The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red's third title in their fantasy RPG series, first launched back in 2015. The game was an immediate success, drawing critical acclaim and a huge upswing in the series' popularity. Even today, The Witcher 3 is often used as the benchmark against which new RPGs are measured. This success no doubt contributed to the creation of a Netflix series based on the original Witcher books by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. In turn, this has lead to a resurgence in players, as old fans and new flock to Geralt of Rivia and his adventures across the Continent.
One of the many abilities that Geralt uses to protect himself in the game are his Signs, small-scale magical powers with a variety of effects. He starts the game with access to all five, and can spend Ability Points to increase their effectiveness and alter their powers. Whether for new players or returning fans who've forgotten the mechanics, Signs are an essential part of the Witcher life, so here's our guide to using them.
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Offensive Signs
The first of the game's offensive Signs is Aard, which is used to knock enemies back. Aard is also useful when extinguishing fires, dispersing gases, breaking poorly-secured doors, and destroying cracked stone-work. The alternate form of Aard releases its magical energy in all directions, rather than a cone-shaped blast.
The second offensive Sign is Igni, which generates a burst of flame. Igni is extremely effective against monsters who are vulnerable to flame, and can also start fires and ignite gases. The alternate form of the Sign releases a steady flame-thrower attack, rather than a brief burst of fire.
Defensive Signs
Yrden is perhaps one of the most important Signs in Geralt's arsenal. When cast it forms a trap on the ground, which can debilitate enemies with a variety of status effects. Crucially, incorporeal enemies become corporeal while within the Sign's bounds, removing their invulnerability to weapon attacks.
The simplest of the Signs, Quen blocks a certain amount of incoming damage before breaking. In its alternate form it allows an active shield to be maintained, draining hits from stamina rather than vitality. The final sign is Axii, which can be cast on a sentient creature to affect its mind. Used in combat the spell can stun an enemy, or force them to turn on their allies when upgraded. Its main use is in social situations however, where it can influence people's decisions and have them agree to suggestions they normally wouldn't.
The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt is available now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
