If you’re looking for a stronger weapon during the opening hours of Gothic Remake, the Withered Axe is one of the best upgrades you can grab early. The weapon is tied to an Old Camp side quest and can be obtained long before most players start finding better equipment through vendors or faction progression.
What makes the Withered Axe so useful is that it deals more damage and swings faster than the basic weapons most players have access to when they first arrive in the Colony.
Start The Vanished Warder
To get the Withered Axe, you’ll first need to pick up The Vanished Warder side quest.
Inside the Old Camp, find Sly sitting near the upper path close to the camp entrance. Speak with him and he’ll ask you to investigate the disappearance of his friend, Nek.
Although the quest points you toward other NPCs for clues, you can head straight to Nek’s location if you already know where to look.
Leave Through the South Gate
Head to the South Gate of the Old Camp, which is located inside the ruined tower section of the settlement.
Once outside, follow the path ahead and keep an eye on the right side of the road.
You’ll eventually spot a cave behind a large boulder.
Defeat the Molerats
Several Molerats guard the cave entrance.
Even though they’re easier to handle than Juvenile Scavengers, fighting multiple enemies at once is still dangerous early in the game.
Try pulling them away one by one and deal with them individually rather than charging into the group.
After clearing the area, enter the cave.
Loot Nek’s Body
Inside the cave you’ll find Nek’s corpse.
Search the body and collect everything available.
Among the loot is the Withered Axe, which is a significant upgrade over the Pickaxe and Old Sword that many players are still using at this stage of the game.
Make sure you also grab the other items in the cave before leaving.
Why the Withered Axe Is Worth Getting
The biggest reason to grab the Withered Axe early is simple: it’s stronger than almost everything you’ll naturally find during the opening stretch of the game.
Compared to starter weapons:
- Higher damage output
- Faster attack speed
- Makes early combat much easier
- Available very early through a simple quest
For many players, the Withered Axe becomes their main weapon for several hours after obtaining it.
Complete the Quest
Before returning to camp, make sure you’ve collected the proof of Nek’s death.
Head back to Sly and tell him what happened.
Handing over the evidence completes The Vanished Warder quest, rewards experience, and helps build support for later Old Camp progression.
The Withered Axe is one of the best early-game weapon upgrades in Gothic Remake.
Simply start The Vanished Warder quest, travel through the South Gate, clear the Molerat cave, and loot Nek’s body. You’ll walk away with a powerful weapon while also completing one of the most rewarding early side quests available in the Old Camp.