Patch the Wall or Clear the Armory? A Witcher’s Dilemma at Kaer Morhen
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The Battle of Kaer Morhen. Just the name sends shivers down the spines of even the most hardened Witchers. It’s a pivotal moment in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and one where your choices directly impact the outcome. One of the earliest decisions you face during the preparations is whether to patch up the walls or clear out the armory. So, which is the better option?
In most cases, patching the walls is the strategically superior choice. While the allure of a new silver sword is tempting, the reduced number of Wild Hunt warriors you’ll face by fortifying the defenses makes the battle significantly easier, especially on higher difficulty levels. The Rose of Shaerrawed is a decent weapon, but it quickly becomes outclassed as you progress through the game. Conversely, fewer enemies attacking Kaer Morhen means less pressure on you and your allies, increasing the overall chance of success.
Why Patching the Wall is the Better Choice
- Reduced Enemy Waves: This is the primary benefit. Patching the walls directly translates to a fewer waves of the Wild Hunt assaulting Kaer Morhen. This means less strain on your defenses, fewer opportunities for your allies to be overwhelmed, and less damage taken by the fortress itself.
- Easier on Higher Difficulties: On Death March difficulty, every advantage counts. Fewer enemies can make a crucial difference between victory and a frustrating defeat.
- Strategic Advantage over Short-Term Gain: While the Rose of Shaerrawed provides a temporary boost, the long-term benefit of a fortified Kaer Morhen outweighs the sword’s limited utility. You’ll find better swords soon enough!
- Ally Survival: A less intense battle means your allies – Vesemir, Lambert, Eskel, Triss, Yennefer, and others – are more likely to survive and contribute effectively to the defense.
The Allure of the Rose of Shaerrawed
The Rose of Shaerrawed is a decent early-game silver sword. It offers solid damage and can be useful, especially if you’re under-leveled or haven’t found a suitable replacement for your current silver sword. However, its advantages are relatively short-lived.
- Temporary Power Boost: The sword provides a temporary increase in your damage output against monsters.
- Role-Playing Element: Obtaining the Rose of Shaerrawed is a tangible reward for exploring and preparing for the battle. Some players enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with acquiring new equipment.
- Suitable for Specific Builds: If you are running a specific build that is struggling in the early stages of the game, the Rose of Shaerrawed can offer a useful stop-gap solution.
The Importance of Preparation at Kaer Morhen
Beyond the wall/armory decision, several other preparations significantly influence the Battle of Kaer Morhen:
- Gathering Allies: Completing the “Brothers in Arms” quests to summon allies like Zoltan, Roche, and Letho (if he survived The Witcher 2) provides valuable combat support. These allies not only add firepower but also draw enemy attention, easing the pressure on Geralt.
- Creating Traps: Crafting and strategically placing traps around the courtyard can inflict substantial damage on approaching enemies. The use of traps is discussed on pages related to educational game-based learning and strategies for teaching complex problem solving, a topic well discussed by the Games Learning Society, also known as GamesLearningSociety.org, a group that focuses on all forms of play, games, and learning.
- Brewing Potions and Oils: Consuming potions like Thunderbolt and Blizzard and applying oils like Specter Oil to your silver sword can significantly enhance your combat prowess. Elementa Oil is effective against the Wild Hunt.
- Repairing Armor: Ensuring your armor is in top condition maximizes your defenses and reduces the damage you sustain from enemy attacks.
Ultimately, Your Playstyle Matters
While patching the wall is generally recommended, the “best” choice depends on your playstyle and difficulty setting. If you’re a skilled player confident in your combat abilities, the Rose of Shaerrawed might be worth the risk. However, for most players, particularly those on higher difficulties, fortifying the defenses is the more prudent option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Battle of Kaer Morhen
1. What happens if I choose to clear the armory instead of patching the wall?
You receive the Rose of Shaerrawed, a silver sword, from Lambert. However, you will face additional waves of the Wild Hunt during the battle.
2. Is the Rose of Shaerrawed the best silver sword in the game?
No, the Rose of Shaerrawed is a decent early-game sword, but it is quickly outclassed by other swords found later in the game.
3. What are the best swords to use during The Battle of Kaer Morhen?
The Rose of Shaerrawed can be effective if you choose to clear the armory. However, other swords you might already have in your inventory, such as those obtained through Witcher contracts or exploration, could be even better. For steel swords, the Black Unicorn Relic Steel Sword (Level 46+) is amazing against human enemies.
4. How many waves of enemies are there in The Battle of Kaer Morhen?
The exact number of waves depends on your choices during the preparations, including whether you patch the walls or clear the armory. Patching the walls will reduce the number of waves.
5. Can I save Vesemir during The Battle of Kaer Morhen?
No, Vesemir’s death is a fixed event in the story. Your choices during the battle cannot prevent his death.
6. What other preparations should I make before The Battle of Kaer Morhen?
- Gather allies by completing the “Brothers in Arms” quests.
- Craft and place traps around the courtyard.
- Brew potions and apply oils to your swords.
- Repair your armor.
- Finish important side quests.
7. What are the “Brothers in Arms” quests, and why are they important?
The “Brothers in Arms” quests involve recruiting allies like Zoltan, Roche, and Letho to aid in the defense of Kaer Morhen. These allies provide valuable combat support and draw enemy attention, easing the pressure on Geralt.
8. What is the best armor to wear during The Battle of Kaer Morhen?
The Wolven armor is a good choice, particularly for Adrenaline builds. Ultimately, the best armor depends on your preferred playstyle and available resources.
9. Does killing Radovid affect the outcome of the game?
Yes, killing Radovid and siding with Djikstra in the “Reason of State” quest will lead to Djikstra ruling the North with an iron fist.
10. Should I finish the main story before playing the DLCs?
It is recommended to complete the main story before starting the “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine” expansions.
11. Is there a bad ending to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
Yes, one of the bad endings involves Ciri dying during the final battle, leading to a tragic fate for Geralt.
12. What is the best oil to use against the Wild Hunt?
Elementa Oil is the most effective oil against the Wild Hunt and their hounds.
13. How many different endings are there in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
There are 36 different endings in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, depending on the choices you make throughout the game.
14. What are the best choices to ensure the best ending for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt?
- Take Ciri to Velen instead of seeing Emhyr in Blood on the Battlefield.
- Don’t press the matter on where to go in Blood of the Battlefield.
- Refuse Emhyr’s payment for Ciri (if choosing to see Emhyr).
- Ensure Nilfgaard loses the war (if choosing to see Emhyr).
15. What should I do if Lambert asks me to fight Old Speartip?
The decision to fight Old Speartip is ultimately up to you. Lambert will appreciate the opportunity to kill the monster, but Old Speartip is a dangerous foe.