The Best Runestones for Witcher 3: Enhancing Your Combat Capabilities

Introduction to Runestones in Witcher 3

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game that offers a deep and immersive world where every detail matters in your combat builds. Runestones are one of the key elements that can significantly enhance your weapons and armor, providing a variety of effects from defensive shields to crowd control. This guide will explore the best runestones available and how you can leverage them to tailor your build to suit your playstyle.

Top Runestones in Witcher 3

1. Greater Glyph of Quen

Effect: Increases the protective shield provided by the Quen sign.

Usefulness: Great for defensive builds, especially when facing tough enemies. The increased shield duration can help sustain through prolonged battles and protect weaker allies.

2. Greater Glyph of Igni

Effect: Increases the damage dealt by the Igni sign and can also ignite enemies.

Usefulness: Ideal for builds focused on fire damage and crowd control. Igni not only deals damage but also sets foes on fire, making for a devastating combination with bonfires and fire-based builds.

3. Greater Glyph of Aard

Effect: Boosts the damage of Aard and increases its knockdown chance.

Usefulness: Effective for disrupting enemy attacks and controlling the battlefield. Aard is a crucial sign for defending parties, making it a highly useful build choice in dynamic battles.

4. Greater Glyph of Axii

Effect: Enhances the Axii signs' effectiveness, increasing the chance of successfully charming enemies.

Usefulness: Useful for a more diplomatic or stealthy approach, allowing you to manipulate foes and avoid direct combat. This is particularly effective in scenarios where stealth and negotiation are key.

5. Greater Glyph of Yrden

Effect: Increases the damage dealt by Yrden and can slow enemies.

Usefulness: Great for dealing with fast-moving foes and controlling space in combat. Yrden can be a lifesaver in encounters with swift and agile enemies, allowing you to maintain control over the battlefield.

6. Greater Runestone Steel/Silver

Effect: Increases damage dealt with steel or silver swords.

Usefulness: Boosts base weapon damage significantly, making it a solid choice for any combat-focused build. Whether you prefer steel or silver swords, this runestone can enhance your attacks and make your blade more deadly.

7. Greater Runestone Critical Damage

Effect: Increases critical hit damage.

Usefulness: Excellent for builds that focus on landing critical hits for maximum damage output. Critical damage can be the difference between a winning strike and a close call, ensuring that your attacks deal the most damage possible.

Combining Effects for Maximum Synergy

Mixing different glyphs and runestones can create powerful synergies. For example, pairing a Greater Glyph of Igni with a runestone that boosts critical damage can lead to devastating fire attacks. Experimenting with different combinations can help you find the build that best suits your unique playstyle.

Armor Sets and Runestones

Consider the armor set bonuses you are using as some sets enhance specific signs or playstyles, making certain runestones even more effective. For instance, if you are using an armor set that enhances defensive signs, the Greater Glyph of Quen could be highly beneficial. Conversely, an offensive-focused set might benefit more from a combination like Greater Glyph of Igni and Greater Runestone Critical Damage.

Locations to Find Runestones

You can find these runestones through exploration, purchasing from merchants, or completing quests. Some notable locations include various treasure hunts and specific merchants in major cities. Pay close attention to in-game quests and events that may offer unique runestones or bonuses that can enhance your current setup.

By carefully selecting and combining these runestones, you can significantly enhance Geralt's capabilities in combat, tailoring his build to suit your playstyle. With the right combination of runestones, you can become a formidable opponent in any battle, whether you prefer to engage in direct combat or take a more strategic approach.