The sprawling, war-torn swamps of Velen in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offer players a massive landscape filled with hidden secrets and deadly monsters. Among the most valuable discoveries scattered across No Man's Land are the mystical ancient monoliths known as Places of Power. Finding these landmarks provides Geralt of Rivia with temporary sign intensity buffs and permanent ability points that are crucial for optimizing your character build. Navigating this bleak province efficiently requires a structured tracking layout to ensure you do not miss a single hidden point during your journey.
The Northern Velen Monoliths
The northern reaches of the province feature several monuments hidden close to notable story landmarks. One of the earliest shrines can be discovered standing prominently on a rocky hill just north of the iconic Hanged Man's Tree. This specific location rewards players with an Igni sign enhancement that can help clear out early group encounters. Exploring further west toward the isolated coastline will reveal another ancient stone situated near an elven ruin. This secondary monument boosts your Quen shield capabilities, which provides a massive tactical advantage when facing the aggressive drowners roaming the nearby beaches.
Deep Swamps and Hidden Cavy Shrines
Venturing into the southeastern territories brings players into the hazardous marshlands dominated by dark magic and local folklore. Deep within the foggy bounds of Crookback Bog, a hidden monument awaits discovery near the murky territory of the Crones. Reaching this site requires careful navigation to avoid dangerous environmental traps and high-level foglets safeguarding the perimeter. Another highly sought-after shrine is tucked away inside an underground cavern system accessed during major side stories with local sorceresses. Tracking down these subterranean landmarks ensures your character receives a substantial power upgrade before tackling major narrative bosses.
The Southern Borders and Bald Mountain
The southern frontier of No Man's Land contains some of the most dangerous challenges in the base game. Standing high atop the cliffs of Bald Mountain is a legendary monolith that draws many completionists to the region. Accessing this monument is officially restricted until players progress to the later stages of the central campaign storyline. A final southern shrine can be located near the ruined tower of Frischlow, surrounded by aggressive wraiths that test your combat readiness. Cleansing these areas allows you to complete your local collection and maximize your available character skill points efficiently.
