So you’ve made it past the early hours of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and you’re now finding yourself deep in the mid-game. Maybe you’re starting to feel the grind, or maybe you’re just wondering how to keep your build strong and your progress smooth. This guide is packed with mid-game tips to help you keep the momentum going and prepare you for the challenges ahead.
1. Make Coin a Priority
Money matters more than ever in mid-game. Whether it’s crafting gear, buying maps, repairing equipment, or dismantling materials, everything has a cost—and it adds up fast. One of the best ways to earn coin is through contracts, which pay handsomely. Focus on contracts near your level and avoid those significantly above you—they’ll just waste your time and resources. Come back to them later when you’re ready.
You can also dismantle seashells into pearls for high returns, loot treasure caches, clear monster nests, and explore smuggler’s caches in Skellige for great loot. Selling unused weapons and armor is fine, but avoid spending coin on crafting components when you can loot them in the wild.
2. Side Quests: XP, Items, and Future Payoffs
Don’t ignore side quests. Not only do they provide XP and coin, but some offer key items that will help you in future missions or reveal unique opportunities. However, skip any that are far below your level unless you’re doing them just for completion—XP rewards will be minimal.
Also be aware that some side quests will expire if you progress too far into the main story. Knock them out early when you find them. Some of them even chain into others later, and you may be rewarded with items that help with illusion detection or quest-specific mechanics. They matter more than they seem.
3. Hoard Crafting Materials and Dismantle Smartly
A common mistake in mid-game is selling crafting materials too early. Don’t do it unless you have an excessive amount of a particular resource. Monster parts like powdered monster tissue, wyvern eggs, and ruby dust may seem unnecessary now, but they’ll be needed for Witcher gear and late-game crafting. Better to hold onto them and dismantle gear for parts instead of buying outright.
Dismantling monster loot also breaks down into useful resources. For instance, foglet teeth can become monster teeth; elemental essence becomes monster essence. Always dismantle strategically when near a smith.
4. Focus on Witcher Gear Progression
The six Witcher gear sets in the base game offer some of the best armor progression in The Witcher 3. Each set has multiple tiers and unique strengths—Griffin for sign intensity, Cat for attack power and stamina regen, Bear for tanky strong builds, and so on.
Progress through the scavenger hunt quests in your log and search for maps at merchants and blacksmiths. These unlock treasure hunts tied to gear locations. Start with sets near your current level to avoid frustrating encounters—don’t try to grab gear that’s 6+ levels above you unless you’re well-prepared.
Use the Witcher gear as your armor roadmap: start with base Griffin, then move to Cat, back to enhanced Griffin, and onward to Ursine or Wolven. It keeps your build evolving and gives you a hands-on feel for different playstyles. Save the specialized builds for endgame—now is the time to experiment and adapt.
5. Don’t Worry About the “Perfect” Build Yet
Mid-game isn’t the time to obsess over a flawless build. You’re likely to reset your skill points multiple times later using the Potion of Clearance available from vendors in Novigrad. So feel free to experiment. Test out sign-heavy builds, fast-attack setups, or hybrid styles. Build knowledge and flexibility are more valuable now than hard numbers.
6. Use Quick Sign Swapping in Combat
You don’t need to open the radial sign menu every time you want to switch signs. On keyboard, use the mouse wheel to cycle through. On controller, hold the block button and use the D-pad. You have to be in combat for it to work, but it’s a smooth way to shift signs on the fly without interrupting the flow.
7. Maximize Toxicity and Use More Potions
Put points into Acquired Tolerance. This increases your maximum toxicity, allowing you to chug more potions and decoctions. It’s a key perk, especially as you start collecting more advanced alchemy formulas. In New Game+ or higher difficulties, it’s practically essential.
8. Alchemy Mastery: Upgrade and Experiment
Upgrade your bombs, potions, and especially oils. Use decoctions and start dabbling with mutagens and mutations. Once you get to Blood and Wine, the new mutation tree will open even more build options.
Start collecting and crafting decoctions now. Options like the Wyvern Decoction (which boosts attack power with every hit until you’re hit or combat ends) and Tawny Owl (which speeds up stamina regen) can be game-changers. Focus on crafting ones that match your current playstyle.
9. Runes and Glyphs Are Worth the Investment
Finally, begin gathering diagrams and crafting higher-tier runes and glyphs. These small bonuses stack and seriously improve your build. For instance, if you’re leaning into Igni, slot glyphs of Igni into your armor. If you want control, use runes that boost freeze, stagger, or stun. The greater the rune or glyph, the better the effects.
You don’t need to go all-in right away, but starting the process mid-game gives you an edge. It’s especially helpful if you’re experimenting with hybrid builds.
Final Thoughts
Mid-game is when The Witcher 3 really opens up, and it’s the perfect time to experiment and grow your character. Don’t rush to endgame trying to be optimal. Try different gear, invest in smart skills, build up your resources, and stay curious. You’ll find that the journey itself becomes far more rewarding—and far less frustrating.
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