Every monster fight in The Witcher season 3, ranked from worst to best
By Daniel Roman
2. The Aeschna
The aquatic aeschna is perhaps the most traditional monster hunt of the season, since it’s the only one where Geralt and Ciri actually accept a contract to exterminate a threat. The aeschna is a huge, ferocious sea-dwelling monster that climbs aboard a ferry and wreaks utter havoc until the witchers are able to put it down.
In “The Invitation,” we learn that a monster has been plaguing the gulf which Geralt, Ciri, and Jaskier need to cross in order to return to Aretuza. Though Geralt is initially hesitant, Ciri convinces him to take on the contract as a way to secure their passage, and so that she might continue her training in the witchering trade.
We get some great build-up as Ciri and Geralt stand at the edge of the ferry, observing unnatural ripples in the water as the aeschna tracks the boat’s progress. Ciri gives us some information about the beast: it’s covered in spikes and has a thick hide with only one real vulnerable spot on the top of its head.
The Witcher sets up the aeschna showdown well, but allows us to almost forget it’s coming by distracting us with an appallingly annoying group of musicians on the boat. When the aeschna finally attacks one of them, we’re almost thankful that it cuts off their impromptu performance.
Geralt and Ciri have to work together to fight the aeschna, using only their swords and reflexes. It’s a well-structured combat sequence which makes ample use of the confined quarters on the ship to keep things unpredictable and exciting. A particular highlight is when Geralt and Ciri get separated and must trade swords in order to stay one step ahead of the aeschna.
After ripping the aeschna’s tail off in the gears of the ship in order to draw its attention away from Ciri, Geralt squares up for the final showdown. It’s then that Ciri makes her move, riding the water wheel mechanism of the ship to a high enough vantage that she can jump down and impale the aeschna through its vulnerable pate.
The aeschna is an all-around solid monster hunt which gives Geralt and especially Ciri a chance to show off their combat skills. It also serves as a wonderful bonding moment between surrogate father and daughter, which is the cherry on top.
