Gwent is one of many reasons why Witcher 3 is considered to be among the best RPGs in recent memory. The card game includes five decks overall, each based on different groups in the Witcher universe. The Scoia'tael and people related to them make up one of the groups.
While not quite as mighty as some of the other decks, the Scoia'tael pack is more versatile. It includes a bunch of units that can fight in either the close-combat or ranged rows. Alongside the agile fighters are several impressive cards that would be welcome in any deck. Here is the best of what Scoia'tael has to offer.
10 Francesca Findabair: Daisy of the Valley (Leader)
The Daisy of the Valley leader card is pretty simple as all it does is give players an extra card at the start of a game. Obviously, the usefulness of the ability depends on the random card that's drawn.
However, regardless of what players get, they still have one more card than their opponent to give themselves an immediate advantage. To acquire the leader card, Geralt must purchase it from the Innkeeper of the Cunny of the Goose.
9 Havekar Smuggler (Muster) - Strength: 5
One of the most common Scoia'tael cards is the Havekar Smuggler. It can be won from multiple innkeepers as well as random players. And it's best to collect as many of these Smugglers as possible because of their muster ability.
Muster means that if players place one Havekar Smuggler down, then all of the units with the same name within their deck or hand are also played. So, the Smuggler allows players to have a few extra cards on the battlefield.
8 Havekar Healer (Medic) - Strength: 0
Medics are among the most vital cards in Gwent as they enable players to bring back powerful units from the grave. Yet, the Scoia'tael deck only has a single medic, Havekar Healer. Unfortunately, as card healers go, it's not up there with the best as it's got zero strength, but it's still better than no medic at all.
Plus, the card is easy to get a hold of as it can be purchased from the Kingfisher's Inn or the Cunny of the Goose. The card can also be obtained by defeating random players.
7 Francesca Findabair: Queen of Dol Blathanna (Leader)
With the Queen of Dol Blathanna leader card, players can significantly damage the enemy's frontline forces. When used, the card destroys the opponent's highest-rated close-combat unit if the combined strength of all of them is at least 10.
Utilizing this card at the right time can immediately change the tide of battle. Adding the useful leader to their deck requires beating Finneas during the High Stakes Gwent tournament at the Passiflora.
6 Eithne (Hero) - Strength: 10
Zoltan Chivay is among the most likable characters in The Witcher 3, and he's enjoyable to beat at Gwent too, as it earns players the Eithne card. The wise queen is a typical hero unit. She can't be harmed by abilities and is very strong.
Scoia'tael has multiple heroes just like Eithne, and while a unique ability would be nice, their pure strength makes up for their lack of originality. Players get the chance to win her off Zolton during the 'Gwent: Old Pals' quest.
5 Saesenthessis (Hero) - Strength: 10
One of the most interesting characters in the second Witcher game is Saesenthessis, aka Saskia. In The Witcher 3, the character is absent, but she does appear in card form as part of the Scoia'tael deck.
Living up to the warrior, the card is a hero unit. It can't be hurt by the weather or a scorch, and it boasts a strength rating of 10. During 'Gwent: Old Pals,' players can best Vernon Roche to acquire the hero.
4 Iorveth (Hero) - Strength: 10
Iorveth not being in The Witcher 3 is one of the few downsides to the fantastic game. The elf plays a big part in the second title, so it's weird that he's missing from the following instalment. Although, his Gwent card still makes an appearance in the game, and it's a good one.
It can't be harmed by special abilities and has a strength of 10; thus, it's another hero unit. Yet, this hero is not acquired by besting friends in Gwent. Instead, players need to complete one of the game's side quests titled 'Shock Therapy' to get this card.
3 Schirru (Scorch) - Strength: 8
The Scoia'tael deck is severely lacking in siege units, giving opponents ample opportunity to stack their own back row while using weather effects on the close-combat and ranged forces. However, there is one very powerful siege card within the Scoia'tael pack: Schirru.
The unit isn't only a danger because of its decent strength rating; it also has a scorch ability. When played, it destroys the opponent's strongest siege card if their overall siege strength is at least 10. To get the unit, players must win it from a merchant located at the circus, Northwest of Carsten.
2 Milva (Morale Boost) - Strength: 10
Milva is the rare non-hero unit that has a strength of 10. Initially, it may seem less useful than other similarly strong cards as it doesn't have the resistance of a hero. However, being a regular unit means that Milva can be brought back from the dead for players to use again.
Plus, the card also has a handy morale boost ability that adds an extra strength point to those in the same row on the battlefield. Players can win the Milva during the little Gwent tournament as part of the 'A Matter of Life and Death' quest.
1 Isengrim Faoiltiarna (Hero And Morale Boost) - Strength: 10
The star of the Scoia'tael deck is the Isengrim Faoiltiarna card. As a hero, it has all the usual benefits, including its defense against special cards or abilities. Additionally, it also has the morale boost skill, which enhances every unit in the same row by one strength point. So, it functions as a combination of Milva and one of the hero cards.
Unlike the others, players don't need to win a game of Gwent or spend money to get the hero. Instead, it's picked up as part of the 'A Dangerous Game' quest, and then they can choose to keep the card at the end.