The Nithing — The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Walkthrough

Combat Basics: Geralt wields a Silver Sword for monsters and a Steel Sword for humanoids. Fast attacks are quick but weaker; heavy attacks are slower but stronger. Skill points can enhance these. Special melee abilities like Whirl (AoE spin) and Rend (armor-piercing slash) can be unlocked.

Ranged Combat: Use the crossbow for ranged attacks. Time slows slightly when aiming. Different bolts offer various effects. Skill points can improve aiming, critical damage, and enemy ability disruption.

Finisher Attacks: A button prompt appears when an enemy is weakened, triggering a stylish execution. These are automatically enabled by default but can be toggled off, which is recommended for higher difficulties.

Avoiding Attacks: Geralt can block most melee attacks, but magical/elemental damage is less affected. Staggering (timed block) can deflect and stun enemies. Dodging allows quick sidesteps to avoid attacks, useful for unblockable strikes and creating counter-attack opportunities. Rolling covers more distance, better for large bosses. Skill points can enhance defensive abilities like deflecting arrows.

Magical Signs: Signs consume Stamina. All five are available early:

• AARD: A force push to knock down or stagger enemies; can also destroy weak walls.

AXII: Stuns single enemies or calms animals; can be used in dialogue.

IGNI: A fire wave that damages and can ignite enemies, causing damage over time; can light torches.

QUEN: A defensive barrier that reduces incoming damage, drains Stamina.

YRDEN: A magical trap that slows enemies and makes spectral creatures vulnerable.

Alchemy: Geralt can craft bombs and potions using reagents. Recipes are found or bought. Once crafted, Geralt remembers them and they are automatically replenished during meditation if you have sufficient alcohol.

• Bombs: Various types with different effects, used like grenades.

Potions: Offer buffs and advantages in and out of combat.