I'm doing a contract at the moment, but I ran into trouble defeating two level 5 Alghouls that roam the area I have to examine. I'm at the same level myself, but the Alghouls are quite a bit harder than any other enemy of that level that I previously encountered. I'm playing on the second-hardest difficulty level.
I know that Axii is supposed to help, but when I tried it I still got staggered when attacking them after axiing them. They're also pretty fast, I had some trouble dodging them, which is quickly fatal as I can only survive 2-3 hits from them. The bestiary also doesn't contain a lot of useful information about them.
How do the spikes on Alghouls and Axii work exactly? How do you evade their attacks, dodging or rolling, and in which direction? Any other tips on defeating them?
Best Answer
My technique for this monster. I rely on dodging and the fast attack skills, other tactics might vary by build.
Dodge
You'll want to dodge instead of rolling or parrying. If you roll, you'll be too far away to strike them, and parrying you'll still take damage. Also, you will not be able to counter so holding down the Parry button is a waste.
Watch the monster carefully and continually circle around them. When they flash red, that is the visual signal that they are about to attack. Then you'll want to dodge to the side and get three fast strikes in. Then immediately back off. Don't get greedy, they can hit you through your own attacks.
If you have the Fleet Footed perk and Fast Attack perks, all the better.
Oils
If you have the Necrophage oil, and you've spotted the Alghoul far enough away that you're not in combat, apply your oil. A good technique for this is to use your Witcher senses to look for movement circles (the white wobbly circles) then listen, you'll hear gutteral gurgling and growling, which to me says Necrophage. Bear in mind you cannot apply oils when in combat, ie, Geralt has drawn a sword automatically and you can parry rather than Witcher sense.
Signs
You mentioned the Axii sign, indeed the Bestiary covers this. The sign is used when the Alghoul, after taking some damage, will produce large spikes from it's back. If you try and attack it in this state you'll take damage and will be staggered. It's in this scenario that you want to hit them with Axii, and wait a few seconds for the spikes to retract. Now you can continue to cicle, dodge and fast attack.
I also find some use of Igni to be helpful, but that's personal choice. Keep an eye on your stamina if using Axii and Igni.
Crossbow
If you are at a stage where you have acquired the crossbow, which it sounds like you have, you can apply some additional pressure with that if you're circling far enough away, or you do dodge roll. Just be sure to equip bolts with some silver damage otherwise it's a waste. Also be mindful of the often lengthy reload of the crossbow if the Alghoul closes on you quickly.