Starting a new game can be daunting. Starting a new RPG with multiple systems can be even more daunting. Starting a new RPG that requires you to explore the real world around you is probably even more daunting than that.

That's likely to be the case for any new Witcher, setting out on their monster hunting journey with CDProjektRed's new location-based AR title - The Witcher: Monster Slayer.

Thankfully, we have been playing the game for around a week now and have some tips and tricks for the latest title in The Witcher franchise!

1. Get Out and About

You'd think this one is common sense, given the title is "Location-based", however, as a regular Pokemon GO player, I find that a lot of my playtime is sat on my sofa at home.

Unfortunately for some, you can't do this in Monster Slayer as many of the quests require you to physically go out and hunt for specific monsters, rather than waiting for them to turn up at your door.

Now, this can certainly cause some problems if a monster crops up in an awkward location, but one of my main tips and tricks for The Witcher: Monster Slayer is to get out and explore.

2. Perfect Your Parries and Critical Hits

There's quite a steep difficulty curve in The Witcher: Monster Slayer, especially when it comes to the combat in the game.

That's why nailing the quick-time events time events for both parrying and critical hits can be make or break between surviving a battle or perishing - I found this out the hard way on more than one occasion.

Not only this, but if you get perfect parries/criticals, you'll earn yourself a small XP bonus.

3. Don't Use Bombs or Potions in Your First Encounter With a Monster

There's some serious tactical nous needed in combat when it comes to this game - especially when it comes to encountering a monster for the first time.

Each monster behaves significantly different in combat, some attack quick, others slow and some more than once. You won't know how a battle is going to play out the first time you fight a monster, so you'll likely lose. Therefore, save your potions/oils and bombs until you're confident you know how to win.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Lose

Tying into the point above - never be afraid to lose.

Although The Witcher: Monster Slayer's combat can be difficult at times, there is no penalty for losing, except your time. That means you can afford to go back to the same monster over and over until you defeat it, or lose all hope.

5. Counter The Monster's Weaknesses

Another way to ensure a much smoother battle is to check out a monster's weaknesses and prepare for them.

This is easy enough to do as they pop up just before you head into battle, but they can make a significant difference.

If a monster is weak to fast attacks, only use fast attacks, the same goes for strong attacks. This is the only way to charge the critical meter, plus, of course, it deals more damage.

It's also worth noting that certain potions/oils are more effective against monster classes as well, so it's better to manually select your potions and oils rather than using autofill.

Finally, if you're lucky enough to have multiple swords, switch between Steel and Silver to really maximise the damage you deal.

6. Make Friends and Send Gifts

Crafting items can be at a premium in The Witcher: Monster Slayer and potions and oils are a necessary evil when it comes to taking down foes.

An easy way to ensure you have a healthy supply of crafting items is to make friends. You can then send gifts between each other to ensure you're stocked up. This is one of my tips and tricks for The Witcher: Monster Slayer that's helpful to multiple players!

7. Craft

If you hadn't guessed by the last point - crafting is key. Potions, Oils and bombs can add some serious punch to your attacks and without them, you'll be unlikely to beat some of the game's hardest monsters.

The most essential item you can make in the early levels of the game is Basic Oil, this will give you the boost you need to help you beat a range of monsters.

Aside from rewards, the only way to get these items is to craft them - so stock up on materials and make as many potions as you can.

8. Spend Your Skill Points Wisely

If you've played almost any RPG before, you'll be used to skill trees. These help you spec out your character with the skills and stats you want.

Initially, it can be easy to spend your skill points across an array of different areas without really thinking of the endgame consequences. You'll only get a limited amount of them, so it pays to be smart about it.

9. Make the Most of Nemetons

Nemetons are the big spooky trees you'll see around the map - while these aren't unlocked until level 10, they're a great source of both gold coins and XP and can be farmed multiple times a day using bait.

While there's a little wait to unlock them, they're worth the time once you do!

10. Complete Your Daily Contracts

Earning gold coins takes a while in The Witcher: Monster Slayer, especially as Nemetons aren't unlocked until level 10. That means you're going to need to use every source possible.

Initially, the best way to earn coins is by completing your Daily Contract that the game issues you. This rewards between 50-100 gold and will get you on your way to purchasing some goods.

11. Use The Battery Saver Option

The last of our The Witcher: Monster Slayer tips is less about gameplay and more about quality of life.

The game, like most in its style, can be quite punishing on your phone's battery. Thankfully, the developers have implemented a handy option in the settings that will help you to save battery and hunt monsters for longer.