Facing Auntie Ethel in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the more memorable and challenging encounters in the game. As a witch residing in Crookback Bog, Auntie Ethel’s battle requires careful preparation, appropriate level, and a good understanding of her combat style. Knowing the ideal level to fight Auntie Ethel not only makes the battle more manageable but also ensures you are equipped to handle her various magical attacks and summons. For many players, the question arises about when the right time is to confront her without getting overwhelmed or frustrated. This guide will explore the recommended player level, strategies, and tips to prepare for this unique boss fight.
Recommended Level to Fight Auntie Ethel
Auntie Ethel is designed as a mid-game boss, so players should ideally be around level 11 to 13 before attempting to face her. At this level range, Geralt will have access to stronger signs, better equipment, and adequate health and stamina to endure her attacks. Tackling Auntie Ethel below this level can be very difficult due to her powerful magic and summoned minions, while higher levels make the fight noticeably easier.
Why Level Matters
- At level 11-13, Geralt’s attack power and defenses align well with Auntie Ethel’s damage output.
- Player skills and abilities unlocked by this point in the game help counter her magic and summon attacks.
- Recommended level ensures access to potions, oils, and bombs that are critical in this fight.
While level is a strong indicator, preparation and strategy are equally important for success.
Understanding Auntie Ethel’s Combat Style
Auntie Ethel is a formidable opponent who uses a mix of magical attacks, environmental hazards, and summoned creatures. Knowing how she fights can help players time their attacks and defenses more effectively.
Key Combat Features
- Magic Projectiles: She casts energy orbs that home in on Geralt, requiring dodging or countering with signs.
- Summons: Auntie Ethel calls on swamp creatures like Boggarts to overwhelm players.
- Environmental Manipulation: The boss fight arena includes obstacles and hazards that can hurt or trap the player.
Recognizing and adapting to these combat features reduces the risk of damage and improves survivability.
Preparation Tips Before the Fight
Preparing Geralt properly before facing Auntie Ethel will make the encounter smoother and less frustrating. This involves gearing up, stocking potions, and selecting the right skills.
Equipment Recommendations
- Use weapons upgraded to match your level, ideally enhanced with runestones or smithing upgrades.
- Apply Necrophage or Specter oils to increase damage against summoned creatures.
- Wear armor that balances protection and stamina regeneration to maintain mobility.
Useful Potions and Bombs
- Swallow: For health regeneration during the fight.
- Thunderbolt: To increase attack power.
- Black Blood: Causes damage to vampires and summoned monsters that attack Geralt.
- Samum or Dancing Star bombs: Effective against grouped enemies like Boggarts.
Sign Usage
- Quen: Vital for absorbing damage and preventing sudden deaths.
- Aard: Can stagger Auntie Ethel and disrupt her spellcasting.
- Igni: Useful for dealing damage over time and controlling summons.
Effective Strategies During the Fight
Knowing when to attack, defend, or reposition is crucial when fighting Auntie Ethel. Her unpredictability means players must remain adaptable throughout the battle.
Manage Summoned Enemies
- Focus on eliminating Boggarts quickly to avoid getting overwhelmed.
- Use area-of-effect bombs and signs to control multiple enemies.
- Keep moving to avoid getting cornered by summoned creatures.
Timing Your Attacks
- Wait for Auntie Ethel to finish casting spells before closing in.
- Use Aard to interrupt her spellcasting whenever possible.
- Attack during her recovery phases to maximize damage.
Maintain Defensive Posture
- Keep Quen active at all times to absorb sudden damage spikes.
- Dodge sideways to evade homing projectiles rather than rolling backward.
- Use the environment to your advantage, avoiding traps and using space effectively.
What to Do If You’re Underleveled
If your Geralt is below the recommended level, the fight against Auntie Ethel can be frustrating but not impossible. Some players choose to level up by completing side quests, hunting monsters, or exploring nearby areas before returning.
Grinding and Preparation
- Complete contracts and side missions around Crookback Bog to gain experience.
- Hunt monsters that provide good experience points and loot.
- Upgrade your gear through crafting and smithing using collected materials.
Alternative Tactics
- Use stealth and hit-and-run tactics to manage the fight better.
- Focus on defensive play, relying on Quen and potions to outlast the boss.
- Try to exploit any weaknesses in Auntie Ethel’s attack patterns.
Fighting Auntie Ethel in The Witcher 3 is a defining moment that tests your skills, preparation, and understanding of the game’s combat mechanics. Approaching her at the recommended level of 11 to 13, with proper equipment, potions, and tactics, can make the difference between a swift victory and a frustrating defeat. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, taking time to prepare, learning her attack patterns, and maintaining a defensive strategy will help you overcome this witch of Crookback Bog and continue your epic journey through the world of The Witcher.