The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a number of valuable systems players can utilize to take out their various foes more efficiently and effectively. One such system is Geralt's ability to create potions that enhance his capabilities in multiple ways, allowing him to even the playing field against some of the more dangerous monsters he hunts.
Players wanting to get the most out of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will need to make good use of Geralt's potions, which means learning the basics of managing his Toxicity level. Since he uses a number of rather dangerous ingredients in his concoctions he has to rely on his own resistance to their more harmful effects, which is represented by the Toxicity level. This guide will explain the basics of managing Toxicity, so players can fully utilize Geralt's potions.
Toxicity Explained
Geralt's Toxicity is increased whenever he imbibes a potion, represented by the meter beneath Geralt's health bar. To put it simply, the safe zone for Toxicity is anywhere below 50% of Geralt's maximum Toxicity. Once this is exceeded he will gain darkened veins and the health bar will turn green. His scars will also turn an angry shade of red. Luckily, this is the only change while Toxicity remains below 50%.
Once Toxicity exceeds 95% of Geralt's maximum he will begin to lose health over time as long as Toxicity remains high, so this is to be avoided at all costs if players want to stay alive.
How To Control Toxicity
Maximum Toxicity can be increased by the skill "Acquired Tolerance", which allows Geralt to increase his Maximum Toxicity by 1 point per formula known once it is maxed out. It also increases Potion duration by 15%, which is handy. Endure Pain raises his maximum vitality by 10% when he exceeds the safe threshold of Toxicity, and Fast Metabolism allows Toxicity to decay faster so Geralt won't stay above 95% for as long.
Abilities like Frenzy and Killing Spree will provide Geralt with additional benefits whenever he has at least one point of Toxicity, so keeping it around but being able to avoid exceeding that 95% threshold becomes very important when using these kinds of abilities.
Toxicity can also be removed entirely by using the items White Honey, Enhanced White Honey, and Superior White Honey, though using these will also remove all active potion effects, so this should be done sparingly and with caution. White Honey is craftable from the beginning, but players will need to seek out and purchase recipes for the Enhanced and Superior Variants. The main difference is that Enhanced White Honey can be used three times, and Superior White Honey can be used five times, meaning Geralt won't need to craft them as often.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
