Arachas, or crab spiders, are large insectoids with a distinctly large abdomen. Described as an extremely venomous, its variants are found in both desert[1] and swamp regions. The varieties found in the Ysgith tend to have mouths that resemble a large orchid.
The Arachas, or crab spiders, are large insectoids characterized by a uniquely large abdomen. They are notably venomous, with their species found in both desert and swamp regions. Some Arachas variants have orchid-like mouths. They are shielded by a durable carapace, particularly robust at the front.
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Where can Arachas variants be found?
Arachas variants inhabit diverse regions including deserts, swamps, and the Ysgith. They thrive in boggy terrains, caves, abandoned mines, and flood-plains. Notable locations where they are found are the Lighthouse near Novigrad and the hall at Kaer Morhen keep.
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What weapon is effective against the Arachas?
Effective combat against the Arachas involves a mix of weapons and tactics. Use Yrden to slow the Arachas, facilitating melee combat. Crossbow bolts are particularly useful, especially when the Arachas's mouth is open. Armored Arachas resist sword strikes more, so adjust accordingly. For venomous Arachas, use distance attacks with a crossbow or bombs, then deliver finishing blows with a silver sword coated in insectoid oil. Use Golden Oriole when fighting venomous Arachas at close range.
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What does the Arachas drop when defeated?
Upon defeat, the Arachas yields the Arachas trophy, offering sign bonuses and damage enhancements in The Witcher 2, and a 5% Ch effect in The Witcher 3. It also provides reagents like Arachas eyes and armor, crucial for quests like Melitele's Heart.
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What quest does Geralt encounter the Arachas in?
In 'The Assassins of Kings' quest, Geralt meets the Arachas in a forest post his encounter with Iorveth. Another Arachas appears near the Kaedweni camp on Roche's path. A third one guards the Mage's gloves in a ravine. On Iorveth's path, an Arachas is found in a cave en route to Loc Muinne. The Arachas drops items such as eyes and armor, used in the 'Melitele's Heart' quest.
Geralt encounters the Arachas in a forest clearing after meeting Iorveth. This takes place close to the end of Chapter I during the quest The Assassins of Kings.
The arachas is easily dispatched using a silver sword. It drops some reagents including the arachas eyes and armor. The eyes are used for restoring the power to the amulet in the quest Melitele's Heart.
On Roche's path, a second arachas is encountered at the end of a ravine northeast of the Kaedweni camp, near a lone dead conifer. There is a third arachas in a ravine guarding the Mage's gloves, this is accessible to both paths.
On Iorveth's path, an arachas is encountered in the cave on the way into Loc Muinne.
By Chapter 2, Geralt's level should be high enough for the Arachas to not give XP when killed.
Arachnids are lone hunters - they patiently wait for their prey to kill it with one swift strike when it appears. The same is true for the arachas, a huge creature that took a liking of the riverside forest, becoming it's undisputed king. A ruler who does not tolerate other hunters on it's territory. Including witchers.
Arachasae are large, slow and protected by a durable armor. The carapace, as the witchers call this armor, is especially tough from the front, so it is much easier to wound the creature from the side or the back. The arachas' charges make an excellent for that - one has to evade the charge at all costs by stepping out the beast's way, and then make one's blow. Without doubt it's the best to use the strong style then.
The arachas has no fear of poison, and not much fear of fire. It's primitive nervous system barely reacts to wounds, and it's incredible vitality allows it to take even great wounds. The beast will heal them after the fight anyway, all the while digesting its prey.
All said and done, the arachas is a bug, so one's blade should be coated with the Insectoid Oil before fighting it. The monster's susceptibility to this blade coating is probably its sole weakness. The beast can easily all shrug off other witcher tricks, so common poisons and Signs are of no use, not to mention attempts to knock the colossus down.
Powerful pincers, a maw filled with razor-sharp teeth and venom glands packed with deadly toxins – these creatures constitute the arachas' deadly arsenal. Since people and farm animals make up an important part of these creatures' diet, contracts on arachasae in turn constitute an important source of witcher coin.
Once native to the far south, this invasive species migrated north over the course of decades, adjusting as it went to new climates and temperatures. It found damp woodlands and swamps most hospitable and made them its home, making use of the much and moss found there as blankets during its winter hibernation. The arachas hides its unprotected, sack-like abdomen under a covering of hollow tree-trunks worn on its back.
At first glance, a stationary arachas often looks like a part of the forest undergrowth, a fact it uses to deadly advantage when hunting. It usually begins a battle by spitting venom, then tries to grab its prey with prehensile feelers in order to drag it within reach of its crushing pincers.
Combat tactics
The Arachas hits hard plus its attacks are laced with poison. If players attempt to run away or keep a distance from this overgrown spider it will respond by shooting a sticky web stream which binds Geralt in place for a few seconds allowing the Arachas to charge in. Blindly hacking away at the Arachas from the front is unwise as it will cover itself with its pincers to mitigate damage and open Geralt up to a vicious counter-attack which can knock down.
Because of its size, Aard isn't going to knock it down no matter how high the Sign intensity. The other Signs are effective; Igni can immolate the Arachas allowing players to get in 1-2 strong hits, Quen nullifies the damage from one attack, Yrden slows the insect down to facilitate flanking and Axii keeps the Arachas pacified long enough to get into position for a slash at its less-protected rear.
The armoured arachas and venomous arachas can be fought using the same strategies and tactics as a regular Arachas, the only difference being the former taking more hits to go down while the latter's venom makes Golden Oriole a necessity for neutralising the potent poison.
See the GWENT standalone game version card: Arachas