The combat system in The Witcher represents a departure from most RPGs. First, you have to choose one of three different fighting styles. The quick fighting style lets you make fast jabs that don't deliver a lot of damage. Then there's the heavy fighting style, which is a slower style that lets you make powerful attacks; imagine a swordsman raising his sword over his head to deliver a crushing blow. Finally, there's the group fighting style, which features a lot of sweeping attacks that are best used if you're surrounded by foes. Regardless of the style that you choose, it's important that you maintain a rhythm in a swordfight. If you rapidly tap the mouse button, like you do in many RPGs, you'll interrupt Geralt's natural movements. Through practice, you'll discover the optimal moments when to hit the mouse button to initiate an attack. The system requires some skill, but that was the goal, as the designers felt that combat in many RPGs was either too automated or too mindless.

Skill points are earned for every level gained, a feat accomplished chiefly by completing quests. CD Projekt didn't want players to head out into the fields and mindlessly grind mobs for hours to level, so killing enemies barely grants experience. As each level is gained, an increasing number and type of skill points is gained which can be put towards learning some of the game's tiered skills. Starting out you'll earn bronze skill points, and later on silver and gold points will become available for use. These skill point colors correspond to skills in the game's character progression chart. By the end of the game, CD Projekt says that 100 percent of the games basic bronze skills can be learned, about 50 percent of the silver, and around 10 to 15 percent of the gold. The 250 total skills encompass fighting techniques for silver and steel swords, your skill with alchemy, and magical abilities. In total you'll find 15 different ability trees, and within each skills that CD Projekt says have a dramatic effect on Geralt's play style when learned. They're not just slight statistical boosts, but have an obvious effect on the gameplay, according to the developer. We were also told that players shouldn't expect to make Geralt so magically adept he can forego his swords altogether. The swords are central to Geralt's identity as a Witcher, so the swordplay will always remain a central part of the combat.