The creatures roaming the Continent throughout the day can be terrifying, but the monsters that stalk the night are something else entirely. In The Witcher 3 and The Witcher: Monster Slayer, you might come across some of these inhuman beings riding through the night. We're not talking about panthers or foglets, we're talking about vampires.
Unlike other monster types, like hybrids or necrophages, vampires are (for the most part) highly intelligent creatures. Even the lower vampires are more intelligent than their fearsome appearances might suggest. It won't just be a matter of drawing them out into the sunlight or piercing their hearts with a stake. Every witcher should know how to tackle the different species of vampire, what their weaknesses are, how to find them and everything in between.
There are a number of myths across the Continent about alp. These are one of the few types of vampires that take on human appearances, generally appearing as human women and prowling human villages around a full moon. They tend to prey on sleeping humans and animals, and their saliva has soporific abilities.
Alp may not be as powerful as bruxae, but they can move almost as fast and are incredibly agile. They can't turn invisible, but they can stun an opponent with a powerful shriek. In close combat, they are gifted when it comes to dodging attacks, so when fighting them in The Witcher 3, it's best to use vampire oil and Black Blood potion. Additionally, try to limit the alp's movements with Yrden. In Monster Slayer, you won't need any of that; a silver sword and a lot of fast attacks will do. If need be, use Aard to help you out.
One of the most vicious and monstrous species of vampire are ekimmara, which possess the head of a giant bat. Unlike their vampire kin, ekimmara are not furtive when hunting for blood; they will instead tear their victims apart to gorge. These beasts are capable of turning invisible, are supernaturally strong and can regenerate quickly.
In The Witcher 3, Black Blood might help a little, but it's best to focus on dodging an ekimmara's attacks, which can be lethal and cannot be parried. They should be fought with a silver sword with vampire oil and several shots of Igni. Monster Slayer's ekimmara should not be underestimated. These two-skull beasts can be found anywhere at night. Use strong attacks with a steel sword and Igni. Learn their attack patterns and parry accordingly. Basic bombs might be useful if you can spare them, but Dancing Star bombs or dimeritium bombs would be even better.
Fleders, also known as kites or fliers, are the most animal-like species of vampire, driven only by a thirst for blood. These creatures are still supernaturally strong and deadly, but thankfully, they're weaker than other vampire types. They can often be found hunting in the slums of a populated city, in sewers or in cemeteries.
These creatures can regenerate, but with a few shots of Igni, a silver sword and a lot of quick attacks, Geralt of Rivia can easily take a fleder down in The Witcher 3. Conversely, in Monster Slayer, you'll want to attack a fleder using strong attacks and your steel sword. They can be found in abundance in night in urban or other populated areas, as can the two-skulled pale fleder. These are tougher, but share the same vulnerabilities.
Players will recognize garkains thanks to their oddly shaped scalps. They are incredible strong, fast and tend to be found among their kin. In The Witcher 3's Blood and Wine expansion, players will encounter them among waves of other lesser vampires. Use some vampire oil (for them and for their vampire companions) and equip Moon Dust bombs or Samum bombs to keep them stunned and vulnerable to swings from your silver sword.
In Monster Slayer, players won't have to worry about fending off a garkain's allies. They're found around populated areas and faced one-on-one. Alone, they are fairly easy creatures to fight. They are vulnerable to a silver sword, but you can probably manage with a steel one, so long as you stick to strong attacks. The rare alpha garkain, however, will require one or two Moon Dust bombs on top of a silver sword and protection with Quen.
Anyone familiar with the novels and the games will recognize bruxae. These rare creatures tend to avoid humans settlements and make their homes in ruins or abandoned villages. Unlike most other types of vampire, bruxae can appear in the daylight, though they are still very much a threat at night. They can move at supernatural speeds and strike while invisible. In The Witcher 3, it's best to employ Moon Dust bombs and cast the Yrden sign when fighting a bruxa. While trapped, you might try using Aard for an easier kill.
When facing a bruxa in Monster Slayer, prepare your silver sword and vampire oil. Cast Igni when you can and time your parries carefully. Moon Dust bombs might help, but one-skulled bruxa aren't so difficult that you'll need it. As in the lore, you'll find bruxa in the day and around human settlements.
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