Third Trial: Ten Men Tin Man Combat! — The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt The Complete Edition eGuide

Objectives

Defeat the opposing team (5).

Assuming you agreed to the combat event, you amass with four of your fellow knights under the arena. The haughty Prince Anseis is the self-appointed leader of your team, proudly describing that this mock battle commemorates the Battle of Fox Hollow of 1218. After a suitable amount of pomp and circumstance from Le Papillon, this five-on-five battle begins!

CREST FALLEN: BEATING THE OTHER KNIGHTS

Though the tactics to achieve victory should have already been studied and learned during the practice combat battles, there are a few additional rules to be aware of, and tactics to exploit, to ensure your victory (or lack of victory, as you can lose this without dying if you wish).

During combat, you can hang back, let your comrades take on the five foes, and then step in and challenge enemies that are already engaged in combat; effectively getting some free hits in from the flank or behind.

Palmerin is the single biggest threat to your chances of facing Sir Gregoire in the final duel; even if your team wins, only the knight with the most individual victories goes on to face Sir Gregoire. If you want that to be you, begin combat by immediately rushing Palmerin (in the gold armor) and bringing him to bear.

To ensure you face Sir Gregoire, aim to take out three knights in combat, including Palmerin. Then choose two other knights armed with the weapons you have the least amount of trouble circumventing.

Need to cheapen your victories somewhat? Then constantly cycle through your targets after you defeat Palmerin, looking for foes engaging in combat that have very little health left; then pounce on these enemies and snatch the win from your comrade!

The large arena allows you to easily out-flank and slice your foes at their sides or rear, which is a quicker way to bring your foes down that clanging your sword off their well-guarded fronts (with shields or halberds to hamper your progress).

Remember you can utilize potions to increase your Vitality, though those may be best left for the battle to come!

The battle ends when one of the following occurs:

Your Vitality is emptied due to enemy prodding, and other team mates are still standing.
Your Vitality is emptied due to enemy prodding, and you’re the last man standing on your team.
Your team brings down all five enemy foes, no matter how helpful you were.
You slay all of the enemies (which is usually impossible; the most you’re likely to take down is four of the five).

Time for everyone’s favorite bard narrator that isn’t Dandelion to read off the final scores:

If Palmerin’s team wins, he goes on to face Sir Gregoire, leaving you to end Vivienne’s investigation.

If you brought down more knights than Palmerin, and won all other competitions, he gracefully concedes, and the ultimate battle of the tournament begins!