Potions...

[Javaslinger]

Potions...

So I noticed that when meditating to make a potion, it might initially say I can make 4 of them... so I click yes or whatever and make 4...

Then I noticed I can still select it, so I do and this time I can make say 8 of them... So I do...

Is there any difference between the first 4 and the 2nd 8? Why didn't it just let me make 12 to begin with??

 

[GuyNwah]

So I noticed that when meditating to make a potion, it might initially say I can make 4 of them... so I click yes or whatever and make 4...

Then I noticed I can still select it, so I do and this time I can make say 8 of them... So I do...

Is there any difference between the first 4 and the 2nd 8? Why didn't it just let me make 12 to begin with??

If you look closely, you should see that it selected a different ingredient for the second batch.

The ingredient selection is a bit unpredictable, and you have to watch out that you don't inadvertently use quest items or scarce crafting components for alchemy.

 

[Charza]

The Alchemy section in this 2nd game is kind of simplyfied compared to the first.
I think it's a shame, because I liked how the first game gave you options to experiment, and make more potent potions by mixing the proper ingredients, and also use the secondary ingredients.

It was actually rewarding to get to know the ingredients, and mix potions by hand in the 1st game.
In Witcher 2 its kind of an automated proces which is driven by the formulas you'll find.

 

[RageGT]

If you look closely, you should see that it selected a different ingredient for the second batch.

The ingredient selection is a bit unpredictable, and you have to watch out that you don't inadvertently use quest items or scarce crafting components for alchemy.

There is no difference between the batches. And I just disagree it is a bit unpredictable. It is quite predictable. It will always try to screw you if you don't pay attention! And then later, when you need that ingredient for some quest...

I loved the additional substances in TW1. I hated how alchemy always auto selected ingredients to screw you later on if you didn't pay attention. Just like in TW2! At least that they kept the same in the alchemy system!

 

[Bowmangr]

Sooo, if the system requires you to pay attention to what ingredients you use for potions, it's trying to screw with you.

If the system is automated and simplistic because it chooses the ingredients by itself, then it's simplified compared to Witcher 1.

Right.

P.S. Golden rule of videogaming: Gamers CANNOT be satisfied, ever.

 

[Flitters]

I didn't have any problem with ingredients for potions in either TW1 or TW2 as I just simply paid attention to what was used.

Besides If you are not paying attention is there anything else you might be missing?

Paying attention is actually Free.

 

[RageGT]

Hey, I did not have problems either. Specially because I only brew potions with secondary properties! Albedo, Nigredo & Rubedo FTW! I named my kids after them!

But I hated when it tried to use a Garkain's Saliva, so rare and needed for a quest or a Troll's Tongue, very unique unless you go in a troll killing spree. I switched the ingredient for the potion and the next one game tried it again!

Why couldn't it use the ingredients I carefully selected and register that that is my formula? At least 1.3 let us make multiple potions/oils at once. I was sick of having to drop some scarce components like Elemental Stone because when the game took all my items and gave it back (hung over, dungeon, Loredo's, etc) it switched from Schleroderm which I had dozens to Elemental Stone which I had a few and are more useful for crafting runes!

 

[volsung]

I also enjoyed alchemy more in TW1. It's not that I minded it in TW2, it was just more... interesting, in the first game. First, there seemed to be more ingredients (maybe not) and brewing potions was somewhat essential. I felt that, in TW2 once you master combat and get strong enough, alchemy *could* be overlooked. As a physically weaker, magical oriented Geralt, I did use a good amount of swallow, tawny owl and rook (for example, at the Nilfgaardian camp).

I liked the mixing freedom of TW1, where you could brew a potion if you (not necessarily Geralt) knew the formula. And yes, it is a tricky mini game where you have to pay attention. The system would normally automatically choose somewhat scarce ingredients like a cockatrice's feather instead of something more common, like drowner's brain tissue, both of which contain Aether.

Did anyone notice that you could brew the mongoose potion without the ostmurk? I just used something else containing fulgur and it yielded mongoose. Not that I needed the ostmurk for anything else, but I like keeping rare items