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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Shock Therapy

Learn essential combat techniques in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, including melee, ranged attacks, dodging, blocking, and powerful Signs like Aard, Axii, Igni, Quen, and Yrden.

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Learn essential combat techniques in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, including melee, ranged attacks, dodging, blocking, and powerful Signs like Aard, Axii, Igni, Quen, and Yrden.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Melee Combat: Geralt uses a Silver Sword for monsters and a Steel Sword for humanoids. Unlockable skills include Fast/Heavy Attacks, Whirl, and Rend.
  2. 2
    Ranged Combat: A crossbow offers ranged attacks with time slowing. Different bolts can be crafted. Skills can enhance Marksmanship.
  3. 3
    Finisher Attacks: Triggered by a button prompt when an enemy is weakened, these stylish executions can grant invincibility on lower difficulties. Automatic finishers can be toggled.
  4. 4
    Avoiding Attacks:
    • Blocking: Nullifies most melee attacks but is less effective against magical damage.
  5. 5
    Staggering: Timing a block before an enemy attack deflects and stuns them for a counterattack. Works only against melee.
  6. 6
    Dodging: A quick side/back step to evade attacks and set up counterattacks. Useful against unblockable attacks.
  7. 7
    Rolling: Creates more distance than dodging, useful against large bosses with area attacks.
  8. 8
    Deflect Arrows: Timing a block before an arrow/bolt hits deflects it.
  9. 9
    Magical Signs: These consume Stamina and have various effects.
    • AARD: A force push that knocks down or staggers enemies. Can break weak walls.
  10. 10
    AXII: Temporarily stuns enemies or can be used in dialogue.
  11. 11
    IGNI: A fire wave that damages and can set enemies ablaze, causing damage over time. Can light torches.
  12. 12
    QUEN: A defensive barrier that reduces incoming damage, draining Stamina over time.
  13. 13
    YRDEN: Creates a trap that slows enemies and makes spectral creatures vulnerable.
  14. 14
    Alchemy: Geralt can craft Bombs, Potions, and Oils using reagents. Recipes are found or bought. Once crafted, they replenish upon meditation if alcohol is available.
Tips
  • Invest skill points in the Combat Skill Tree to enhance Fast/Heavy Attacks, Whirl, Rend, Marksmanship, and Defensive abilities.
  • Toggle automatic finishers off on higher difficulties to avoid frustration.
  • Experiment with different avoidance techniques (blocking, dodging, rolling) to find what suits your playstyle.
  • Alchemy items like potions, oils, and bombs can provide significant advantages in combat.

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