The Witcher 3: All Bombs (& How To Use Them)

This article is part of a directory: The Witcher 3: Full Guide and Walkthrough

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is well known for its wealth of amazing content, from the size of the world, to the huge number of items Geralt can discover and craft. Aside from being a master monster hunter, it turns out he is also something of a master craftsman. This certainly works in his favor, as there is a staggeringly high number of craftable items in The Witcher 3.

Some of the most valuable items that Geralt can craft are his throwable bombs. With a wide range of applications, these weapons remain important throughout the entire game. And with multiple tiers of upgrades on top of the base item, completing the full list of every available bomb will keep Geralt busy for quite some time. This guide will provide players with a comprehensive list of everything required to both craft and upgrade all bombs in The Witcher 3.

Updated by Christopher Norman Worcester on May 9, 2023: With the release of the next-gen update, we've added a comprehensive list of materials required to craft and upgrade each bomb, as well as a basic explanation of their uses.

10 How to Craft and Upgrade Bombs in The Witcher 3

Geralt will begin his journey in The Witcher 3 with two bomb types ready to be crafted: Samum and Grapeshot. These will be enough to begin the journey, but represent a tiny fraction of what's available.

To craft bombs, Geralt must wait until he is free to roam White Orchard. Once there, he can access the Alchemy section from the pause menu. This section represents the items that Geralt can craft on his own, as opposed to weapons and armor, which must be taken to the blacksmith and armorer, respectively. This will include things like Witcher 3's decoctions and potions, as well as bombs.

Other than the Grapeshot and Samum, Geralt will have to find or buy the base and upgrade manuscripts for every bomb. The fastest route to collecting all manuscripts is to simply buy them. There are a select few Herbalists and Alchemy Supply merchants that carry many of the manuscripts.

It is also possible to find manuscripts through exploration, but many of them are randomly assigned to chests on each playthrough. Any manuscript that is likely to be in a single, specific area will be noted in its corresponding section. Once Geralt acquires a manuscript, he can craft it in the Alchemy section. Bombs only have to be crafted once. After that, meditating will automatically refill all charges of every bomb.

Many of the Superior quality upgrades are available for purchase at Gremist's Alchemy Supply in Gedyneith. Geralt will need to complete his side quest before he'll agree to sell his wares.

9 How to Use Bombs in The Witcher 3

Bombs can be extremely powerful tools in The Witcher 3. The key to knowing exactly how to use them lies in the pages of Geralt's trusty bestiary. Once Geralt kills a beast, it will be added to the list, and included with that will be all of its vulnerabilities. Geralt can use this information to try and guess exactly what other monsters may be vulnerable to. And remember, if a beast is vulnerable to the base version of a bomb, it will be vulnerable to all versions of it.

Equipping a desired bomb has become incredibly easy with the next-gen update. Go to the inventory and select a bomb to equip from the 'Oils, Potions, Bombs' section. Once it is equipped, pull up Geralt's weapon/sign wheel by holding L1/Left Bumper. The equipped bomb should show up at the 5 o'clock position. While holding the wheel open, hover over the bomb and use the d-pad to cycle through all available bombs.

When Geralt has the desired bomb selected, he can press R1/Right Bumper to throw at a locked target. Or, he can hold R1/Right Bumper to bring up a reticle and aim for himself. With this, Geralt is free to use his bombs whenever he chooses.

8 Grapeshot

Although the Grapeshot is one of the earliest bombs Geralt will get his hands on, it will remain a viable tool throughout his time on the path. This bomb can be used in practically any combat encounter where physical damage is relevant.

The Grapeshot is one of a few bombs that can be used to destroy monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Grapeshot	Saltpeter x2 Calcium Equum x2	2	Inflicts shrapnel damage to foes within its explosion radius. Deals a small amount of fire damage. Silver Damage: 250 Fire Damage: 5
Enhanced Grapeshot	Base Grapeshot x1 Stammleford's Dust x1 Calcium Equum x1 Blowball x1 Crow's Eye x1 Longrube x1	3	Same base effects. Increased damage: Physical Damage: 600 Silver Damage: 600 Fire Damage: 10
Superior Grapeshot	Enhanced Grapeshot x1 Alchemists' Powder x1 Calcium Equum x2 Sulfur x2 Longrube x2 Hop Umbels x2 Nigredo x1	4	Same effects, damage increased: Physical Damage: 900 Silver Damage: 900 Fire Damage: 10

Enhanced Upgrade Diagram:

Purchase: Geralt can purchase the diagram from Otto Bamber at the Herbalist's Hut located across the river from Oxenfurt's Novigrad Gate.

Loot: When Geralt finds his way to the shores of Skellige, there are several crates and chests around him. The Enhanced Grapeshot diagram can be found here.

Superior Upgrade Manuscript:

Purchase: Gremist is a druid living on Skellige. Geralt must complete a side-quest before gaining access to his wares, but once he does, he can buy several superior bomb upgrade diagrams. He is found at Gedyneith.

Loot: This diagram is one of the infamous 'random chest' diagrams, and as such cannot be reliably labeled as being located at any one location. If trying to find it quickly, it is likely better to purchase the diagram from Gremist.

7 Samum

Samum is the second starting bomb, and can be used to temporarily blind enemies. Samum is particularly useful against enemies with eye-related attacks, like the Fiend. Be careful, however, as Geralt can blind himself if he's too close to the explosion.

Like the Grapeshot, this bomb will also clear monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Samum	Saltpeter x1 Celandine x2	2	Blinds opponents within its explosion radius. Effect Duration: 4 seconds.
Enhanced Samum	Base Samum x1 Stammleford's Dust x1 Phosphorus x1 Foglet Teeth x1 Celandine x1 Blowball x1	3	Extended Effect Duration: 6 Seconds
Superior Samum	Enhanced Samum x1 Phosphorus x2 Foglet Teeth x2 Celandine x2 Hellebore Petals x2 Aether x1	4	The first hit landed on a blinded opponent is always critical. Effect Duration: 8 Seconds

Enhanced Upgrade Manuscript:

Purchased From Otto Bamber: Herbalist found outside the Novigrad Gate in Oxenfurt.

Loot from Chest: No single location, can only be found randomly.

Superior Upgrade Manuscript:

Purchase: Gremist at Gedyneith

Loot from Chest: Randomized chest locations.

6 Dancing Star

Dancing Star is a powerful explosive bomb that has the ability to ignite enemies, or any flammable gas or material, for varying durations depending on upgrade level. Dancing Star is extremely effective against large groups of enemies, as well as those vulnerable to fire. This bomb is also a viable option for igniting the gas cloud created by Dragon's Dream.

The Dancing Star bomb is capable of destroying monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Dancing Star	Saltpeter x1 Sulfur x2	2	Produces a fiery explosion that ignites the surrounding area. Effect Duration: 4 seconds Fire Damage: 100
Enhanced Dancing Star	Base Dancing Star x1 Stammelford's Dust x1 Phosphorus x1 Sewant Mushrooms x1 Sulfur x1 Hellebore Petals x1 Nostrix x1	3	Effect Duration: 7 seconds Fire Damage: 200
Superior Dancing Star	Enhanced Dancing Star x1 Alchemists' Powder x1 Phosphorus x2 Sulfur x2 Sewant Mushrooms x2 Nostrix x2 Nigredo x1	4	Effect Duration: 13 Seconds Fire Damage: 300

Base Dancing Star Manuscript:

Purchase: Blacksmith, Oxenfurt.

Enhanced Dancing Star Manuscript:

Purchase: N/A

Loot: Available in the Elven ruins near Byways, can be found during "Wandering in the Dark." Will also be available during "Swamp Thing," in Ignis Fatuus' cave.

Superior Dancing Star Manuscript:

Purchase: Gremist at Gedyneith

Loot: Destroyed Bastion, guarded by a Wyvern.

5 Moon Dust

The Moon Dust bomb is a specialized bomb that can be used against enemies that feature any kind of noticeable transformation. For example, several vampire creatures can turn invisible. However, when that same vampire is exposed to the silver shavings in Moon Dust, the transformation will not be possible. The length of the effect is increased with each upgrade level.

Unfortunately, Moon Dust's limited application makes it ineffective against monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Moon Dust	Saltpeter x1 Quicksilver Solution x2	2	Contains silver splinters that temporarily prevent monsters from transforming. Effect Duration: 20 Seconds
Enhanced Moon Dust	Base Moon Dust x1 Stammelford's Dust x1 Quicksilver Solution x1 Sulfur x1 Hop Umbels x1 Blowball x1 Honeysuckle x1	3	Extended effect duration: 40 Seconds
Superior Moon Dust	Enhanced Moon Dust x1 Alchemisrs' Powder x1 Quicksilver Solution x2 Sulfur x2 Hop Umbels x2 Blowball x2 Nigredo x1	4	Permanently stops monsters from transforming

Base Moon Dust Manuscript:

Purchase: Keira Metz, when she opens up her shop at home; also sold by the Herbalist Shop in Novigrad.

Loot: Can be randomly found in chests.

Enhanced Moon Dust Manuscript:

Purchase: Halfling Herbalist shop in Novigrad, Herbalist shop in Kaer Trolde Harbor.

Loot: Lornruk Lighthouse, sleeping quarters chest.

Superior Moon Dust Manuscript:

Purchase: Gremist in Gedyneith

Loot: Guarded treasure near Seven Cats Inn; also, possible to find at Yustianna's Grotto

4 Northern Wind

Northern Wind explodes with a burst of white frost, freezing enemies caught in the blast. Northern Wind can have several possible uses, usually centered around its ability to briefly immobilize Geralt's foes. It can be a good option for faster humanoid enemies, stopping them dead in their tracks.

Geralt cannot use Northern Wind to destroy monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Northern Wind	Saltpeter x1 Ducal Water x1 Powdered Pearl x1 Allspice x2	2	Freezes foes. Blows landed on frozen foes deal extra damage. Effect Duration: 4 Seconds
Enhanced Northern Wind	Base Northern WInd x1 Stammelford's Dust x1 Ducal Water x2 Powdered Pearl x1 Fool's Parsley Leaves x1 Verbena x1 Allspice x1	3	Extended Effect Duration: 7 Seconds
Superior Northern Wind	Enhanced Northern Wind x1 Saltpeter x1 Ducal Water x3 Powdered Pearl x2 Verbena x2 Allspice x3 Quebirth x1	4	Extended Effect Duration: 10 Seconds

Base Northern Wind Manuscript:

Purchase: Sold by Keira Metz. Can also be purchased from the Herbalist's Hut.

Loot: Randomly assigned chests.

Enhanced Northern Wind Manuscript:

Purchase: Can be purchased from the Herbalist at Kaer Trolde.

Loot: Randomly assigned chests.

Superior Northern Wind Manuscript:

Purchase: N/A

Loot: It is sometimes possible to find this manuscript in the Clan Tordarroch Forge cave, where the 'Master Armorers' quest takes Geralt. However, it has been reported by some players that this is not the case. It is likely a possible random location, and therefore not always accurate. There are several reported locations of this nature, including: behind a breakable wall in the Von Everic Family Crypt, the Arkstone Castle Ruins during "A Dark Legacy," or in the Ancient Crypt on Ard Skellig.

3 Dimeritium Bomb

Dimeritium Bombs have the ability to block the use of magic, making them incredibly useful against any enemy that wields magic-infused attacks. The bomb releases a cloud of small dimeritium shards, temporarily affecting anything in its blast. These bombs are used to close the portals created by the Wild Hunt minions.

Given their nature, Dimeritium Bombs will not destroy monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Dimeritium Bomb	Saltpeter x5 Optima Mater x2	2	Releases a cloud of dimeritium slivers that block magic and monsters' magic abilities. Effect Duration: 15 Seconds
Enhanced Dimeritium Bomb	Base Dimeritium Bomb x1 Stammelford's Dust x1 Optima Mater x1 Powdered Pearl x1 Blowball x1 Ginatia Petals x1 Bloodmoss x1	3	Extended Effect Duration: 30 Seconds
Superior Dimeritium Bomb	Enhanced Dimeritium Bomb x1 Alchemists' Powder x1 Optima Mater x2 Powdered Pearl x2 Puffball x2 Bloodmoss x2 Nigredo x1	4	Effect lingers after cloud disappears. Effect Duration: 30 Seconds

Base Dimeritium Bomb Manuscript:

Purchase: Otto Bamber at Herbalist's Hut

Loot: Elven ruins near Byways

Enhanced Dimeritium Bomb Manuscript:

Purchase: Herbalist in Kaer Trolde Harbor

Loot: Randomly assigned chests

Superior Dimeritium Bomb Manuscript:

Purchase: Gremist at Gedyneith

Loot: Randomly assigned chests.

2 Dragon's Dream

Dragon's Dream creates a cloud of flammable gas, which can be ignited with any type of flame. This allows Geralt to stagger an explosion after the initial detonation, making it possible to lure enemies into the cloud before igniting.

This bomb cannot clear monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Dragon's Dream	Saltpeter x1 Phosphorous x2	2	Releases a cloud of gas that explodes when ignited. Effect Duration: 15 Seconds Fire Damage: 300
Enhanced Dragon's Dream	Base Dragon's Dream x1 Stammelford's Dust x1 Phosphorous x1 Optima Mater x1 Mistletoe x1 Allspice x1 Bryonia x1	3	Enhanced effect and chance to apply burning. Extended Effect Duration: 30 Seconds Fire Damage: 400
Superior Dragon's Dream	Enhanced Dragon's Dream x1 Alchemists' Powder x1 Phosphorous x2 Optima Mater x2 Allspice x2 Bryonia x2 Aether x1	4	Base and Enhanced effects, plus: Foes it kills explode, wounding others nearby. Effect Duration: 30 Seconds Fire Damage: 400

Base Dragon's Dream Manuscript:

Purchase: N/A

Loot: Randomly assigned chests, with reports that bandit camps in White Orchard and Velen have a high probability of rewarding the manuscript.

Enhanced Dragon's Dream Manuscript:

Purchase: Herbalist shop in Novigrad, Herbalist shop in Kaer Trolde

Loot: Randomly assigned chests.

Superior Dragon's Dream Manuscript:

Purchase: Gremist in Gedyneith

Loot: Randomly assigned chests.

1 Devil's Puffball

The Devil's Puffball releases a cloud of poison onto the field of combat, dealing damage to enemies over time. Many monsters are vulnerable to poison, including most forms of lower vampires. Devil's Puffball is also very effective against large groups of humans, helping Geralt manage multiple attackers at once.

Devil's Puffball does not clear monster nests.

Bomb	Ingredients	Charges	Effects
Devil's Puffball	Saltpeter x1 Sewant Mushrooms x2	2	Releases a cloud of poison when detonated. Effect Duration: 10 Seconds Poison Damage: 100
Enhanced Devil's Puffball	Base Devil's Puffball x1 Stammelford's Dust x1 Calcium Equum x1 Endrega Heart x1 Sewant Mushrooms x1 Ginatia Petals x1 Green Mold x1	3	Extended Effect Duration: 30 Seconds Poison Damage: 200
Superior Devil's Puffball	Enhanced Devil's Puffball x1 Alchemist's Powder x1 Calcium Equum x2 Endrega Heart x2 Sewant Mushrooms x2 Ginatia Petals x2 Rebis x1	4	Extended Effect Duration: 33 Seconds Poison Damage: 300