Advertisement
Popular Now
Introduction
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the most beloved RPGs of all time, renowned for its rich storylines, deep character development, and immersive world. Set in a sprawling fantasy universe full of dark magic, dangerous creatures, and morally complex decisions, the game offers players a truly epic adventure. Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran Geralt of Rivia fan, the game can be overwhelming due to its depth and sheer scale. In this guide, we’ll provide tips, tricks, and strategies to help you survive in the treacherous world of The Witcher 3. From combat tips and exploration strategies to crafting and completing side quests, this article will ensure you make the most out of your journey through the Continent. So, saddle up your horse, prepare your potions, and let’s dive into the world of The Witcher 3 with these essential tips and guides!
1. Getting Started: Understanding the Basics of The Witcher 3
Before diving deep into the main quests or exploring the vast world of The Witcher 3, it’s important to understand the basics. This foundational knowledge will ensure you're well-prepared for whatever comes your way.The Basics of Combat
Combat in The Witcher 3 combines swordplay, magic, and alchemy. You’ll need to master each of these elements to defeat enemies effectively.- Signs: Geralt has access to five basic magical signs, which can turn the tide of battle.
- Aard: A telekinetic blast that stuns and knocks down enemies.
- Igni: A burst of fire, great for burning enemies.
- Yrden: A magical trap that slows down enemies in its radius.
- Quen: A shield that protects you from damage.
- Axii: A sign that can influence the minds of enemies, making them temporarily fight for you.
The Importance of the HUD and Menu
The Heads-Up Display (HUD) provides essential information about Geralt’s health, stamina, and the effects of your signs. Familiarize yourself with your menu, which includes:- Inventory: Track your weapons, armor, and items.
- Alchemy: Manage potions, bombs, and oils that are crucial for combat.
- Character and Skills: Upgrade Geralt’s skills and abilities to tailor your playstyle.
2. Exploring the World: Map, Quests, and Side Activities
The Witcher 3 features an expansive open world that offers much more than just the main story quests. From monster hunts to treasure hunts and hidden locations, there’s always something to discover.Understanding the Map
The map in The Witcher 3 is vast and divided into several regions: Velen, Novigrad, Skellige, and the land of Toussaint (from the Blood and Wine DLC). Each region is filled with side activities, towns, and secret areas that are worth exploring.- Fast Travel: As you uncover signposts across the world, you can fast travel between them. This speeds up your exploration and saves time.
- Question Marks: These icons on the map indicate points of interest like monster nests, treasure chests, or guarded treasures. They’re often worth investigating as they yield valuable loot.
Side Quests and Contracts
- Witcher Contracts: Geralt can take on Witcher Contracts, which are side quests where you hunt down specific monsters. These are essential for leveling up and obtaining rare materials.
- Secondary Quests: These are often tied to the main story and involve helping people across the Continent. Many side quests provide valuable items and experience.
Gwent – The Game within the Game

3. Mastering Combat: Swordplay, Signs, and Alchemy
To succeed in The Witcher 3, mastering combat is essential. From defeating human foes to tackling nightmarish monsters, combat will test your reflexes, strategy, and resourcefulness.Sword Combat and Stamina Management
Geralt uses two swords: one steel for humans and one silver for monsters. Knowing when to switch between swords and manage your stamina is key.- Light and Heavy Attacks: You can chain together light and heavy attacks for combos. A mix of both will allow you to stagger enemies and deal high damage.
- Dodging and Rolling: Use quick dodges to avoid enemy attacks, especially when facing more agile foes. Rolling is useful for avoiding larger attacks.
Signs in Combat
As mentioned earlier, Signs are magic spells that can greatly enhance your combat abilities. Mastering when and how to use them can turn the tide of battle.- Quen: This shield is crucial in many battles. It can block a considerable amount of damage, especially against tough enemies and bosses.
- Igni: Use this to deal damage at range. It can set enemies on fire and disrupt their attacks.
- Yrden: Great against fast or teleporting enemies, especially in tight spaces.
- Axii: Use it to calm or confuse enemies. It’s effective when facing groups of foes or when you need to buy time.
Crafting Potions and Bombs
Alchemy is another pillar of combat. Crafting potions, bombs, and oils are essential for buffing Geralt and weakening enemies.- Potions: Always carry potions that restore health, increase stamina, or protect you from specific elements (e.g., Swallow, Thunderbolt).
- Oils: Craft oils that can be applied to your swords for extra damage against specific types of monsters (e.g., Specter Oil, Beast Oil).
- Bombs: Use bombs to disable enemies. For example, the Grapeshot bomb is excellent against groups, while the Northern Wind bomb freezes enemies.
4. Witcher Skills and Perks: Customizing Geralt's Abilities
As you progress through the game, you’ll earn skill points that can be spent to upgrade Geralt’s abilities. You can focus on different skill trees based on your playstyle, whether you prefer combat, alchemy, or signs.Combat Skills
- Muscle Memory: Increases attack power with swords.
- Fast Attack: Increases the speed of your attacks, allowing you to strike quickly.
- Deflecting Blows: Reduces damage taken from enemy strikes.
Sign Skills
- Delusion: Increases the effectiveness of the Axii sign in conversations, allowing you to influence people.
- Firestream: Expands the Igni sign into a powerful flame-throwing attack.
- Magic Trap: Expands the Yrden sign into an area-of-effect trap.
Alchemy Skills
- Heightened Tolerance: Increases the maximum number of potions you can consume at once.
- Acquired Tolerance: Reduces toxicity from potions, allowing Geralt to take more potions.
- Molecular System: Improves the effectiveness of alchemical ingredients.
5. Managing Inventory and Loot

Inventory Management
- Weapons and Armor: Focus on keeping high-quality gear. Don’t hesitate to sell or dismantle items that are of no use to you.
- Crafting Materials: Gather herbs, ores, and monster parts for crafting and upgrading gear. Always make sure you have enough materials for potions, bombs, and crafting.
- Weight Management: Geralt has a limited inventory weight. If you exceed it, he will start to move slower. Keep an eye on your weight and regularly visit merchants to sell unwanted loot.
Dismantling Gear
Dismantling items at a blacksmith allows you to break down your old weapons and armor into valuable materials, which can be used for crafting or upgrading your current gear.6. Horse Riding and Travel
In The Witcher 3, Roach, Geralt’s trusty steed, plays an essential role in exploration and travel. Understanding how to ride and use Roach effectively will save you time and make exploration more enjoyable.Fast Travel and Roach
While fast travel is available through signposts, Roach is often your best friend for traversing the large open world. Here’s how to make the most of your horse:- Galloping: Hold the gallop button to speed up your travels. Roach will follow the path automatically, but you’ll need to control her during tight turns and obstacles.
- Roach Commands: You can issue commands to Roach to stop, gallop, or even jump over obstacles.
Horse Combat
- Combat on Horseback: Roach can also participate in combat. You can use crossbows to fight from horseback or dismount to engage enemies up close. Just be mindful that Roach can be injured in battle.
7. Exploring Velen, Novigrad, and Skellige
Each of The Witcher 3’s regions has its own set of challenges, enemies, and quests. Here’s a breakdown of the areas you’ll explore:Velen: The War-Torn Heart of the Continent
Velen is filled with war-torn villages and haunted ruins. It’s a bleak and dangerous place, but it also offers rich side quests and Witcher Contracts.- The Bloody Baron Questline: One of the most emotional and complex storylines, revolving around the fate of a tragic family.
- Wild Hunt Encounters: Be prepared for intense battles with spectral enemies, especially when hunting down the Wild Hunt.
Novigrad: The City of Scoundrels
Novigrad is the largest city in the game and a hub for political intrigue, crime, and magic. It is home to the powerful Redanian army and various factions vying for control.- The Witch Hunter's Threat: Keep your eyes peeled for Witch Hunters as they can be a serious threat, especially in restricted zones.
- Gwent and Side Quests: Many Gwent players are found here, and side quests are plentiful in this city.
Skellige: A Nordic Island Paradise
Skellige is a collection of rugged islands, known for its fierce warriors and breathtaking landscapes.- The Isles' People: Focus on learning the backstory of the Skellige clans, as they play a significant role in the main story.
- Shipwrecks and Mysteries: Explore shipwrecks and hidden caves to uncover riches and secrets.
8. Combat with Monsters: Tracking and Hunting
Monster hunting is one of Geralt’s specialties, but tracking them down requires patience, skills, and preparation.Tracking Monsters
- Use Witcher Sense: This ability allows you to track the scent or footprints of monsters. Follow these trails carefully.
- Monster Lairs: Some monsters have lairs or nests that need to be cleared out before you can finish a contract.
Fighting Different Types of Monsters
Each type of monster has weaknesses that can be exploited with specific signs, weapons, or bombs.- Griffins: Use the crossbow and signs like Quen for protection and Igni for fire damage.
- Vampires: Apply Vampire Oil to your silver sword and use Yrden to trap them.
9. Romance and Choices
Romance plays a significant role in The Witcher 3’s narrative. Geralt has romantic entanglements with several characters, most notably Yennefer and Triss, but there are other potential lovers as well.Relationship with Yennefer and Triss
- Yennefer: Geralt’s main love interest. Depending on your choices, you can pursue a deep, passionate relationship or remain friends.
- Triss: Another major romantic interest. Depending on your actions, you can pursue a relationship with her.