Royal Griffin

Griffins are hybrids that once lived high in the mountains and hunted marmots and wild goats. As people spread into their territory, they learned that livestock, and the shepherds guarding it, made easier prey. What were once rare beasts became a common pest. The royal griffin is a subspecies that the Witcher 3 bestiary describes as especially hated across the Northern Realms.

In the air a griffin swoops and dives at its prey. On the ground it uses wide wing sweeps, bites when you stand near its head, and a heavy charge. It’s fast and aggressive, but its moves are readable once you know them.

The griffin hunt is the first big monster contract in The Witcher 3. In The Beast of White Orchard, Geralt and Vesemir learn that Nilfgaardian soldiers killed a female griffin in her nest, leaving the male enraged and attacking people. You track it with the help of the hunter Mislav, gather buckthorn with advice from Tomira, and set a trap in a field. Halfway through, the griffin flies to a ridge by a windmill and the fight continues there. Guides list this White Orchard griffin as a royal griffin.

Combat strategy

The fight has two phases, and the same tactics work in both. On the ground, attack quickly but don’t overcommit, and keep an eye on the distance so it doesn’t get room for a charge. Roll sideways to dodge the charge, and dodge under or around the wing sweeps. Don’t stand in front of its head. When it’s in the air, wait until the last moment before a swoop lands to dodge, or shoot it with the crossbow Vesemir gives you, which knocks it out of the sky.