The Witcher Cheapskate's Guide

Are you a tightwad? Does that extend to your behaviour when you play The Witcher? Well it does for me, so in keeping with that philosophy, here are a few tips on saving orens in the game.

Never pay to sleep
Never pay to sleep somewhere unless you have no alternative.


 * In chapter 1, you can sleep for free at Abigail's place, the Reverend's place, Odo's house, Haren Brogg's house
 * In chapter 2, you can sleep for free at Kalkstein's place, Shani's place, Thaler's house, Vivaldi's house
 * In chapter 3, you can sleep for free at Triss' place (although she comes home pretty late and is not always there), the Gamblers' Den and Shani's (unless you choose to leave Alvin with Triss!)
 * In chapter 4, you can sleep for free at Adam's place, Alina's place
 * In chapter 5, you can sleep for free at Kalkstein's place

and of course, there are always campfires (except in the Trade Quarter).

Buy as few books as possible
You can get most of the information regarding plants and monsters by giving gifts or bribing old women. There are also some very useful morsels of information gleaned from more major characters: for example, the gardener, Shani, some guards, etc. Basically talk to absolutely everyone before you contemplate buying a book. The entries you still can't get using these tips still have to come from books, but this eliminates about half the books you buy.