This article is part of a directory: The Witcher 3: Full Guide and Walkthrough
Table of contents

The Witcher 3 has numerous contracts for players to earn XP and rewards, with some being better than others. One contract in The Witcher 3, An Elusive Thief, is an interesting quest that has the famed Geralt of Rivia searching for something that he is unsure even exists.

An Elusive Thief is a contract that can be acquired in Novigrad and revolves around Geralt hunting a Doppler that has been stealing wares. To complete this contract, players are advised to be 13 level or above.

RELATED: The Witcher 3 Next-Gen Update Includes More Than Prettier Graphics

An Elusive Thief – Complete Walkthrough

  1. To find the contract, head to the marketplace in Novigrad.
    Notice Board in Novigrad Velen
  2. The Contract: Imp will be on the notice board at Hierarch Square.
  3. Speak to Sylvester Amello, one of the merchants in the marketplace.
  4. At the same location, use Witcher senses to follow the tracks left by the imp.
  5. Follow the tracks until it leads to a dead end with loot.
  6. Examine the loot.
  7. Use Witcher senses to find more tracks on the wall and continue following them.
  8. The tracks will end at the bridge.
  9. Jump into the water, and continue to follow the tracks to a house.
  10. Search the house for a letter to learn the imp is a Doppler.
  11. Head upstairs to find clothes for Geralt to get the Doppler's scent.
  12. Follow the Doppler's scent to get to the temple guard.
  13. Speak to the temple guard, who is the Doppler.
  14. The Doppler will run away, chase, and catch him.
  15. The Doppler will transform into a mirror image of Geralt.
  16. Defeat the Doppler for him to surrender.

An Elusive Thief – Available Choices and Rewards

The Witcher 3 Geralt's first crossbow

After defeating the Doppler, Geralt has two choices:

  1. Ask the Doppler to leave. While Sylvester Amello will be unhappy, he will reward Geralt with crowns and a sword diagram.
  2. Kill the Doppler to get the full reward. It will also unlock the Doppler Mutagen required to craft the Doppler Decoction.

    Killing the Doppler is the only time the Doppler Mutagen will become available, after which it will not be available again. It also rewards the player with the Doppler trophy, which grants a 5% gold bonus.

An Elusive Thief – Strategies and Tips

  • Use Relict Oil on the silver sword to deal bonus damage on the Doppler.
  • The best way to defeat the Doppler is by counterattacking.

The Witcher 3 is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and Nintendo Switch.

MORE: The Witcher 3's PS5, Xbox Series Upgrades Need to Be the Definitive Ways to Play the Game