How do decoctions work?
I remember hearing about decoctions for the first time in a preview video, I wasn't impressed back then. But I think I might have misunderstood some aspects, so I'm looking for some clarifications on the mechanics of decoction use.
- Are they single-use only, or are they refilled like regular potions?
- What does the +100% toxicity effect mean exactly?
- Can I have multiple decoctions active at the same time?
Best Answer
The +100% Toxicity rule simply means that each additional potion counts for double. While a decoction is working, the effects of other potions will stack more quickly.
If you look at the first tier of the Alchemy skill tree, however, Acquired Tolerance is a very powerful way to increase your maximum Toxicity. Every new formula you learn increases this value... and those points add up quickly.
I'm lv.14 right now, and my maximum Toxicity has cleared 200... Though I haven't tried it yet, I think I have enough room that I could possibly run a second decoction at the same time. I can certainly say that, at this point, there is almost no practical limitation on how many potions I can use in a single fight.
Pictures about "How do decoctions work?"
How do you use decoctions?
They do replenish like potions do, as already stated in another answer. They also have vastly greater durations at around 30 minutes.Do decoctions refill?
Decoctions are special and potent potions made from Alchemy that use a monster's inherit mutagens to give Geralt some of their powers, if only for a time. These decoctions are often hard to brew, and require you to kill the monster you wish to borrow powers from.What do decoctions do Witcher 3?
Most Decoctions last at least 30 minutes. They provide a long lasting (niche) buff at the cost of their high toxicity. Like other potions they refill after meditation with the use of an Alcohol; unlike other potions their Toxicity remains constant throughout their effect.What is a Decoction, and How Do You Make One?
More answers regarding how do decoctions work?
Answer 2
They can be replenished when you meditate just like potions
The +100% Toxicity appears to be meaningless, as of 1.05 on PC. Decoctions use up 70 (basilisk uses 40) of your max toxicity while they are active. It's important to note that this won't activate the Killing Spree or Frenzy abilities, as they are specific to POTION toxicity. Having 2 or even 3 decoctions active at once is possible, and Tissue Transmutation give a bonus for each. Decoctions do NOT increase the toxicity burden of potions.
Max toxicity is at least 277 with all the abilities and all the recipes I know about in the base game. If it's higher, it isn't much and it certainly isn't another 43. So, you could have 3 decoctions active at once. You wouldn't have much "room" for potions though.
- As of the release of Blood and Wine, max toxicity is around 345 with the correct skills and gear, allowing for a maximum of 4 non-Basilisk decoctions, while leaving 65 toxicity for potions or Basilisk.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Ivan Samkov, Eva Bronzini, Ksenia Chernaya, Ksenia Chernaya