I have put points into arrow blocking and have it as part of the mutigen tree thing whatsit on the side in my character sheet, but it seems that blocking for me is more or less random. I try clicking, but no matter how fast I am I almost never get the timing right. Is there some tell I should look for, beside just seeing the arc of the arrow tracing into my skull? Or is it more likely to be a controller thing? Or do I just suck?

I am using KB / M for controls and have block set to a mouse button, but Angry Joe reckons it runs better with a controller.

Any help much appreciated!

PS, just thought - I am wearing Griffin armour, so have a Signs build. Is blocking arrows easier with a more sword focused build?

Just keep the block button pressed, while someone is firing arrows at you!

If you counter parry (timed block) or what ever they call it in this game you can reflect arrows back at them at higher levels.

That's the thing - I have three levels put into blocking arrows, and no matter what I do I can't seem to block them, and I certainly can't get the timing right. I think I managed it once.

I may try with a controller for a bit and see if that changes anything.

It's been a while since the Q was asked, but I think this has the best answer for me! I have changed tactics from trying to figure out how to block to just slaughtering anyone with a bow first. That'll teach the ballistic bastages to try and take me on from a distance!

If you get the timing right, you can also use aard to blast the arrow away. Geralt seems a little dumb when someone is shooting him from distance. Takes the arrow, grunts, and still can't put up the block. I find I have to run in, smack an enemy or two before I can get him to block. Hope the above helps.

That's right, that's the biggest problem with this skill. When you are that far away Geralt "stands down", and resumes regular movement instead of combat movement. So holding block just does witcher vision.
I love the skill, it's so satisfying to kill a guy with his own arrows, but having to run over to him to make Geralt enter combat stance, then get away far enough to have enough time to counter the arrow is really annoying.