Navigating the complex criminal underworld in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt requires players to balance the interests of volatile underworld bosses while pursuing main objectives. The secondary mission titled Gangs of Novigrad provides a prime opportunity to utilize raw muscle to locate the elusive criminal known as Whoreson Junior. Successfully completing this optional assignment requires a solid understanding of how it intertwines with the primary quest narrative.
Initiating the Alliance with Cleaver
The journey begins immediately after Geralt meets with the Big Four of the Novigrad criminal scene inside the local bathhouse. Cleaver, the aggressive dwarf boss, offers his specialized henchmen to help you raid Whoreson Junior's operations across the city. Accepting this support provides immediate firepower but drastically shifts how you approach the investigation.
If you prefer a direct, combat-heavy path, visiting Cleaver at his local hideout is the necessary next step. He will instruct his dwarven warriors to wait for you outside the primary target locations. This choice sets a chaotic tone for your investigation and eliminates the possibility of using stealth mechanics.
Striking the Casino and Arena Locations
Once the alliance is sealed, you must head toward the two main locations where Whoreson Junior operates his illicit businesses. The casino and the underground fighting arena are heavily guarded by hostile criminal factions. Approaching these areas with Cleaver's dwarves results in an immediate, full-scale battle upon arrival.
Storming the casino with brute force allows you to bypass the need for diplomatic entry or clever dialogue choices. However, this loud approach means you will miss out on playing Gwent with the local patrons inside. The combat is intense but fast, allowing you to quickly secure the necessary clues on the upper floors.
Managing the Intertwined Narrative Choices
The primary challenge of this specific mission is its strict dependency on the main quest titled Get Junior. If you choose to investigate the casino or the arena independently without speaking to Cleaver's men, the secondary quest will automatically fail. Balancing these objectives requires precise planning to ensure you receive the financial rewards.
Many players accidentally fail this task by advancing too far into Whoreson Junior's estate before turning in the side quest steps. To maximize your experience points and currency, you must execute the raids alongside the dwarves before confronting the main target. This careful sequencing ensures that you maintain a positive standing with Cleaver while fulfilling your contract.
