With the arrival of the next-gen update for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, both longtime players and new adventurers are jumping into the world of Geralt of Rivia once again. Whether you’re just starting your journey or returning for a new playthrough, mastering combat is key to enjoying everything the game has to offer. In this guide, we’ll walk through three essential tips to help you power up early, survive tough fights, and make your battles more dynamic and enjoyable.
Tip 1: Combat Starts Before the Battle — Mastering Preparation
The secret to survival in The Witcher 3 isn’t just what you do with your sword—it’s what you do before you draw it. Preparation is one of the most important elements of combat, and it begins well before your first strike.
Start by meditating. Not only does this restore all your potions, bombs, and decoctions (as long as you have alcohol in your inventory), but it also clears any lingering toxicity. This ensures you’re going into every battle with a full arsenal.
Next, repair your equipment. Weapon and armor durability directly affects their performance—damaged gear hits weaker and protects less. Visit a blacksmith or armorer to keep everything in top condition. Once repaired, you can visit grindstones and armor tables to apply temporary bonuses to your weapons and armor. These buffs are easy to get and offer a real edge.
Another often overlooked aspect is food. On its own, food provides minimal health regeneration—but if you’ve unlocked the Gourmet skill, food will regenerate your vitality over 20 real-time minutes. That’s a massive boost, especially on harder difficulties. Combine this with powerful decoctions, like the one that gives an extra use to all alchemical creations, and you’ll start feeling like a true Witcher.
Finally, never neglect your blade oils. Each enemy type has a corresponding oil that increases the damage Geralt deals against them. Upgraded versions provide even greater boosts, and when paired with skills like Poisoned Blades or Protective Coating, they also add effects like poison chance or reduced incoming damage. The takeaway? Never enter battle unprepared—take a moment, gear up, and give yourself every advantage.
Tip 2: Use Your Signs Creatively
Geralt’s five Witcher signs aren’t just flashy magic—they’re tactical tools with versatile uses in combat. While the game’s tutorial briefly explains how to use them, real mastery comes from experimenting with each sign in unique scenarios.
For example, foglets—those frustrating, semi-invisible monsters—are vulnerable to Quen according to the bestiary. But what it doesn’t tell you is that Aard can knock them out of invisibility, giving you a clear shot to strike. Learning these kinds of interactions makes fights smoother and less frustrating.
Axii isn’t just for dialogue—it’s excellent for combat. Casting Axii on an enemy stuns them, leaving them completely defenseless for a brief moment. That moment is often enough for a free kill. Beyond that, it can be used to calm Roach or even knock enemies off horseback. Each sign has both obvious and subtle uses, and it’s worth testing all of them in different fights to learn their full potential.
So tip number two? Think beyond the spell description. Get creative with your signs. They’re far more versatile than you might think.
Tip 3: Don’t Underestimate Grenades
Many players overlook grenades after the game’s tutorial—but that’s a mistake. Grenades can make the difference between a tough fight and a dominant victory. With numerous types available and many of them upgradeable, grenades are more than a novelty—they’re a strategic cornerstone.
One of the best grenades for crowd control is Northern Wind, which freezes enemies in place, giving you a huge opening to strike or reposition. Used at the start of combat, it sets the tone and gives you control. On the other hand, some grenades make excellent finishers or combo tools. Dragon’s Dream, for instance, creates a flammable gas cloud that pairs perfectly with the Igni sign. Light it up at the right moment and watch the explosion devastate your enemies.
Grenades pair especially well with the preparation strategy from tip one. Since meditation replenishes all alchemical items, there’s no reason to hoard them. Use them liberally, and use them smartly.
Bonus Tip: Mix It All Together
Preparation, signs, grenades—they’re all tools, and the real magic happens when you combine them. Don’t fall into the trap of relying on just one combat style. Switching between swordplay, spells, and grenades keeps your fights fresh, flexible, and fun.
So meditate, prepare your oils, sharpen your blade, and go into battle with every tool ready. Then, unleash a blinding combination of Igni bursts, precision sword strikes, and grenade tosses. It’s not just effective—it’s also the most satisfying way to play.
Have your own combat tips or tricks? Share them in the comments. And remember: the more you experiment in The Witcher 3, the more Geralt truly feels like your Witcher.
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