How do you play the game on harder levels?

[hsojvvad]

How do you play the game on harder levels?

I keep dying all the time and I play on the second easiest levels and sometimes still have to go down to the easiest level to play. So my question is how are people playing on harder difficulties and still playing the game easily?

I think I got the basics down now how to play, so I just deleted my saves and I am going to restart again. Still I need tips on how to play. I just got to level 8 and finding the game really hard.

Maybe I am not using the proper gear? What would proper gear be?
Maybe I am not using the proper signs? What and how do you use the proper signs?

Right now I seem to be using quick attack a lot so I put my skill points into that since it seems easier to use than heavy attack. So when do you use quick attack and when would you use heavy attack?

Just getting a bit frustrated from dying all the time. I guess taking a long time to load doesn't help either.

So any tips and help would be greatly appreciated so I can enjoy this awesome game. I just feel I am missing something so I am not enjoying it fully as I can be.

 

[panzermuffin]

Dont do chain attacks. Attack an enemy with two strikes, then dodge (NOT ROLL) around.

Avoiding damage > dealing damage (basically). Play like this and youll be much better. Also use Quen and potions.

Dont give up, you just need to understand it a bit better <3

 

[dreizehnx]

I started on the 2nd easiest difficulty too until a coworker convinced me of changing to a harder setting... one day later I tried the hardest setting and it is still ok. Actually I am not that used to tactical AND actionful combat but ot works. My suggestions won't be the best ones because I am actually not that skillful or experienced but maybe this could also help you.
The way I am playing:
I hardly ever block. Most of the time I am rolling and evading - evading is better because I want the stamina to refill.
Basically I ALWAYS try to keep Quen active. This is the best way to stay alive. ...next to not getting hit.
I have learned the cat skills and wear only light armor because that's the way I want to play: Dodge and as many fast attacks as possible without being hit. There are attacks you cannot block so I am ok with mainly dodging becaus that way I don't have to think who I can block or not when I fight against multiple enemies.
Oh yes... multiple enemies: I try gather some of my enemies in front of my and use Axii then. Most of the time at least one enemy is burning and cannot defend himself.
Try to kill one after another and not attacking everyone. Kill any archers first. If you roll to them and instantly start hitting they sometimes don't even have time to draw their sword.
Against monsters... this is very different. Against appearances I use Quen & Yrden... reading the Beastiarium helps a lot. Do use oils and potions.

Sorry if any names are wrong or weird - I am playing the german version and try my best to use the english translated terms. ^^

edit: I forgot: I always have 1 food stuff on my quick slot for the R key and 1 potion for F key.

 

[birthday_massacre]

You have to use oils, bombs and magic, not just swords. You have to prep all the time and be using the correct oils, bombs and magic depending on what area you are in and what you are fighting

This isn't fable where you can spam one button to win, you have to be smart about it, and use the doge or parry button A LOT. Play this game like you would a souls game.

Also use the force push spell, if you can knock the enemy off its feet, you can one hit kill them while they are on the ground.

Also the fire spell, once you can do the stream version of it, is very powerful.

 

[Smurfin]

Use Quen often, it can be hard to create an opening sometimes because some enemies are fierce and going yolo when attacking you. You can exchange blow with Quen, you'll get hit but you deal damage. Spend some time to look at your bestiary, look at the type of the enemy and use the correct oil to deal extra damage, and check its weakness. Use Igni/Aard/Axii/Yrden for crowd control, each has different approach but very useful in their own ways. Always parry against humanoid enemies. You are not supposed to TANK enemy damage, you have to keep moving, even with Quen on, it's a failsafe.

Once you get the hang of all that, the combat will become more interesting, dying often is normal, but it feels good, not frustrating, it's challenging so it's fun even if you die a lot in combat.

 

[HozzM]

I started on Blood and Broken Bones. Died like 3 times on the first fight and lowered the difficulty. Or thought I did until I got to the Griffin and died a ton and realized it was still on Blood and Broken Bones. Lowered it. Played the game a lot to the point where it started to feel really easy, then restarted on Blood and Broken Bones again. Griffin still gave me some trouble but I managed. I find the combat fairly challenging at level 6 now. Bombs really help. It seems like there is no downside to always holding block (unless you are trying to time it for a riposte/counter), so I do that.

I do wish the vitality regen in meditation was a setting and not tied to the two highest difficulty levels though. Its just tedious more than anything. If you are low Vitality and have no Swallow or WRD, you have to eat a ton of stuff and just sort of sit there. Or meditate an hour to restock, which is generally what I do.

I have read a number of posts about people saying Death March is trivial, and the like. I don't feel like I will ever get to that point and I wonder if at least some of the people saying that are affected by the Dimeritium bomb stat bug, and that's why they think its so easy.

 

[Bellator Pius Gratus]

Playing on Death March here, and I don't know, I do what I always do. I learn from my mistakes and explore cautiously. I die a few times, but gameplay is fun and not frustrating. I wouldn't think of lowering difficulty level, I'm having too much fun! :happy:

I survived the first encounter with ghouls and didn't place any of my 10 accumulated ability points until Velen. Except play style and which skills you invest in, I think much is about equipment. I still run around in Temerian armour and I'm level 7, but before that I had a hard time when facing some enemies.

In the beginning all it took was two strikes from all kinds of enemies and I was dead. My first bear was a pain. Nekkers too presented some challenge. So I had to learn enemy behaviour, when to dodge and to block.

I've just found a better silver sword to replace the one I've had since the beginning of the game. It is the Addan Deith, and I got it for completing

Spoiler

Grave Hag

contract in Lindenvale. I think it's random loot.

Here is the funny part. That quest was recommended when at level 10 but I completed it being level 7. I was stumped that I managed to kill my adversary in less than five strikes. Sure, I threw a bomb that froze her, but still.

And then there's the

Spoiler

Wild at Heart

quest that's a recommended level 7 quest. But that effin

Spoiler

Werewolf

kicked my ass more times than I want to admit. I had to reload, as my silver sword was too weak and I haven't found a certain bomb for that certain monster. With my new sword though I might stand a chance.

Point being, game may surprise you when on Death March, but you learn and adapt. You really do. As long as your having fun though, play however you like.

Oh, and Quen is my favourite Sign and has saved me a lot of times.

EDIT: Another tip is to stock up on food. Way better than swallow potion.

 

[Thothistox]

Use your bestiary to find out what oils work. I'm not sure, but I think you end up with more critical attacks with them.

Make sure you're not doing anything stupid. For example, you have to drag the talent into the talent boxes when promoting your player, otherwise it won't be active.

Make heavy use of dodging. If using WASD and M+K, you can double tap WASD to dodge (using Alt is hopeless). Dodging is often better than rolling because it positions you close to the enemy when he's vulnerable, so you can attack. Rolling is better for getting out of a bad situation.

Use the signs. Axii can immobilize almost all human opponents. Hit immobilized opponents with your strong attack. (I remapped the RMB to strong and I use ~ for witcher senses, but I suppose you can get used to the shift button.) Igni is very good against wolves and drowners. It hurts them and immobilizes them so you can come in and kill them. Use yrden on the noon wraiths. When they walk into it they become more vulnerable for a while. Dodge to get behind them and then slash away.

Use the potions. Keep a swallow handy for when you take damage. Also, if you put food in the "fast slot" (for quick use -- I forget what it's called), the game will cycle through other food for you so you don't need to pause and go into the menu. Also, promote your potions. You get better ones that last longer and get more effective.

Use the places of power and the extra points they give you. There are lots of these in the prologue area, and some more in Velen.

Use bombs when you're out of range. Look in the bestiary to find out what bombs work on what enemy. Throw one or two before they get near you.

A lot of people say that you should make frequent use of quen. I don't really agree. Basic (unpromoted) quen is only useful when you can't exploit the weaknesses of your enemies because you lack oils or bombs or the most effective sign hasn't been promoted.

 

[cloolvl]

hit dodge quen hit hit dodge quen

preferably dodge to side instead of just back

use the skill that lets you cast with adrenaline to always be able to recast quen

i restarted my death march to play without quen because its easymode

 

[DavesTheName]

Shield up, hit the quick attack button 1000 times a second. This will defeat any enemy in the game on any difficulty level.

 

[MikeP999]

Use your bestiary to find out what oils work. I'm not sure, but I think you end up with more critical attacks with them.

Make sure you're not doing anything stupid. For example, you have to drag the talent into the talent boxes when promoting your player, otherwise it won't be active.

Make heavy use of dodging. If using WASD and M+K, you can double tap WASD to dodge (using Alt is hopeless). Dodging is often better than rolling because it positions you close to the enemy when he's vulnerable, so you can attack. Rolling is better for getting out of a bad situation.

Use the signs. Axii can immobilize almost all human opponents. Hit immobilized opponents with your strong attack. (I remapped the RMB to strong and I use ~ for witcher senses, but I suppose you can get used to the shift button.) Igni is very good against wolves and drowners. It hurts them and immobilizes them so you can come in and kill them. Use yrden on the noon wraiths. When they walk into it they become more vulnerable for a while. Dodge to get behind them and then slash away.

Use the potions. Keep a swallow handy for when you take damage. Also, if you put food in the "fast slot" (for quick use -- I forget what it's called), the game will cycle through other food for you so you don't need to pause and go into the menu. Also, promote your potions. You get better ones that last longer and get more effective.

Use the places of power and the extra points they give you. There are lots of these in the prologue area, and some more in Velen.

Use bombs when you're out of range. Look in the bestiary to find out what bombs work on what enemy. Throw one or two before they get near you.

A lot of people say that you should make frequent use of quen. I don't really agree. Basic (unpromoted) quen is only useful when you can't exploit the weaknesses of your enemies because you lack oils or bombs or the most effective sign hasn't been promoted.

Double-tap to dodge? Well, son of a....Haha, thanks. That should make things a bit easier. Using 'Alt' key with my thumb is just awkward.

 

[Ravici]

I have completed the game on normal, that was nicely paced (for me) and then started on the hardest one.

Everything going fine (dying lots but having gone through it once I understand how most creatures fight), but, the white orchard griffin fight!

I'm sure I must have done something wrong as I don't have the correct bomb to use for this fight. I don't remember where I got it from (I was 200+ hrs when completing the other game so it's a long time ago I did it last), and spent a good few hours just trying the one single fight last night.

I will be trying the same again once I get back on the game this afternoon but I expect to have my arse handed to me a few hundred more times *sigh* lol

 

[Enril]

I honestly find Death March too easy for the hardest difficulty

 

[TouPoutsou]

Spam quen, dodge alot, don't try to hit enemies too many times in a row. Never used bombs, and very little potions, mainly swallow and occasionaly thunderbolt. My main character is lv 38 on death march. In all seriousness the biggest challenge for me were big packs of wolves when i was below level 7 or something . They are too many, they chase you like maniacs, the move alot. Never had issues with bigger monsters, as long as the fight was 1 vs 1 and it did not one shot me. Some fights took like 20 minutes though.

 

[duEprocEss]

Double-tap to dodge? Well, son of a....Haha, thanks. That should make things a bit easier. Using 'Alt' key with my thumb is just awkward.

While I agree alt is a ridiculous key for such a frequently used dodge, you do realize that you can change the key bindings, right? If you're playing on PC, that is, you don't have to conform to controls other people think you should be using.

 

[jj284b]

Shield up, hit the quick attack button 1000 times a second. This will defeat any enemy in the game on any difficulty level.

lol, nope, that will get you killed... never attack more than twice. learn to perform two attacks,then dodge sideways. that way enemy wont hit you.. and not hitting you means you dont even need quen up...

 

[May17th]

I keep dying all the time and I play on the second easiest levels and sometimes still have to go down to the easiest level to play. So my question is how are people playing on harder difficulties and still playing the game easily?

I think I got the basics down now how to play, so I just deleted my saves and I am going to restart again. Still I need tips on how to play. I just got to level 8 and finding the game really hard.

Maybe I am not using the proper gear? What would proper gear be?
Maybe I am not using the proper signs? What and how do you use the proper signs?

Right now I seem to be using quick attack a lot so I put my skill points into that since it seems easier to use than heavy attack. So when do you use quick attack and when would you use heavy attack?

Just getting a bit frustrated from dying all the time. I guess taking a long time to load doesn't help either.

So any tips and help would be greatly appreciated so I can enjoy this awesome game. I just feel I am missing something so I am not enjoying it fully as I can be.

It's hard to answer this..

Every enemy is unique. You should follow the advices found in-game on what type of oil, bombs and signs you should use against your enemy.

Things will become better with better gear, better weapon..

But you know, against a pack of wolves.. you can hold block button on, forever? And they will never hit you.
Against other monsters, no. They won't be blocked from your blocking.
So then you need to be good at the whole dodge and perhaps use Igni to make them catch on fire, give you some time to deal more damage.

Would be easier if you ask about specific enemy you have problem with.

 

[hsojvvad]

Wow, too many people to quote and thank here, so I will just say THANK YOU everyone. It's greatly appreciated. I have tried some tips, and I am lasting longer in battles now. I started over, I looted something, but I guess that was stealing in front of a guard so me level one just started like 10 minutes into the game vs a level 15 guards and the battle lasted 10 minutes before I finally got nocked out. I was surprised I didn't die. Thank god I didn't since I want to see how long I can go without dying this time.

I am trying a lot of what the suggestions are. My problem is I am a clux and I don't have the dexterity to quickly to some of the combos. I am enjoying combat more now, and slowly getting the hang of things.

My only problem now is wondering randomly for sight seeing, how do you know what oils to prepare when you don't know what you are going up against. Do you have to plan ahead of time or can you apply oils while in combat? Someone said changing food in combat. I didn't think it was possible. So I can eat food by going into the menu and going into my inventory and eat food from there. I already have food on the top and swallow on the bottom so I can use the D-pad on the Xbox One.

I will try and dodge using the B key instead of using A and rolling out. I will see if I can get the combo correct, roll, get behind and slash away. Still can't get my co-ordination for that just yet. I guess more practice is needed now.

Time to take my aggression out on some dogs.

 

[May17th]

Use your Witcher Senses to notice monsters from a distance, you'll even hear their sound so you can kinda guess what you are up against..
But don't worry too much about oil, I mean.. when you are up against a boss, you will know before.. and you get time to add oil.

Remember to use joystiq to direct your dodge, sometimes dodge one time to the side is better to dodge back..
Double dodge, one time to the side, one time to the side and you might get behind your enemy..
Attacking enemies from behind deal more damage.

 

[domikw]

I'm playing the second difficulty level and it's rather easy for me but I'm RPG fan and have played lots of similiar game so I'm quite fast on keyboard and mouse.
If you have real troubles, use Quen sign - it will cover you a little and reduce damage (on higher level it also causes damage to opponent). Don't try to finish you fight too fast and be careful. Dodge and roll, use single or double strokes.

If you fight with group it's more difficult but you may always try to divide them and finish one after another.

The biggest trouble I've had until today I had with a group od bandits with red skulls (they had any armorer in the cage). They were (potentially) too strong for me but I scatter them, killed the crossbowmen and then it was a realy great joy dancing with two guys having huge shields (covering them from my offensive signs in 100%) and one guy with huge twohanded sword . But I did it After combination of strokes I did dodges and cut them in the back until they turn. Great fun.

As for now I'm at 13th level and have just come to Novigrad.,