If you are playing Gothic 1 Remake, finding the Old Mine and Ian is a big step. This location is controlled by the Old Camp. They use it to dig up magic ore to trade with the king. However, reaching the mine and figuring out what to do with the quest items you find inside can be confusing.
In short, the old mine is located in the northwest part of the colony map. Inside, you will need to get the list of requirements of the old mine from Ian. The biggest choice you face is who to give this list to.
What we cover:
Where to Find Graham and Get the Old Mine Map
Before you start your journey, having a map makes everything easier. You need to find an NPC named Graham to get the Old Mine Map. He is usually found hanging around the Old Camp. Talk to him and don’t pay him anything. Just pick the choice “I’m not paying. Give me that map or I’ll just take it from you.” This item will help you navigate the tricky paths of the Colony.
How to Find Gothic 1 Remake Old Mine Location
Once you have your map, you can spot the location easily. Just look for the two small watchtowers drawn in the northwest section of your Colony map. The journey can be a bit dangerous for low-level players.
How to Find Ian and Get the List of Requirements
Once you arrive at the Old Mine, you need to head inside for the Test of Faith quest. This quest is a major requirement for the Admission to the Old Camp questline.
You must climb all the way down to the very bottom of the mine. There, you will find a character named Ian. You need to tell him the specific code phrase that Diego gave you back at the camp. Once you say the phrase, Ian will hand over the List of Requirements of the Old Mine.
Who to Give the List: Diego or Lares?
Now that you have the list, you have a decision to make. You can either return straight to Diego, or take a detour to the New Camp and show the list to Lares. This choice affects your total EXP and which quests you complete.
| Choice | EXP Reward | Quest Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Give to Diego Immediately | 750 EXP | Completes Casting Shadows and Test of Faith. Fails Something the Matter?. |
| Give to Lares First (Best) | 1,750 EXP | Completes Something the Matter?, Casting Shadows, and Test of Faith. |
Option 1: Return Directly to Diego
If you take the list straight back to the Old Camp, Diego will be pleased. He will tell you that you earned points toward joining the faction.
By doing this, you instantly get 750 EXP. This action finishes both Casting Shadows and Test of Faith. It also moves you forward in the Admission to the Old Camp quest. However, you will permanently fail the Something the Matter? quest and lose a chance to earn Lares’s trust. This is the faster route if you absolutely do not care about the New Camp.
Option 2: Give the List to Lares First (Best EXP)
If you want the maximum rewards, you should find Lares location in the New Camp and give the list to him before you talk to Diego.
Lares will look at the paper and add a few extra items to it. After he makes his changes, take the altered list back to Diego. Diego will accept it, but he will mention that you could have done better, showing he suspects something is off.
This is the best route because you earn 1,750 EXP. You still complete Casting Shadows, finish Test of Faith, and progress the Admission to the Old Camp quest. On top of that, you successfully complete the Something the Matter? quest and gain trust with Lares.
