Many players become stuck on the Bad Bait quest after receiving the objective “ask around” from Till in the Fishing Village.
Speaking to villagers produces no new dialogue, the quest journal does not update, and the objective appears broken. This situation often leads to confusion because the game offers no quest markers or direct hints about the next step.
The fix is straightforward: the Bad Bait quest does not continue in the Fishing Village. The required NPC is located in the main coastal city, and speaking to Fish near the sewage outflow pipe is what progresses the quest.
Why the Bad Bait Quest Appears Stuck
The quest instruction “ask around” is misleading. No NPC in the Fishing Village has dialogue tied to the next quest stage.
Of Ash and Steel often uses indirect quest design, requiring players to explore wider regions or recall NPCs previously encountered. In this case, the next step is tied to an NPC who is thematically related to fishing but resides in the city instead of the village.
Because of this design, many players mistakenly assume the Bad Bait quest is bugged, even though it functions as intended.
How to Progress the Bad Bait Quest
The Bad Bait quest progresses only after speaking to the NPC Fish in the coastal city.
To continue the quest:
- Leave the Fishing Village.
- Travel to the main coastal city.
- Go to the waterfront district near the giant sewage pipe dumping water into the sea.
- Move down to the lower walkway.
- Locate Fish, who usually stands or wanders here.
- Select the bait-related dialogue option to update the quest.
This interaction triggers the official progression of the Bad Bait quest.
Where to Find Fish (NPC Location Guide)
The NPC Fish is positioned in a consistent but slightly variable location within the city:
- Near the large sewage outflow pipe
- Close to the Order Headquarters
- On the lower waterfront walkway
This area is a key landmark and is the only place where the bait dialogue becomes available.
After speaking with Fish, the quest journal will either:
- Mark Bad Bait as complete, or
- Direct the player back to Till in the Fishing Village
Both outcomes confirm successful progression.
Tips for Completing the Bad Bait Quest Efficiently
- Use the sewage pipe as a navigation landmark; it is visible from various points of the city.
- Reload the district if Fish does not appear immediately.
- Check both upper and lower walkways, as NPCs occasionally shift positions.
- Ensure that the Bad Bait quest is active in the journal before traveling.
- Rest or advance time to reset NPC movement patterns if Fish is temporarily missing.
Comparison Table: Common Player Issues vs. Solutions
| Symptom | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Talking to villagers does nothing | No Fishing Village NPC progresses the quest | Travel to the city and speak with Fish |
| “Ask around” objective never updates | Objective text is misleading | Locate Fish for correct dialogue |
| Fish NPC not appearing | NPC pathing or time-based variance | Reload or rest to reposition NPC |
| Belief that the quest is bugged | Misunderstanding of quest design | Complete bait dialogue with Fish |
| Unsure where to go next | Lack of quest markers | Use sewage pipe area as landmark |
FAQ
1. Why doesn’t the Bad Bait quest progress in the Fishing Village?
The Bad Bait quest does not progress in the Fishing Village because no NPC there is programmed to advance the objective. The instruction “ask around” refers broadly to the world, not the village itself.
The game expects the player to explore and remember fishing-related NPCs encountered earlier, particularly those in the city. This design choice reinforces exploration-based progression rather than local dialogue loops.
2. Where exactly is Fish located for the Bad Bait quest?
Fish is located in the main coastal city, specifically on the lower walkway beneath the giant sewage outflow pipe. This area is adjacent to the Order Headquarters and features multiple levels of platforms and water-side structures.
He normally stands near the railing overlooking the ocean but may move along the walkway depending on NPC schedules. The sewage pipe serves as the most reliable landmark for finding him quickly.
3. Is the Bad Bait quest bugged, or is it functioning as intended?
The Bad Bait quest is functioning properly. It only appears bugged because the objective text does not clarify that the next step is in the city rather than the Fishing Village.
Players who remain in the village will never trigger quest progression because the dialogue requirement is tied exclusively to Fish. Once the dialogue is completed, the quest updates without issue.
4. What should be done if the Fish NPC does not appear in the expected location?
If Fish does not appear, several factors may be affecting his position. NPC pathing can vary with time-of-day cycles, and the lower walkway may sometimes load NPCs slowly.
Reloading the district, traveling to another zone and returning, or resting to move time forward typically resolves the issue. Checking the upper walkway is also recommended, as Fish occasionally moves between levels.
5. Does the Bad Bait quest require any prior quests, story progress, or specific conditions?
The Bad Bait quest has no prerequisite quests or story requirements beyond access to the coastal city. Players can complete it at any time after reaching this region.
The quest behaves consistently across different builds, and no progression block is tied to character level or story milestones. The only required action is initiating the dialogue with Fish.