In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players will eventually find themselves navigating the murky alleys and secretive politics of Novigrad. One key location of interest is the Putrid Grove a hidden enclave that plays a major role in the tangled web of resistance, sorcery, and rebellion. Gaining access to this mysterious part of the city is not straightforward. You’ll need to find the right contact and use the correct password to get inside. The Putrid Grove is a hotspot for mages, outlaws, and those looking to escape the reach of the Eternal Fire, making it a crucial stop for Geralt during certain quests. If you’re wondering how to get the password for the Putrid Grove and what to expect inside, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is the Putrid Grove?
The Putrid Grove is a secret area hidden behind locked gates in the poorest part of Novigrad. This underground hub serves as a safe haven for fugitives and outcasts, especially sorcerers and non-humans who are being hunted by the Church of the Eternal Fire. It’s also the headquarters of the King of Beggars, a criminal leader who controls a large portion of Novigrad’s black market. Players will be directed here during the main quest Get Junior, as well as other side missions related to Triss Merigold and the fate of Novigrad’s mages.
Key Characteristics of the Putrid Grove
- Located in the eastern part of Novigrad
- Accessible only through a guarded gate
- Serves as a neutral zone for underground dealings
- Run by the enigmatic King of Beggars
To get past the guards blocking the entrance, you’ll need to acquire a specific password that proves your trustworthiness to the group that controls access.
How to Reach the Putrid Grove
Before you can even worry about the password, you’ll need to reach the Putrid Grove’s entrance. It is found in the northeastern part of Novigrad, tucked behind some non-descript buildings near the fish market and harbor areas. If you’re following the main quest, your map will guide you close enough, but the locked gate will require some additional steps.
Getting Close
- Use fast travel to reach the Tretogor Gate or Glory Gate signposts
- Follow the main quest until you’re directed to investigate the underworld
- Speak to key NPCs like Triss or beggars around Novigrad
Once you approach the gate to the grove, you’ll be stopped by two guards who will challenge you. At this point, you need the password to proceed.
How to Get the Password for the Putrid Grove
The password is not something you can guess or find lying around. You must be directed to it through a conversation with specific NPCs tied to the main storyline. During the Get Junior questline, Geralt is led to investigate various factions in Novigrad, including the King of Beggars’ network. This brings him into contact with the right people who can grant access to the Putrid Grove.
The Exact Steps
- Begin the main quest Get Junior
- Speak to Triss Merigold in Novigrad she provides clues about the Grove
- Eventually, you’ll be sent to a beggar or contact near the fish market
- That contact will give you the password: ‘Old Sow’s Farrowed Piglets.’
Once you have this phrase, return to the guarded gate of the Putrid Grove. Speak to the guards, and when prompted, deliver the password correctly. They will let you in, opening up new quest options and character interactions inside the Grove.
What Happens After You Enter
Upon entering the Putrid Grove, you’ll encounter a variety of unique characters and opportunities. This includes your first face-to-face meeting with the King of Beggars, a charismatic and well-connected individual whose real name is Francis Bedlam. You’ll also find Triss operating within the Grove if you’ve been following her storyline.
Activities and NPCs Inside the Grove
- Meet the King of Beggars and begin side missions
- Interact with merchants and alchemists offering rare items
- Advance Triss Merigold’s personal questline
- Explore hidden lore and gather useful gear
The Putrid Grove becomes a hub of underground resistance activity and plays a major role in how the Novigrad arc unfolds. Your choices inside especially regarding Triss and the fate of the mages can significantly impact the game’s outcome.
Why the Putrid Grove Matters
While the location itself is not huge, its importance in the story is significant. The Putrid Grove represents a crossroads between morality, survival, and rebellion. As Geralt, you must navigate the politics of this hidden world, deciding who to support and how deeply to get involved. Whether you align with Triss, oppose the Eternal Fire, or attempt to stay neutral, your actions in the Grove shape future events.
Narrative Themes
- Freedom vs. control
- Underground resistance movements
- Trust and secrecy in times of persecution
It’s more than just a hidden base the Grove serves as a narrative fulcrum for the Novigrad storylines, linking Geralt to characters whose fates hinge on your decisions.
Tips for Visiting the Putrid Grove
If you’re preparing to enter the Putrid Grove, there are a few helpful things to keep in mind. While the password grants you entry, your choices inside and how you interact with others will have longer-term consequences.
Helpful Advice
- Save your game before entering conversations can lead to multiple outcomes
- Bring coin some vendors inside offer rare gear or alchemy ingredients
- Pay attention to Triss’s dialogue her future with Geralt can be influenced here
- Explore thoroughly there are hidden notes and lore entries scattered around
Take your time with the Grove. It’s not a location you’ll visit often, but its importance to the game’s narrative and character development makes it one of the standout parts of the Novigrad chapter.
A Gateway to Rebellion and Secrets
The Putrid Grove is a perfect example of how The Witcher 3 rewards players who pay attention to details and pursue side paths with care. Obtaining the password ‘Old Sow’s Farrowed Piglets’ opens more than just a gate. It grants access to a hidden world where the stakes are high, the characters are compelling, and the choices carry weight. Whether you’re diving into this dark corner of Novigrad for the first time or returning for another playthrough, the Putrid Grove remains one of the most memorable and narratively rich locations in the game.