Quest journal, many games offer some indication on the world map where a certain quest takes place. GD has the area mentioned in the quest, but is there any way to find an indication where on the world map it takes place? Searching thru every single map location is tedious, just seeing that it is in this area at least would help.
Welcome to the forum. 
No, GD doesn’t hold your hand that way. But when you get near to a quest location a star will appear on the mini-map. Also some locations are random spawns so in a different place every time you play.
You can Read the Quest log.
You can also use grimtools worldmap and from Dawn gamepedia
And the quest for Ol’ Bloodbriar lacks the quest marker on its dungeon entrance, because this is part of the challenge, but the area is not that large.
Now that I have written this, I wonder if we have understood you correctly. Would you like to see markers on the world map which regions you have which quests for?
Yes, GD can be a bit demanding for new players or those who play only off and on, because it certainly helps to memorize names for skills, items, affixes, NPCs, enemies and regions.
These links here can make things easier on you if you wish:
Otherwise, as the others mentioned, you are meant to follow the clues provided in the quest text.
Thanks, I have quests going in 2 directions from the newbie starting point. I just don’t want to have to fight my way thru long stretches only to find I have no quests there. Will try these tools also.
Thanks, the quest log says to go to this area sure, but where approximately is the area, North of where I am, West? Any direction helps, I am not the Skyrim type of player that just starts walking in that direction to see what is there. I am more quest driven and as such need at least some direction. Otherwise I get to level 12 or so and stop playing, like I have twice now.
Then just play another game, no one is forcing you to play Grim Dawn.
Well, that’s how GD works I’m afraid. There is some info in the quest log to help you, but it won’t give you direction to this place or that. Just keep exploring everywhere, you’ll find them. Once you’ve played a couple of times you’ll get to know where most of them are (random spawn points take a little longer to remember). Also some quests are not on the main “path” so you would miss them if you don’t clear all areas.
Ignore the western route for now and just go north from Devil’s Crossing. That is also how it works in general for GD - usually your next milestones are north. Later there will be side quests and bounties, that send you across the country.
Most areas are laid out in such a way that you can pass through them very quickly. If things start to feel like a chore, this can be for two reasons:
- You explore every nook and cranny
- Your build is too weak and fights take too long
In any case, even backtracking does not take that long, if you do not have to search for your quest target too long.
there are also many hidden / secret areas and quests that will provide extra loot, skill points, story notes etc so you are kinda “forced” to explore and try out things on your own.
If you’re
more quest driven
then read the log and markers on the world map. It really is usually enough. Clues for some optional quests are intentionally less clear to reward players who figure them out.