Most of the side quests in Hogwarts Legacy are centered around helping people out with their problems, but there are one or two that actively encourage players to do the wrong thing. "Venomous Revenge" is one such quest, with the quest-giver asking players to break into his former partner's basement and steal some rare herbology supplies for him.
Though there is a way to complete the quest without breaking the law, it's both faster and easier to just steal the supplies as requested. As such, "Venomous Revenge" is more a measure of the player's ethics than it is a test of their skill or know-how. Of course, the lack of consequences for doing the wrong thing will likely make the choice much easier for most Hogwarts Legacy players.
How to Start the Venomous Revenge Side Quest in Hogwarts Legacy
"Venomous Revenge" becomes available after players have completed The Caretaker's Lunar Lament main story mission and unlocked the Alohomora incantation. It can be initiated by speaking with Ackley Barnes, the shifty-looking gentleman who can be found hanging around behind the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. Doing so will present players with two dialogue choices, though whether or not players feel comfortable stealing from Alfred Lawley doesn't make any difference.
Should You Steal the Herbology Supplies in the Venomous Revenge Side Quest?
Although the only way to complete the "Venomous Revenge" side quest is to give Ackley Barnes a Venomous Tentacula, players don't necessarily have to steal one. There are a few different ways to get one's hands on this rare item legitimately, with the simplest being to either grow one in the Room of Requirement or purchase one from the nearby Dogweed and Deathcap store. In fact, some players may even have some Venomous Tentacular in their inventory already if they picked some up in the greenhouses at the end of the "Venomous Valour" side quest.
Sadly, it's much more profitable for players to break into the cellar, as they'll get some other useful herbology supplies while they're in there. Those who do opt to go down this route should follow the quest marker to the cellar door and then hold the button as prompted to head inside. Once there, they'll need to use the Disillusionment charm to sneak past Alfred and then follow the quest marker to an area where they'll need to defeat a bunch of spiders. Only then can players steal the herbology supplies, after which, it's time to head back to Ackley Barnes.
What Happens if You Ask Ackley Barnes to be Paid?
Whether players hand over one of their own Venomous Tentacula to Ackley or the one from Alfred Lawley's cellar, they'll have a chance to ask him for a reward. If they select the "I'd like to be paid" option, they'll receive 500 Galleons instead of 300, so it's definitely worth doing this. They'll also get the usual 180 XP and the Dragonhide Herbologist Gloves: a special cosmetic item that can be used to customize the appearance of certain Gear.
Hogwarts Legacy is available now on PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC. PS4, Xbox One, and Switch versions are currently in development.