In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can reset Geralt’s skill points using a unique item called the Potion of Clearance. This potion is specifically designed to allow you to respec your character, offering a fresh slate by refunding all spent ability points. Here’s how to find the Potion of Clearance, what it does, and some tips for making the most of respec opportunities.
What Is the Potion of Clearance?
The Potion of Clearance is an in-game item that allows players to completely reset their ability points, making it possible to redistribute them in different skill trees. This can be particularly useful if you find that your current build isn’t working as you hoped, or if you want to try out new skills and combat styles without starting a new game.
Once consumed, all ability points are returned, allowing you to freely experiment with different character builds. The Potion does not, however, affect mutagen slots or any mutations in the Blood and Wine expansion, which means those points will remain allocated.
Where to Find the Potion of Clearance
You can purchase the Potion of Clearance from specific merchants across the game. The price is usually 1,000 crowns, a bit steep for early-game players, but worth it for the flexibility it offers. Here are some of the key vendors who stock the Potion:
- Keira Metz: After completing the quest “An Invitation from Keira Metz” in Velen, she offers the Potion in her shop. She can be found in her hut near Midcopse.
- Gremist: Located on the Skellige Isles, Gremist is another reliable source. You need to complete his questline to unlock his shop.
- Novigrad Merchants: Several traders in Novigrad, especially those near the main square, may occasionally have the Potion in stock. Keep an eye on herbalists and alchemists.
- New Game Plus: If you’re playing a New Game Plus, you’ll receive one Potion of Clearance automatically in your inventory, allowing for a free respec early on.
You can also find the Potion of Clearance as rare loot in chests, particularly at higher levels, although this is less predictable than purchasing it from a vendor.
When Should You Respec?
The best time to respec often depends on your character level and play style. Early in the game, it’s advisable to avoid spending too much on resetting points due to the potion’s high cost. Instead, use the early levels to experiment with low-risk builds. As you approach level 20 or 30, it becomes more practical to invest in a Potion of Clearance, especially if you find a need to switch from melee-focused skills to a magic-oriented build or vice versa.
Players who want to adapt to different challenges—such as switching from fighting monsters to dueling humans—will find that respeccing can offer the versatility needed. Additionally, after acquiring more advanced skills in the mid-game, you might discover a stronger synergy in certain skill combinations that can improve your combat effectiveness.
Tips for Respec Success
- Plan Ahead: Before drinking the Potion of Clearance, take some time to map out which skills you want to invest in. Consider what you enjoyed or found lacking in your previous build.
- Focus on Core Abilities: Reinvest in key skills that complement your preferred combat style, whether it’s using signs, alchemy, or swords. Avoid spreading your points too thin across all trees.
- Use Synergies: Some skills work better in combination with others. For example, pairing “Resolve” with “Undying” can significantly improve survivability. Pay attention to these combinations for a well-rounded build.
- Try New Builds: Don’t hesitate to experiment with builds you haven’t tried before. Respeccing is an opportunity to refresh your gameplay experience, so consider trying out different trees like Alchemy for poison-based attacks or Signs for magic enhancements.
Limitations of Respeccing
It’s important to note that while the Potion of Clearance resets ability points, it doesn’t offer unlimited respecs for free. Each time you want to reset your skills, you’ll need to purchase another Potion, which can get costly. Additionally, if you’re using mutations from the Blood and Wine DLC, these won’t be reset by the Potion, so choose mutation upgrades carefully.