The “Hearts of Stone” expansion for “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” introduces players to new challenges, none more infamous than the battle against the Toad Prince in the sewers beneath Oxenfurt. This notoriously difficult boss fight can be a stumbling block for players, especially those new to the game’s combat mechanics. Below, we provide an in-depth guide on how to effectively defeat the Toad Prince and emerge victorious in this essential battle.
Preparation is Key
The Toad Prince is classified as a Cursed One, which dictates the sort of preparations you’ll need to make before engaging in combat. Proper preparation is crucial and will primarily involve alchemy and strategic use of Geralt’s Witcher signs.
Alchemy
- Cursed Oil: Before the battle, coat your silver blade with Cursed Oil. This will increase your damage output against the Toad Prince significantly.
- Golden Oriole: Consuming this potion will give Geralt immunity to poison and also transform poison effects into healing effects, which is vital due to the Toad Prince’s poison-based attacks.
- White Raffard’s Decoction: Having this decoction quick-slotted can be a lifesaver, as it can restore Geralt’s health to maximum, providing a crucial buffer when taking damage.
- Ekimmara and Ekhidna Decoctions: These can be used to gradually restore health during combat. Ekimmara helps to heal Geralt when inflicting damage, while Ekhidna restores health when stamina is used, suitable for sign-heavy strategies.
Geralt’s Signs
The use of Witcher signs is critical in controlling the field of battle and mitigating the Toad Prince’s powerful attacks.
- Yrden: This sign can trap the Toad Prince, slowing it down and allowing Geralt to land blows uninterrupted. The upgraded Yrden Trap will also deal damage while stunning the Toad.
- Quen: Maintaining a Quen shield is essential to absorb the considerable damage from the Toad’s attacks.
- Igni: While Yrden is more effective for this fight, Igni can still be useful. A well-timed blast of fire may not only deal damage but can also potentially interrupt some of the Toad Prince’s attack patterns.
Understanding the Toad Prince’s Attacks
The Toad Prince has a range of attacks, each potentially devastating if not anticipated and countered effectively. Knowing these attacks will give you the foresight to dodge and retaliate effectively.
- Tongue Attack: The Prince uses its tongue like a whip. This attack can break through Quen and cause substantial damage, so be prepared to dodge rather than rely on shields.
- Poison Glob: From a distance, it can spit poison that splashes on the ground, creating toxic zones. Avoid these patches as they can quickly chip away at Geralt’s health. Using Golden Oriole before the fight will mitigate these poison effects.
- Jump Slam: When Geralt gets too close, the Toad might jump into the air and attempt a body slam. This move is both damaging and can stun Geralt, so it’s crucial to roll out of the way as it ascends or adjust your position immediately after landing.
- Poison Sprays: When not directly in front, the Toad Prince releases a spray of poison from its back, encompassing a large area. Maintain mobility to dodge these emissions.
Battle Strategy
Successfully defeating the Toad Prince involves leveraging a combination of Geralt’s fighting skills, strategic movement, and effective use of signs.
Positioning and Maneuvering
– Always keep moving to avoid the area-of-effect poison attacks and the body slams. Staying static is a recipe for taking unnecessary damage.
– Circle the Toad Prince and close in from the sides rather than head on. This reduces the chances of tangling with its tongue attack and better positions you to react to its other movements.
Sign Management
– Start with Quen active for an added layer of protection. Immediately refresh it when broken to keep the defensive barrier up.
– Use Yrden to freeze the Toad in place, creating opportunities to strike without fear of counterattack. The standard version is sufficient, but upgrading it amplifies its incapacitating effects.
Executing Combos
– After setting a Yrden trap, aim to strike at least twice before backing away to avoid retaliation.
– If employing Igni, use it when the Toad is transitioning between attacks to disrupt its assault pattern.
Final Tips
– Avoid becoming trapped between the Toad Prince and any walls of the sewer chamber to maintain the freedom to maneuver.
– During any moment that Geralt sustains serious damage, backtrack out of attack range to heal and regroup.
– Persist in maintaining a balance between defensive strategies with Quen and offensive opportunities with Yrden and swordplay.
By adhering to a thoughtful approach and utilizing the outlined strategies, bringing the Toad Prince back down to size becomes a manageable task, culminating in one of “The Witcher 3’s” more memorable victories. With patience, skill, and meticulous preparation, players will find that the Toad Prince is an adversary that can be bested.
