The Conjunction of Spheres brought humans, nonhumans, and monsters from different worlds together. This irreversible cataclysm continues to be felt over 1500 years later. Witchers were born from this strife, seeking to protect humans and nonhumans from the monsters that plagued the fields and open roads between cities and settlements, on some occasions being hired to fight for kingdoms of humans, or by rebellious nonhumans.
A witcher’s role is to kill monsters with their blades of silver, but there are times when steel swords must be drawn. Humans and nonhumans, either trained soldiers and assassins, or thugs who prey on the weak, will stand against you on the Path as often as any kind of monster one could name, and you should be prepared to put them down.
Of greater concern, the Wild Hunt has been seen roaming the Continent, seeking something, or someone. These are among the most skilled warriors a witcher could be forced to face. They are as well armed and armored as any soldier from the richest kingdoms of men, and they are relentless in combat. Each Wild Hunt warrior should be treated as a grave threat alone, and these huntsmen never ride alone.
Humans and NonHumans
Beware fighting multiple humans, as they will often fan out to try and cut off your escape routes.
| Loot: Weapons, Equipment, Currency |
| Environments: Found across the known world. |
| Vulnerabilities: Hanged Man’s Venom |
Combat Tactics
Humans and nonhumans carry a variety of weapons, and can wear various types of protection, from light peasant clothing to full sets of the heaviest armor.
You cannot parry the attacks of a human or nonhuman using two handed weapons. Dodge or roll away from these attacks, and strike while they recover from their swings!
Do not attack recklessly. Counter melee strikes from one handed weapon assailants to throw them off balance, then score a heavy strike as they reel from the counter.
Humanoids wielding bows and crossbows are serious threats. Prioritize these foes if possible, run them down if necessary, but if you cannot, use terrain for cover while engaging other enemies.
One of Geralt’s Swordsmanship abilities allows him to deflect arrows, and eventually return arrows back to the sender with perfectly timed parries. Just remember to have it activated on your Character Abilities screen!
Against shield-bearing opponents, avoid taking sword swings at them unless you have flanked them, or they have committed to an attack of their own and are not prepared to block. Aard can sometimes knock a shield-bearer off balance, exposing them to your blades.
Be wary of shield-bearers using their shields offensively. Shield bashes can stun you, leaving you extremely vulnerable to any follow-up attacks. If you see the wind-up for such an attack, evade or roll to safety. Do not try parrying or countering!
The Wild Hunt
The fundamentals of fighting other humanoids still applies to the Wild Hunt.
| Loot: Weapons and equipment |
| Environments: The Wild Hunt can appear where they desire, thanks to their ability to manipulate space and time to their advantage. |
| Vulnerabilities: Elementa Oil, Igni |
Combat Tactics
Wild Hunt warriors wear heavy, intimidating sets of armor, making them very sturdy opponents in a melee; improved Igni signs can greatly reduce the effectiveness of their armor.
Do not underestimate the speed of a Wild Hunt warrior. They are just as quick to flank and strike as lesser equipped humanoids.