I thought it might be useful to create a thread with tips. Those who add to the thread, please use the following format:

URLs
It seems urls posted in GOG's forum malfunction. To go to a link, COPY and PASTE the url to which you want to go. Sorry for the inconvenience!

KMB (keyboard/mouse)
Use the Medallion. This will show objects with which you can interact (loot, pick herbs, etc.). 'Z' key.

XBOX Controller
Use the Medallion. This will show objects with which you can interact (loot, pick herbs, etc.). Press down on top joystick.

Gameplay - Completed Saves For The Witcher 1
If you want to use a previous save, here is a collection. This will make your gameplay easier.

Order, Triss: [url=]http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FVFOJTQP[/url]
Neutral, Triss: [url=]http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EKDCZW6Q[/url]
Scoia'tael, Triss: [url=]http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8EMTWZTO[/url]
Neutral, Shani: [url=]http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WQHMT19O[/url]
Scoia'tael, Shani : [url=]http://www.megaupload.com/?d=L11DCRD1[/url]

Gameplay - The Witcher 2: Performance, Tips, and Measuring of Swords
See: [url=]http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=430456[/url]

Gameplay - The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings |OT| Plough 'Em All (very helpful thread)
[url=]http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=429725[/url]

XBOX Controller Somersault Away
To somersault in a direction, move the upper/left joystick in the direction you want to move while clicking 'A'.

The Witcher 2 Crashes, FPS Fix, SLI Fix, ATI Graphics, nVidia Performance, No Sound, Errors and Fixes
[url=]http://segmentnext.com/2011/05/18/the-witcher-2-crashes-fps-fix-sli-fix-ati-graphics-nvidia-performance-no-sound-errors-and-fixes/[/url]

Good idea.

A few things I learned the hard way:

Gameplay - General Alchemy Tips
- You need to keep the formula/diagram for anything you wish to make. Even if it is listed in your journal you still need the scrap of paper in your inventory!

- The alchemy menu will usually chose items that you have the least of when making something. This means it can be easy to use that troll tongue or arachas eye that you need for a quest to make a potion if you aren't careful. Always double check what you are using in your recipe before you make it!


Gameplay - Upgrading armor, weapons, and abilities that have slots.
- Any weapon, piece or armor, or ability on your character screen that can be upgraded will have 1 or more small circles near its icon. These upgrades are permanent so choose wisely! For example, I would only socket greater mutagens in any of your abilities with upgrade slots as these upgrade-able abilites are rare and generally at the end of a given talent tree.


Gameplay - The Axii Sign
Unlike the other signs you must hold down the "Q" key until you have finished casting the spell. If successful you will mind control the target enemy and he will fight on your side.

XBOX Controller vs. KMB
It took me awhile to get used to using an XBOX controller, but once I did, it makes playing the game, especially moving the camera, much easier. Fighting seems to work better as well.

Sure about the fighting? Isn't it a pain rotating to to the right enemy for the lock-on?

is it just me or all the links direct to this page?

Yeah it seems to happen to most links posted on this forum for some reason

Yeah, you need to copy the link and paste it into the address bar, perhaps in a new tab if you want to keep your place here.

At first, it was a real pain, but I kept at it. The better you get at moving the camera with the lower joystick the easier it becomes. Now I can zip from one enemy to another.

Copy and paste the url's. I've added instructions in the OP.

TIP: Do not save your armour and weapon enhancements for a better armour/weapon. You will change armour and weapons a lot throughout the game.

1. In the early parts of the game, for combat, don't get surrounded, ever. Use Yrden and Aard and try to seperate minions, going after the weaker ones first. Quen can also be useful although it's shortlived in the beginning.

2. Magic uses vigor. Parrying requires vigor. No vigor, no parrying! Dodge, dodge, dodge.

3. Save your mutagen slots in abilities until you get "Greater" Mutagens. Lesser and regular ones are found easily enough. The "Greater" ones, though, are worth waiting for.

URL's - don't use the link symbol there on the left, just paste them as is into a post; I think they work correctly then.

Tips on Mutagens: http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/975399-the-witcher-2-assassins-of-kings/59200121

(yep, that works)

Beat the Karyan
I've been getting my ass handed to me by this thing, so I went looking for assistance. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C12EUxNZ0WY

Here is how I map some of my controls, which makes fighting MUCH easier.

First switch "space" and "control" with one another. This makes the quick menu easier to access without contorting your left hand. How do i roll then? Double tap the direction keys quickly instead of using what is now mapped to "control."

Lastly, I mapped my adrenaline finishers to my middle mouse button, instead of X. This allows me to use my finishers without even thinking about it.

These minor tweaks make the game MUCH easier for me, and maybe you too!

Handling mobs
- Keep a few bombs handy if you are swarmed by mobs.
- Most enemies have an aggression zone, meaning if you move out of a certain area they won't attack you anymore. Note that there are exceptions too.

Cedric's traps in Act I
- There are snare traps all over the forest. Highlight them with "Z", disarm and pick up. Otherwise when I am dodging all over the place from the mobs I end up seriously wounded by those trap.

Walking
- Hold "shift" or press "Caps" to toggle walk/run. Sometimes you need the extra precision (e.g. disarming traps, pick up items, and luring enemy).

Getting better gear
- If you are not in a hurry, take your time and explore the areas. The items you find is often better than the ones you craft. Use "Z" to help out (some items may even be underwater)
- Look at the crafting diagrams that the merchant are selling. Your equipment should be about as good (or better) than those on sale.

Earning money
- Mutagens fetch a good price, pick those up and sell. In general, I loot items that have high price-to-weight ratio, ???, and profit.

Saving...
- Save often, there can be a few (or a lot) unexpected, nasty surprises.
- Keep in mind the game creates a new save each time (my save folder got to around 4.38 GB). This utility makes it easier to clean up your files.