The Witcher critical effects

In any given battle in The Witcher, the object is for Geralt to win, either by killing or frightening off his foes. This is achieved by inflicting as much damage on opponents while taking as little damage from them as possible. The damage inflicted can be enhanced positively (for Geralt) by making use of weapons and signs which increase the critical effects that some of these possess. The damage can also be negatively enhanced (i.e. be more damaging to Geralt) as well, if his opponents possess weapons of their own which enhance some critical effects.

Combat modifiers

• Attack: The chance of successful attack. The higher the attack, the smaller the probability of enemy evading the attack.
• Dodge: Chance of evading / avoiding enemy attacks. Most effective against monsters whose attacks can not be parried.
• Parry: Chance of blocking enemy blows. Most effective against armed opponents.

Effects used by and against Geralt

Icon	Name	Effects	Related
	Bleeding	Continuous loss of vitality. Attack efficiency reduced — reduced hit, parry and dodge efficiency. Chance of dodging and parrying opponent attacks reduced. Susceptibility to Pain critical effect increased.	Stamina Strength Strong Silver Strong Steel
	Blinding	Attack efficiency reduced — reduced hit, parry and dodge efficiency. Chance of dodging and parrying opponent attacks reduced. Susceptibility to Knockdown critical effect increased. When inflicted on Geralt: Special manoeuvres disabled.	Dexterity Fast Silver Sun rune Yrden
	Incineration	Continuous loss of vitality. Ability to parry enemy attacks blocked. Susceptibility to Blinding critical effect increased. When inflicted on Geralt: Special manoeuvres disabled. Sign use blocked.	Dexterity Group Silver Igni Strong Silver Sun rune
	Knockdown	Temporarily knocked onto the ground. When inflicted on Geralt, some monsters can kill him with one hit (a finishing blow).	Aard Earth rune Group Silver Group Steel Quen Strength Strong Silver
	Pain	Slows movement and attack speed. Reduces chance of dodging and parrying opponent attacks. The pain animation stops opponents from attacking as they suffer the effect.	Blue ore Dexterity Fast Silver Fast Steel Stamina Strength Yellow ore Yrden
	Poison	Continuous loss of vitality.	Stamina
	Stun	Temporarily incapacitated, unable to take any action. Can be killed with one hit. Geralt does so with Coups de Grâce using ordinary swords or simple finishing blows using non-witcher style weapons.	Aard Stamina Yellow ore

Effects used exclusively by Geralt

Name	Effects	Related
Disarm	Provides an increased chance of disarming opponent.	Aard Fast Steel
Dislodge shield	Provides an increased chance of dislodging the opponent's shield.	Strong Steel
Fear	Paralyzes opponent with fear.	Axii Igni
Hex	Appears to be similar to charm, as it makes an opponent fight on the caster's side.	Axii
Precise hit	Provides an increased chance of landing a critical blow.	Group Silver Group Steel Dexterity Yellow ore
Sensitivity to silver	Increased an opponents vulnerability to silver weapons.	Moon rune

See also

• Effects