The Witcher 3: WIld Hunt is well known for having one of the best stories in gaming. While nothing is ever perfect, CD Projekt Red's ability to mix that incredible narrative with engrossing combat experiences is one of the game's greatest achievements. Nowhere is this more evident than in Geralt's battles with members of the mysterious Wild Hunt.
Geralt's fight with Imerlith - One of Eredin's top lieutenants - demonstrates the mix perfectly. After putting Geralt on the defensive for nearly two-thirds of the game, the Imerlith boss fight - and its wider narrative context - finally finds Geralt and Ciri taking matters into their own hands.
Preparing to Fight Imlerith in The Witcher 3
This fight will take place during the main quest "Bald Mountain." As with any member of the Wild Hunt, Imlerith has certain strengths and weaknesses that can be exploited. As an Aen Elle elf, Imlerith is not classified as a monster, and as such does not have an entry in the bestiary. The basic strategies for defeating him have been borne out through trial and error. They are as follows:
- Geralt has he advantage of knowing this fight is coming. If he is out of bombs or potions, make sure to meditate to refill. Do not forget, doing this will reset any buffs.
- Weapons and Armor that buff Igni should be considered, as fire is a key factor in defeating Imlerith. Armor that protects against bludgeoning damage will be useful against Imlerith's massive mace.
- Geralt uses his silver sword for this fight, which is unusual given that Imlerith is an elf. The Wild Hunt warriors and hounds are vulnerable to elementia oil, and though it is not explicitly stated in the game, there is a strong belief it effects the bosses as well. Using it on Geralt's silver sword is an option.
- Check skills. Igni upgrades are recommended. Gourmet will allow for constant healing. If using medium class armor, applying Griffin School Techniques will allow for much faster stamina regeneration.
Remember! Geralt cannot swap out skills while engaged in combat. Make sure desired skills are in place before starting the fight.
How to Defeat Imlerith in The Witcher 3
Imlerith is a hulking brute of an enemy. He is capable of inflicting massive damage with his mace while blocking practically any incoming damage with his shield. He will adjust his tactics throughout the fight, with each stage roughly corresponding to the three sections of his health bar.
Part 1:
- The first section consists of a relatively straightforward fight. Imlerith will use his shield to try and press up on Geralt and strike him with his mace.
- The key here is to flank him, slashing at his sides and back.
- Avoid continued attacks against the shield as he will counter, stunning Geralt.
- Do not try to parry or counter. Imlerith's mace cannot be stopped. Dodging and rolling are the effective option.
- Starting in the first stage, explosive and fire based bombs will damage and stun Imlerith. Try samum or dancing star. Make sure Geralt is far enough away, lest he singe his silvery locks!
Part 2:
- Once Imlerith's health bar is diminished by roughly one-third, he will begin using his teleportation skill in an attempt to flank Geralt.
- Each time he teleports, he returns covered in a protective layer of ice. Use Igni to remove the ice as quickly as possible.
- Use tawny owl to increase Geralt's stamina regeneration, allowing him to use Igni multiple times in quick succession. The potion only lasts for 60 seconds, so remember to keep an eye on toxicity levels if repeatedly using this or any potion. Tawny owl uses 20toxicity points.
Part 3:
- For the final stage, which begins when his health is diminished by roughly two-thirds, Imlerith will toss his shield and throw something of a temper tantrum.
- He will begin wildly swinging his mace while teleporting multiple times.
- As this stage represents the biggest threat to Geralt, it is far better to remain focused on his location and dodge than to try and attack, especially at higher difficulties.
- Look for a large, overhead swing that marks the end of the combos. Geralt will have a moment here to attack. Going through this several times is the safest way to ensure victory.
- Strangely, Geralt does not have to bring Imlerith to 0 health. A cutscene will begin once he is down to the last sliver.
Final Notes:
- As with any fight, using Quen will help avoid any damage being taken if Geralt has a misstep. Given how important Igni is to this fight, using multiple signs almost requires equipping something like tawny owl to enhance stamina regeneration.
- This fight is significantly harder at higher difficulties, if only because of the increased damage taken. Hits that would do very little damage at lower difficulties can prove fatal on death march. This generally applies across the board, but is something to keep in mind here.
Once Imlerith is defeated, and Ciri has done her part by taking out the Ladies of the Wood, Geralt will begin preparations for taking out Caranthir and Eredin in the final showdown!
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available now for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.