Mastering alchemy in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt requires seeking out skilled mentors across the Continent. Geralt of Rivia must complete the secondary quest titled Practicum in Advanced Alchemy to gain access to the master alchemist Gremist on the Skellige Isles. Completing this multistage quest unlocks top-tier alchemical recipes and high-level crafting components needed for endgame builds.
Starting the Quest and Meeting Gremist
Players can initiate this quest by speaking with Gremist near Gedyneith on Ard Skellige or by learning about him from other herbalists. The stubborn druid refuses to teach Geralt immediately and demands that the witcher complete three distinct favors first. These favors involve gathering a rare pimpernel flower, obtaining specialized spirit from an abandoned distillery, and persuading another druid named Fritjof to join him.
Gathering the Pimpernel Flower
To acquire the pimpernel, Geralt must search the nearby woods using his witcher senses. Along the way, he encounters another druid looking for a missing apprentice who has wandered off into the forest. Tracking the footfalls leads to a succubus lair, where Geralt can either kill the creature or resolve the situation peacefully to gather the required flower.
Operating the Abandoned Distillery
Obtaining the alcohol requires travelling to Hail Hill to clear out an abandoned distillery inhabited by monsters. After clearing the area, Geralt must locate the distiller's notes to understand the proper brewing procedure. By placing the mash in the evaporator, lighting the fire, and pulling the levers in the correct sequence, players can craft the required spirit.
Convincing Fritjof and Completing the Ritual
The final task involves travelling to Blandare to find Fritjof, who needs protection during a rainmaking ritual. Players must defend Fritjof from waves of foglets while he completes the ceremony. Once all three tasks are complete, return to Gremist and wait 24 hours to finish the quest and unlock his master-level merchant inventory.
