Itkovian: Why does dodging around mean you're running away? You are still fighting them, but not letting them surround you either. That's a rather smart thing to do, IMO. I personally do not see using dodge and repositioning as running away.

Though I do grant that the limited blocks are rather annoying. I would have prefered something more character skill-based (like a block % or some such, which you can improve).

Itkovian
Itkovian: I understand, never mind my comment then (I guess it makes sense, given how international this forum is).

That said, I don't think in the game he was a pushover. We were. :)

I know I was still learning how to fight. If I were to do that fight again now that I've got 10+ hours in, it would be far easier than that first try.

Heck, now I run into fights with similar numbers and make short work of them (it gets easier as you level up, too, as you learn abilities that mitigate the problems with being surrounded and such).

Itkovian

specials4uc3: I have to agree that this combat is pretty poor. I understand that there is an attempt to add depth going on but the massive frustration lies in the horrible feel of it. I like tactical combat but I spend half my time getting chopped when I thought I had dodged, wondering why I don't get a stun off, who's animation is taking time to complete. I feel like I'm trying to control Geralt over a laggy network connection. Even out of combat I constantly run up to doors and then swing wildly at the wall instead of opening the door, I guess because the run animation isn't done yet or something? Even little stuff like stunning with Aard is frustrating, most of the time it pushes them back and then Geralt stands there like a pillock while i try to get him to advance to take advantage, I assume he's posing to look cool or something? Anyways I can rarely stun->attack because by the time i have cleared my animations and moved into range they have started an attack that hits me, I try to dodge but have to wait for Geralt to finish advancing.... just, argh. I REALLY want to get into this game.

kindiboy: Yea I had that happening to me once, found out that JDownloader was extracting a file in the background. The menu took a very long time to pop up too at that point. Don't see how is this the game's fault.

thestrand: Block works great in combat once it's upgraded, and extra vigor helps as well. There are other abilities that allow you to block more as well. Blocking is highly effective because not only does it prevent some or all of the damage, but it also stuns an enemy momentarily and leaves them vulnerable. Currently I'm only using the rolling dodge to change positioning, that is to escape flanking enemies and get them all in front of me again. Personally, I think this makes the combat fairly realistic and rewarding.

I'm still very early on first playthrough, I haven't finished the first chapter yet, but with practice and smart play the combat is really engaging. Using block a lot I think Geralt feels like an effective swordsman and isn't rolling around on the ground constantly. I'm hardly a master player, but here are few tips from my experience.

1. Upgrade block and get more vigor as rapidly as possible. You need to invest 6 talents in The Witcher skill tree before unlocking Swordsmanship, but you don't need to get all six possible talents in the tree. Use the points for upgraded block and upgraded combat vigor regeneration.

2. Don't use the Quen sign. It's great for protection, but you are unable to regenerate vigor while it's activated.

3. Spread your attacks out. By swiveling the mouse you can rapidly change who you're attacking, keeping the pressure on multiple foes to prevent them from attacking you with impunity. I only try to focus down a foe if I can isolate him, otherwise it just opens you up to attack from the enemies you're ignoring. I haven't picked up Whirl from the Swordsmanship tree yet, but I imagine it alone will make combat a lot easier.

4. You can use the swift attack on an out of range enemy to get Geralt to leap or roll strike the foe, covering ground in the process. This is a great way to reposition yourself as enemies try to flank you. Also, it looks badass.

Hopefully we'll see more tips and advice on these forums, instead of just criticism. I felt the frustration factor at the beginning too, the game throws you into some really tough fights without the abilities you need, but the combat is exciting once you get into it.

cloud8521: we understand that after its been explained by numerous people. but we still do not like it.
signs should have a system separate from blocking. since when is blocking magical? when can blocking a weak enemy be the same as blocking a stronger one where they both take the same amount of vigour to block. its just not fun to me how they handled the system

thestrand: Your opinion has been expressed numerous times as well, we get it. Plenty of people have rebutted your opinions as well.

I was actually trying to start something similar to a constructive discussion about ways to play the game's combat more effectively, as the learning curve is quite steep. I thought some discussion might benefit other players, and benefit myself since I've only scratched the surface of the game.

I don't see the point of relentlessly posting "This sucks, change it!" over and over like you do. Life is short man, I suggest you wait until a combat mod comes out or play a different game.

thestrand: @Biggawhat


Do you think the late game ease is a factor of how powerful Geralt becomes in general, or are there a few extra-powerful abilities like upgraded Heliotrope that just make the game into a cakewalk?