Skip to content
Worthy of Trust
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Worthy of Trust

Learn essential combat techniques, magical signs, and alchemy in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Master melee, ranged attacks, dodges, and powerful Signs like Aard and Igni.

By ···10 min read·Multi-source verified
1 reading this guide  

Learn essential combat techniques, magical signs, and alchemy in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Master melee, ranged attacks, dodges, and powerful Signs like Aard and Igni.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Melee Combat: Geralt uses Steel Swords for humanoids and Silver Swords for monsters. Basic attacks are fast/heavy, which can be enhanced with skill points for critical strike %, bleeding, and damage. Advanced abilities include Whirl (AoE spin) and Rend (armor-piercing slash).
  2. 2
    Ranged Combat: Geralt has a crossbow. Time slows slightly when aiming. Different bolts offer varied effects. Skill points in Marksmanship can improve aiming, critical hits, and disable enemy abilities.
  3. 3
    Finisher Attacks: A button prompt appears when an enemy is weakened, triggering a stylish execution. Automatic finishers are enabled by default but can be toggled off, especially recommended for higher difficulties.
  4. 4
    Avoiding Attacks:
    • Blocking: Nullifies most melee attacks but is less effective against elemental/magical damage.
  5. 5
    Staggering: Timing a block just before an enemy attack deflects and stuns them for a follow-up. Works only against melee.
  6. 6
    Dodging: A quick sidestep/backstep to evade attacks while maintaining close distance, ideal for unblockable attacks and counterattacks.
  7. 7
    Rolling: Creates more distance than dodging, useful against large bosses with AoE attacks.
  8. 8
    Deflect Arrows: Timing a block before an arrow hits deflects it.
  9. 9
    Magical Signs: Consumes Stamina. All five signs are available early, with upgrades in the Sign Skill Tree.
    • AARD: Force push to knock down or stagger enemies. Can break weak walls out of combat.
  10. 10
    AXII: Stuns single enemies. Can be used in dialogue to influence outcomes or calm animals.
  11. 11
    IGNI: Fire wave that damages and can set enemies on fire, causing damage over time. Can light torches and complete quests.
  12. 12
    QUEN: Creates a protective barrier that drains Stamina.
  13. 13
    YRDEN: Creates a magical trap that slows enemies and pulls ethereal creatures into physical form.
  14. 14
    Alchemy: Geralt can craft potions, oils, and bombs using reagents. Recipes are found or bought. Once crafted, they auto-replenish upon meditation if alcohol is available.
    • Bombs: Various types with different effects.
Tips
  • Invest skill points in the Combat and Sign trees to enhance Geralt's abilities.
  • Experiment with different defensive maneuvers to find what suits your playstyle.
  • Use Signs strategically in combat and out of combat for various effects.
  • Alchemy items can provide significant advantages if crafted and used wisely.
  • Toggle automatic finishers off on higher difficulties to avoid unwanted interruptions.

100% Human-Written. AI Fact-Checked. Community Verified. Learn how AntMag verifies content