Why can I not kill a wraith?

[boeriemore]

I am on level 12 playing on the second lowest difficulty. I approach some treasure in Velen
guarded by a wraith and every hit results in my loosing half my life. My three swallow potions are used up in no time. I go in fighting , starting with an enhanced Dancing Star bomb, use the
Nightwraith decoction and have tried using all the signs but die quickly.
Jenny o the Woods was easy compared to this because we are on a small island and if I
retreat into the water to recover my health, I can't, as my toxicity level is too high.
Wow, it's hard to believe that anyone can do this on highest difficulty.

[Flipper Is A Dolphin]

Use the Yrden sign

[CamoVecmin]

If the wraith level is higher than you than that could be the problem.

[Rafael Freeman]

Yrden should do the trick. Use Quen first. Then use Yrden. Try not to get hit. Within the Yrden sign the Wraith is vulnerable. Use dodge to avoid the first attack, use a fast attack once or twice and roll out of range. Repeat.

Sharpening your sword and strengthening your armor first is helpful and use Wraith oil.

One or two skill points in Yrden are really useful.

Use food to replenish your health.

[Stormtruper]

Yeah, the whole thing about using Yrden turns out to be a shot in the dark for a lot of players, it seems. It happened randomly for me. Second playthrough, they actually showed in a tooltip and a bestiary entry that's a solution...

[rzn6jw]

Does the wraith strength level indicator have a red skull above it? If so, you'll get really messed up unless you're at a level 30+ and it's just best to run away.

[Bronski]

What level is it? Also does it have the skull above its name? I know the one you are talking about but I don't remember its level.

With Yrden its not so much about slowing it down you want it in the circle so you do more damage. If I am thinking of the right one it will be all fuzzy looking. Inside Yrden it will be clear looking.

Also check your bestiary if you have an entry for wraiths. It will give you the signs, bombs, and oils to use.

I tend to use dodge over roll. The wraiths typically disappear and then reappear behind you. When they do that I get ready to dodge forward so they don't hit me in the back. If they split up into the three weak wraiths I tend to use my crossbow to take them out if they are farther away.

[boeriemore]

In response to the above suggestions. Using Yeden, I find it hard to stay within its perimeter.
I did use Specter oil on my sword. The slot where "fast attack" is usually placed, I replaced
with the potion "Nightwraith decoction" so could not use a fast attack.
When I go back there I will check for a red skull indicator all though on my 17" monitor I find the text very small, especially reading the items which can be picked up.
At least this is not a quest so I can leave it alone, but will give it another bash.

[Blade12775]

There's also the bestiary as well. Also look for books that talk about creatures too. These give you hints and tips on how to fight the creatures.

[Litanah]

They aren't easy because they hit hard at that level (and even at the higher levels but your stats will balance out later on).

Yrden works well if you roll a lot. Use the oil on your silver blade too - that will help and take a potion just for good measure. Wraiths just take a tiny bit more planning that your average monster ^^

[eprst]

Originally posted by derbyshire:

I am on level 12 playing on the second lowest difficulty. I approach some treasure in Velen
guarded by a wraith and every hit results in my loosing half my life. My three swallow potions are used up in no time. I go in fighting , starting with an enhanced Dancing Star bomb, use the
Nightwraith decoction and have tried using all the signs but die quickly.
Jenny o the Woods was easy compared to this because we are on a small island and if I
retreat into the water to recover my health, I can't, as my toxicity level is too high.
Wow, it's hard to believe that anyone can do this on highest difficulty.

the witcher has too high difficulty for "high-intelligence-click-click-click-players" the clear true. button "press-x-to-win" not released and great fast finger can't clear all enemies around. my suggestion - lose this battle and choose another way:

just open bestiary.

p.s. yrden will not save your geralt. not wraith only a little different than other enemy in-game.