players regardless of their combat progression. There are no specific gear requirements or combat encounters involved, but having good movement and timing is helpful. You’ll also want to clear some inventory space in case you receive unique event rewards upon completion.
Quest Objectives
Main Goal
The core objective of ‘A Swill Time’ is to participate in a drinking contest or brew-tasting challenge, depending on the year’s festival variation. Players are typically tasked with visiting different stations, drinking various brews, and maintaining control of their character while intoxicated by in-game mechanics. Completing these steps in the correct order and within a time limit is usually required to finish the quest successfully.
Step-by-Step Tasks
- Speak to the quest giver and accept the challenge.
- Travel to the designated drinking stations or taverns as directed by the quest journal.
- Interact with barrels, mugs, or NPC bartenders to consume specific brews.
- Maintain composure (i.e., avoid falling or stumbling too far off course) while intoxication debuffs take effect.
- Return to the original NPC to complete the quest and claim your reward.
Tips for Completing A Swill Time
Dealing with In-Game Drunkenness
One of the main challenges is navigating while under the influence of the game’s drunken effect. Your character’s screen may blur, shake, or rotate unexpectedly, making movement tricky. Here are a few tips:
- Use third-person view to keep better visual control of your surroundings.
- Set a keybind for walking instead of running, which can reduce erratic movement.
- Zoom out your camera to a wider field of vision to avoid bumping into objects.
Time Management
Depending on the quest’s design, you might be racing against a timer. If so, be sure to plan your route between each station. Avoid unnecessary detours and don’t get distracted by side activities until you complete the primary objectives. Use mounts or movement speed buffs when available, though be cautious when combined with drunken movement effects.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
Quest Bugging or Resetting
Sometimes, players report that the quest fails to register progress if a drinking station is skipped or triggered out of order. Always follow the quest log precisely. If the quest appears to bug out, try abandoning and restarting it after logging out and back in.
Screen Effects Causing Nausea
Because of the visual effects used to simulate intoxication, some players may feel discomfort or motion sickness. You can reduce this by:
- Lowering camera movement and blur settings in the graphics menu.
- Playing in windowed mode to reduce full-screen disorientation.
- Turning off screen shaking or drunk effects, if the option is available.
Rewards and Incentives
Quest Completion Rewards
‘A Swill Time’ often rewards players with seasonal currency, novelty items, or special Brewday-themed furniture and clothing. Some years may include unique housing decorations or consumable brews with fun temporary effects. These make great collectibles for players who enjoy customizing their homes or characters.
Achievements and Titles
Completing the quest may also contribute to Brewday achievements or event progress. In some cases, titles such as Brewmaster or Swill Champion can be unlocked by completing multiple event quests, including ‘A Swill Time.’
Why This Quest Stands Out
Humor and Atmosphere
Unlike many combat-heavy or serious quests in EQ2, A Swill Time embraces a humorous and festive tone. The dialogue is often filled with puns and references to drinking culture, making it a fun break from dungeon crawling and raid preparation. It captures the spirit of Brewday, where celebration, chaos, and revelry rule the day.
Community Engagement
During event periods, many players gather in common tavern hubs to complete this quest together. This creates a social atmosphere that’s rare in most single-player tasks. Don’t be surprised if you end up swapping drunken emotes or forming spontaneous dance circles while working your way through the quest steps.
Additional Content Related to A Swill Time
Brewday Festival Overview
A Swill Time is just one of several activities available during the Brewday Festival. Other quests may involve collecting hops, delivering kegs, or battling mischievous brew spirits. Participating in the full event provides access to rare recipes, tradeskill items, and themed appearance gear.
Exploring Tavern Lore in Norrath
EverQuest II features a rich tavern culture, and many of its most beloved stories begin at the bottom of a mug. Exploring locations like The Bar of Brell or other regional taverns reveals hidden stories, bard songs, and colorful characters that add flavor to your adventures. Completing A Swill Time can serve as your introduction to this lively side of the world.
A Swill Time is a unique and enjoyable quest in EverQuest II that highlights the game’s lighter, more whimsical side. By focusing on festive fun rather than combat or grinding, it offers a welcome change of pace for players of all levels. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can complete the quest smoothly and earn yourself some delightful rewards in the process. Whether you’re collecting every Brewday item or simply looking for a laugh between dungeon runs, this quest is worth your time. Just don’t forget to drink responsibly even in Norrath.