Early Game Combat Alchemy Build - Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This post will cover the best early-game Combat Alchemy build for Witcher 3. The game's starting part can be overwhelming as there are multiple skills, locations, and things to do. I would like to provide some clarity on how to maximize Geralt.
The build will target 10-12 levels. This is when you get Griffin Armor and also unlock 6 skill slots. After this feel free to check all the Witcher 3 builds as you can start progressing toward them
A few tips before we start
- The early game builds require 20-30 skill points to be fully reached. Of course, this means that you will have to collect multiple Places of Power, and just leveling will not be enough.
- The early game can be extremely difficult on Deathmarch. Moreover, you cannot restore HP via normal means - meditation or just waiting. So you can use a perk like Gourmet and a lot of food.
Alchemy Combat build
This build is an offense-oriented alchemy build. It very well reflects the Witcher experience, where you try to have the best potions for each encounter
Point allocation
As you can see the abilities are split between alchemy, combat, and general. However, the build mostly excels in close combat.
Progression
Here is the order in which I recommend acquiring the skills:
| Order | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Muscle Memory |
This is the first ability that I recommend getting. It will instantly increase the damage input with fast attacks |
| 2 |  Cat School Techniques |
A perfect ability to improve fast attack damage. |
| 3 |  Frenzy |
I love this ability if you like aggressive play. It will slow down time if the enemy uses a counterattack. However, you need to have at least a bit of toxicity for that to activate. Of course, later in the game I dorp this skill as you start learning enemy movement patterns. |
| 4 |  Acquired Tolerance |
With each new formula, you will increase Geralt's toxicity. This will allow you to use more potions before any negative effects start appearing. This is a good time to take it as you will start gathering more and more recipes |
| 5 |  Resolve |
The ability will increase adrenaline generation and greatly decrease its loss if Geralt gets hit. |
| 6 |  Precise Blows |
Increases Critical hit and damage bonuses. At this stage, the alchemy combat build should already have a sufficient critical chance to make use of this skill. |
Recommended Gear
Early in the game, there are not as many options for gear.
The problem with gear recommendations is that Relic gear (brown color) levels with character. So you can obtain something like Moonblade at level 2, but you also can get it at level 6 and it will be a level 5 item. So there is no guaranteed way to get these items.
However, Witcher gear is strictly leveled and something like Griffin items can only be equipped at level 11
Steel Swords
| Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Viper Steel Sword |
The first Witcher steel sword that you can get. It will be handy for a few levels and is much stronger than any weapon you get in White Orchard. |
| 3-10 |  Headhunter |
A decent progression weapon to fill the gap before obtaining the next Witcher sword. |
| 11 |  Griffin Steel Sword |
A very strong weapon that will greatly improve combat against humans. |
Silver Swords
| Level | Skill | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Viper Silver Sword |
This early-game silver sword will make fighting monsters much easier. |
| 3-10 |  Moonblade |
Get this blade at level 3+. You can roll some better stats and it has 3 rune slots. |
| 3-10 |  Maugrim |
Another 3 slot sword. Gives bonus experience from monsters and improves sign intensity. |
| 11 |  Griffin Silver Sword |
This is the last "beginner" weapon where you enter the mid-game and start to craft some really strong items. |
Armors
Having good armor will prove beneficial in all of the game aspects - you can take more hits, add glyphs and improve Geralt's resistances. Here are some armor sets that I recommend
Temerian Armor Set - Level 4
The set can be bought from Bram in White Orchard. He will be near the bridge leading to the main village. You save him from Griffin at the start of the area.
| Item | Effects |
|---|---|
 Temerian Armor |
|
 Temerian Trousers |
|
 Temerian Gauntlets |
|
 Temerian Boots |
|
Nilfgaardian Armor Set - Level 10
This set is optional. You will be one level from the next armor set which is much stronger. However, if you have difficulties handling enemy damage and have enough coins, buy them. The whole set can be bought from Quartermaster at Crow's Perch.
| Item | Effects |
|---|---|
 Nilfgaardian Armor |
|
 Nilfgaardian Trousers |
|
 Nilfgaardian Gauntlets |
|
 Nilfgaardian Boots |
|
Griffin Armor Set - Level 11
| Item | Effects |
|---|---|
 Griffin Armor |
|
 Griffin Trousers |
|
 Griffin Gauntlets |
|
 Griffin Boots |
|
Conclusion
Thank you for reading the early game Alchemy Combat build for Witcher 3. Even though the early game may be overwhelming this guide should help you to better understand the main game mechanics and how to best utilize Geralt in combat
Discussion