Geralt of Rivia isn’t just a master swordsman—he’s also a formidable user of magical signs. In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, these signs can drastically affect combat when used wisely and upgraded with the right skills. Each sign has five upgrade levels, transforming basic utilities into powerful and versatile tools. Whether you’re starting out or refining your build mid-game, here’s a breakdown of what each sign does and how it evolves with each tier.

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Aard: Telekinetic Force and Crowd Control

Aard sends out a blast of force that staggers enemies. It’s great for controlling groups, especially when surrounded by drowners, neckers, or wolves. You can also knock flying enemies like harpies out of the sky.

• Level 2 – Far-Reaching Aard: Extends Aard’s range, making it more effective at knocking aerial enemies down.
• Level 3 – Aard Sweep (Alternate Mode): Changes Aard’s cone into a 360-degree burst around Geralt. Ideal when you’re surrounded.
• Level 4 – Aard Intensity: Increases overall power, improving stagger chance and effectiveness.
• Level 5 – Shock Wave: Adds damage to Aard’s knockback, making it possible to finish off weak enemies with a blast.

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Yrden: The Ghost Trap and Slow Master

Yrden slows enemies in its radius and is essential for fighting specters like wraiths or noonwraiths. It makes them physical, allowing your swords to land real damage.

• Level 2 – Sustained Glyphs: Increases trap duration, giving more time to manage fights within its effect.
• Level 3 – Magic Trap (Alternate Mode): Adds a damage effect and enlarges the trap’s radius. Trigger it just as an enemy steps inside for max impact.
• Level 4 – Yrden Intensity: Improves slow percentage and trap reliability.
• Level 5 – Supercharged Glyphs: Drains enemy health while they remain inside the trap—great for passively killing weaker foes.

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Quen: The Shield Sign

Quen is your go-to defensive sign. It creates a barrier that absorbs one hit. Great for boss fights and swarming monsters alike, it keeps Geralt standing longer.

• Level 2 – Exploding Shield: When Quen breaks, it knocks back enemies—sometimes stunning or knocking them down.
• Level 3 – Active Shield (Alternate Mode): Creates a sustained shield that absorbs hits and restores health. Uses stamina over time.
• Level 4 – Quen Intensity: Enhances all aspects of Quen, from damage absorption to regeneration.
• Level 5 – Quen Discharge: Reflects some of the absorbed damage back at enemies—perfect for dealing damage while defending.

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Axii: Control and Charm

Axii stuns enemies and opens up new dialogue options. It’s The Witcher’s version of the Jedi mind trick, useful both in and out of combat.

• Level 2 – Delusion: Improves combat utility by slowing enemies that approach. Also required for certain dialogue checks.
• Level 3 – Puppet (Alternate Mode): Turns an enemy into your temporary ally. While not overly aggressive, they’ll still help thin the enemy ranks.
• Level 4 – Axii Intensity: Improves all Axii effects—stun duration, chance to succeed, and dialogue influence.
• Level 5 – Domination: Lets you charm two enemies at once. A well-timed Axii can shift a fight in your favor instantly.

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Igni: Fire and Fury

Igni unleashes a burst of flame in front of Geralt. Simple, devastating, and always satisfying—it’s a staple offensive sign.

• Level 2 – Melt Armor: Reduces enemy armor, making follow-up attacks deadlier.
• Level 3 – Firestream (Alternate Mode): Replaces the burst with a flamethrower-like stream. Excellent for controlling space and burning groups.
• Level 4 – Igni Intensity: Boosts burn chance and overall effectiveness.
• Level 5 – Pyromaniac: Significantly increases the chance to cause burning, prolonging the fire’s damage-over-time effects.

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Final Thoughts: How to Use Signs in Combat

Signs are more than just flashy abilities—they’re tactical tools that reward creativity. Use Aard to control crowds, Yrden to shut down ghosts, Quen to survive big hits, Axii to disrupt or influence fights, and Igni to turn enemies into cinders.

Each upgrade opens new combat possibilities and synergies. Don’t just stick to one—rotate and experiment. Whether you’re locking down enemies with Yrden and following up with heavy attacks or starting a firestorm with Igni and grenades, signs can define your combat strategy from start to finish.

Now that you know what each sign can do at every level, take the time to develop your own rhythm with them. Your path as a Witcher is yours to shape.