The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone expansion introduces players to one of the game’s most challenging enemies, the Caretaker. This formidable foe appears in the “Scenes from a Marriage” quest, which is recommended for players above level 35. However, with thorough preparation and precise tactics, even lower-level players can defeat this daunting adversary. Below, we delve into the specifics of defeating the Caretaker, focusing on his weaknesses, key abilities, and the strategic maneuvers required to best him in battle.
Preparation for the Caretaker Fight
Preparation plays a crucial role in defeating the Caretaker. Given his strong regenerative abilities and powerful attacks, having the right gear, potions, and combat strategy is essential, particularly on higher difficulties such as Death March. Here’s how to gear up and prepare:
- Armor and Weapons: The Mastercrafted Wolven Armor Set and Silver Sword are highly recommended. This set provides balanced bonuses and versatile benefits suitable for varied playstyles.
- Relict Oil: Apply Relict Oil to your silver sword for increased damage against the Caretaker, as he’s classified as a relict creature.
- Decoctions:
- Ekhidna Decoction: This allows Geralt to recover vitality when performing actions that consume stamina, ensuring sustained offensive and defensive capabilities.
- Archgriffin Decoction: This makes strong attacks consume all available stamina and reduces 5% of the target’s vitality after normal damage computation.
The Caretaker’s Abilities
The Caretaker relies on three primary abilities to challenge Geralt. Understanding these skills and learning how to counter them effectively will significantly increase your chances of victory.
1. Shovel Swing
The Caretaker wields a massive shovel, using it for devastating close-range attacks. The key to avoiding his shovel swings lies in recognizing the greenish-blue cracks that appear in the ground when he prepares to strike. To counter this attack:
- Stay just outside the shovel’s range.
- Roll behind the Caretaker once you see the ground cracks, positioning yourself for a counterattack while his shovel is embedded in the ground.
- Be vigilant about the subsequent greenish-blue glow and dodge away, either by taking a step back or performing a roll, to avoid his explosion of energy.
- A Northern Wind bomb can freeze him in place, providing more opportunities for Geralt to land offensive strikes.
2. Regeneration Phantoms
The Caretaker’s summoning of phantoms is particularly problematic as they serve to rejuvenate his health upon contact. These passive shades might not attack Geralt, but they aim to reach their summoner and revitalize him. To manage these phantoms:
- Destroy the phantoms immediately as they require only one strike to be vanquished.
- Avoid letting the Caretaker reach them, as each contact replenishes his health significantly.
- Using an upgraded Yrden trap near the phantoms’ spawn area helps in eliminating them efficiently.
- According to YouTube player Hazzador’s advice, fighting the Caretaker near structures like the house or gazebo rather than in the center of the map keeps him away from phantoms, granting Geralt more time to destroy them.
3. Shovel Charge
The Caretaker’s shovel charge is a critical move that can be difficult to dodge while leaving an opening for counterattacks. To evade and counter this attack:
- Maintain an adequate distance and wait for the Caretaker to charge.
- Sidestep just as the shove nears contact, enabling the Caretaker to rush past you and pause a few paces ahead for breath.
- Use this opportunity to close the distance and land a couple of strikes before evading his next energy burst.
- Deploying a Northern Wind bomb during his recovery phase prolongs Geralt’s window for attacks.
General Combat Tips
Beyond understanding the Caretaker’s abilities, employing a broad set of combat strategies ensures a more manageable and successful encounter:
- Use Quen Sign: Constantly activate the Quen sign to prevent the Caretaker from draining Geralt’s health with his hits, as the shield mitigates his regenerative advantage.
- Adapt Footwork: Sidesteps and rolls are crucial to avoid devastating blows. Observing and predicting the Caretaker’s movement patterns will help in timely dodges.
- Strategic Positioning: Engage near environments that impede the Caretaker from easily reaching phantoms, thus giving you extra seconds to eliminate them.
- Health Management: Use potions and decoctions judiciously to maintain your health and stamina during longer fights. Ekhidna Decoction synergizes well with actions requiring stamina for incremental health restoration.
- Small Strikes: Although tempting, avoid overextending during openings. Limit strikes to prevent potential counters from the Caretaker’s looming energy bursts.
Post-Combat Rewards
Successfully defeating the Caretaker yields valuable rewards, notably the Caretaker’s spade, a powerful weapon that you can loot next to his body. This shovel requires level 34 to use and is a testament to triumphing over one of the creepiest and toughest adversaries in the Witcher universe.
In conclusion, battling the Caretaker in The Witcher 3’s Heart of Stone expansion is a true test of skill and strategy, requiring the right preparation, an understanding of his abilities, and adept combat tactics. With these tips and strategies, Geralt can emerge victorious against this harrowing foe.
