Original dark-fantasy scene representing Witcher 3 Isle of Mists Quest Cutoff — Complete the Important Side Quests First
QUEST CUTOFF / MISSABLE / THE WITCHER 3

Before the Isle of Mists: protect your unfinished quests.

Check the major Novigrad, Velen and Skellige quests before the game moves into its next act.

Open interactive guide ↓
Updated October 20, 2026Easy step-by-step directionsPC / PlayStation / Xbox

The Isle of Mists warning means story progress will close many unfinished side quests. You do not have to complete every treasure hunt in the game, but political storylines, companion quests and regional succession quests deserve attention.

● Quick Answer

Make a separate manual save before sailing. Finish Triss’s quest line, Keira’s Fyke Isle storyline, Skellige succession quests, A Deadly Plot and companion recruitment. Then use the checklist below to clear the confirmed cutoff quests.

Interactive help

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Pre–Isle of Mists safety checklist

Finish these quests before entering the Isle of Mists. Check each completed quest; progress is saved only in your browser.

Checklist progress
The classic cutoff list contains 25 entries. The frequently repeated “all 29 will fail” claim is not a reliable universal count.
Not every side quest automatically fails at the Isle of Mists. This tracker covers the 25 quests explicitly named in the community quest cutoff reference. Other quests have earlier or different deadlines; review your journal before continuing.
Clear walkthrough

Do it in this order

01

Make a manual save

Use a new slot before the Isle of Mists warning. Do not overwrite your only earlier save.

02

Finish Triss and Novigrad quests

Complete A Matter of Life and Death, Now or Never, Cabaret, Carnal Sins and A Deadly Plot where applicable.

03

Resolve Fyke Isle and Velen stories

Finish A Towerful of Mice, A Favor for a Friend, For the Advancement of Learning and Return to Crookback Bog.

04

Resolve Skellige leadership

Finish Possession, The Lord of Undvik, King’s Gambit and Coronation before sailing.

05

Recruit available allies

Wrap up the Brothers in Arms branches; then return to your quest journal and confirm anything important is completed.

Unlike the supplied “29 instantly failed quests” claim, the referenced cutoff list names 25 fail-or-unavailable quests. Quests such as The Last Wish can have earlier deadlines; do not rely on a single warning for every side story.
Answers

Frequently asked questions

Do all 29 named quests automatically fail?

No. The commonly referenced Isle of Mists cutoff lists 25 failed-or-unavailable quests; others can have earlier deadlines.

Can I return to side quests after Isle of Mists?

Many side quests remain available, but specific character and political quests are lost if you miss their cutoff.

Is The Last Wish on this list?

The Last Wish has a different, earlier deadline; finish it while it is available instead of waiting for the Isle of Mists.

Should I complete treasure hunts too?

Most treasure hunts are not in the main cutoff list, although checking your active journal before proceeding is still wise.

Check the details

Sources & further reading

WalkerBex is an independent fan resource. Versions, quest states, New Game+ and localization may change names, levels or rewards. Images are original artistic illustrations, not in-game screenshots.