Defeating the Griffin in the prologue of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" is a player's first major test of combat skills and preparation. Here are some tactics and tips to help you conquer this beast: ### Preparation: 1. **Potions and Oils**: - **Swallow**: This potion helps you regenerate health during combat. - **Thunderbolt**: Increases your attack power, which is very useful for dealing more damage to the Griffin. - **Grapeshot Bomb**: This can deal a respectable amount of damage and cause bleeding. - **Beast Oil**: If you have the recipe and necessary ingredients, apply this to your silver sword to deal extra damage. 2. **Crossbow**: - A quest item given by Vesemir, which is useful for grounding the Griffin when it’s in the air. ### Combat Tactics: 1. **Study the Bestiary**: - The Bestiary in the game’s menu gives information about the Griffin’s weaknesses, which include hybrid oil and the Aard sign. 2. **Engage with Signs**: - **Aard**: Useful for knocking the Griffin out of the air or stunning it momentarily on the ground. - **Quen**: Provides a protective shield that can absorb damage from at least one attack, which is crucial for surviving the Griffin's powerful blows. 3. **Ranged Attacks**: - Use your crossbow to shoot the Griffin when it’s in the air. A hit will often cause it to land. - Be prepared to dodge immediately after it lands, as it usually follows up with a sweeping attack. 4. **Learn its Attacks**: - The Griffin has a set of predictable moves; learn these so you know when to dodge and when to attack. - The key to avoiding damage is to roll away rather than dodge for its diving and wing buff attacks. 5. **Use Dodging and Rolling**: - **Dodge**: Good for avoiding ground attacks. It enables quick counterattacks. - **Roll**: Best for avoiding aerial dives and long-range attacks. 6. **Attack in Short Bursts**: - After dodging or rolling to avoid its attacks, go in for one or two hits maximum; getting greedy with attacks can leave you vulnerable. 7. **Manage Stamina**: - Keep an eye on your stamina bar; using signs consumes stamina, as does rolling, so ensure you have enough for when you need to cast Quen again or roll out of harm's way. 8. **Patience is Key**: - Be patient and wait for openings. The Griffin will eventually come down to the ground, and that’s your chance to strike. 9. **Use the Environment**: - Fight the Griffin in an open area where you have plenty of room to dodge and roll. ### Final Tips: - Save your game before engaging in the battle. - Make sure both your swords are fully repaired for maximum damage. - Consider bringing a companion such as Vesemir to help distract the Griffin, allowing you to get in more hits. By following these strategies, you should be able to defeat the Griffin and complete the prologue quest. This battle will also serve as a good foundation for the combat you will face throughout the rest of your adventures in "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt." Remember that each monster you encounter will have its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so always consult the Bestiary before big fights. Good luck on your path, Witcher!