“Off the Pilfered Path” is a timed quest in Dragon’s Dogma 2 that you can start after completing the “Mercy Among Thieves” quest, where you track down the Coral Snakes. This quest involves further interactions with a boy named Hugo and helping him start a new life.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to start “Off the Pilfered Path,” the prerequisite quests, the steps to complete it, and how to help Hugo find a job.
Prerequisite Quests
“Off the Pilfered Path” is interconnected with several other quests. The outcomes of these quests will influence how “Pilfered Path” ends. Note that the timed portion of “Off the Pilfered Path” starts halfway through, giving you ample time to complete the following prerequisite quests:
“Every Rose Has Its Thorn”
While in Vernworth, complete Captain Brant’s initial quests, “The Stolen Throne” and “An Unsettling Encounter.” These quests introduce you to Wilhelmina, the owner of the Rose Chateau Bordelrie. You might also need to complete “A Veil of Gossamer Clouds” before this quest becomes available.
- Visit Wilhelmina at the bordelrie and present her with gifts like Courtly Clothes and flowers.
- Return on another day to find her unavailable; speak to an employee named Rolf.
- Use the painting in her room to spy on her and start the quest.
During “Every Rose,” choose to help Wilhelmina by giving her the Murder Report.
“Short-Sighted Ambition”
In Bakbattahl, visit Isaac’s apothecary. He’ll request a ripened quince to help his eyesight and then ask for another volume of a grimoire.
- Purchase the second volume from Ibrahim’s Scrap Shop in Checkpoint Rest Town.
- Return to Isaac and choose to give him either the real grimoire or a forgery. Giving him the forgery keeps his shop open.
“Mercy Among Thieves”
To start “Off the Pilfered Path,” you must first complete “Mercy Among Thieves.”
- In Checkpoint Rest Town, give food to a boy named Toumi twice.
- Speak to people on the opposite side of the road, then talk to Lyssandro.
- Track down the Coral Snakes; their leader, Lanzo, betrays Hugo, who gets arrested.
Starting “Off the Pilfered Path”
Head northeast of Bakbattahl to the Bakbattahl Gaol. Speak with a guard named Ekratt to gain entry.
Should You Offer Hugo Guidance?
Before interacting with Hugo, speak to Brefft in the second cell on the left. Exhaust his dialogue to learn about Hugo and Lanzo’s past.
- Speak with Hugo and choose to tell him what you learned. This decision impacts whether Hugo stays in jail or escapes.
Completing the Quest
After informing Hugo, leave the gaol and rest until the next morning. Upon returning, you’ll learn Hugo has killed Brefft and escaped.
- Immediately head to the Ancient Battleground north of Checkpoint Rest Town. This is the timed part of the quest.
- If you arrive quickly, you can fight and kill Lanzo yourself. If not, Hugo and Lanzo will kill each other.
Job Options for Hugo
If you defeat Lanzo, Hugo will ask what he should do next. You have several choices:
- No Job: Hugo will likely return to a life of crime.
- Isaac’s Wares: If Isaac’s family perished in “Short-Sighted Ambition,” offer Hugo a job there. This option is unavailable if Isaac’s family survived.
- Myrmecoleon: If you helped Wilhelmina in “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” you can send Hugo to work at the Myrmecoleon.
Rewards
For completing “Off the Pilfered Path,” you’ll receive:
- White-Leather Kerchief
- 4,500 XP
- 7,000 gold
- Hugo’s Frosted Edges daggers
Keep this guide handy to ensure you complete all necessary quests and make the best decisions to help Hugo in Dragon’s Dogma 2.