The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands as a testament to the rich storytelling and deep gameplay mechanics of the RPG genre. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this game not only captivates with its intricate narrative but also offers a vast open world teeming with quests, characters, and lore. For newcomers and veterans alike, navigating this sprawling adventure can be daunting. This comprehensive walkthrough aims to guide you through the game’s main story, side quests, and essential tips to help you maximize your experience in The Witcher 3.
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started: Basics and Preparation
1.1. Understanding the Game
Before diving into the main storyline, it’s important to grasp the core mechanics of The Witcher 3. The game combines an engaging narrative with a complex combat system, crafting, and exploration. As Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher with supernatural abilities, your primary goal is to find Ciri, the adopted daughter of Geralt, while navigating a world on the brink of war.
1.2. Character Creation and Customization
The Witcher 3 does not feature a traditional character creation system. Instead, you’ll be playing as Geralt, who comes with pre-defined attributes and abilities. However, you can customize Geralt’s gear and skills:
- Skills: Invest in skill points earned from leveling up to enhance Geralt’s combat abilities, alchemy, and signs (magical powers).
- Gear: Equip different swords, armor, and accessories. Each piece has unique bonuses that can affect your combat efficiency and survivability.
1.3. Game Difficulty
Choosing the right difficulty setting is crucial for an optimal experience. The Witcher 3 offers four difficulty levels:
- Story and Sword: Ideal for players focused on the narrative with minimal combat challenges.
- Blood and Broken Bones: Offers a balanced challenge, requiring a mix of combat skills and strategy.
- Death March: The highest difficulty, providing a tough combat experience that demands mastery of the game’s mechanics.
1.4. Essential Tips for Beginners
- Save Frequently: Regularly save your game to avoid losing progress, especially before challenging encounters.
- Explore Thoroughly: Take time to explore the world, as it is rich with hidden treasures, side quests, and lore.
- Manage Inventory: Keep your inventory organized and sell or dismantle items you don’t need to free up space.
2. Main Story Walkthrough
2.1. Prologue: The Beginning
“The Beast of White Orchard”
The game starts in White Orchard, where you’ll learn the basics of combat, exploration, and interacting with NPCs. Follow these steps:
- Meet the Nilfgaardian Officer: Head to the Nilfgaardian outpost and speak with the officer, who will provide you with information about the local situation.
- Search for Yennefer: Follow the quest marker to track down Yennefer, Geralt’s love interest. This involves investigating a series of clues and engaging in some early combat.
2.2. Act 1: Velen and Novigrad
“The Nilfgaardian Connection”
After leaving White Orchard, your journey takes you to Velen and Novigrad. Key quests in this section include:
- “The Bloody Baron”: Investigate the Bloody Baron’s estate in Velen. This questline involves exploring the Baron’s family history and dealing with various local issues. It’s one of the most significant quests in the game due to its deep narrative.
- “Family Matters”: Continue to explore the Baron’s past and resolve his family issues. This quest has multiple outcomes based on your choices.
- “The Last Wish”: Travel to Novigrad and meet various characters involved in the search for Ciri. This quest introduces you to several key figures and deepens the main storyline.
Exploring Novigrad
Novigrad is a bustling city filled with side quests, Gwent matches, and unique characters. Some notable side quests include:
- “A Dangerous Game”: Participate in a tournament with various opponents.
- “The Secret of the Eternal Fire”: Investigate the religious cult and its influence in the city.
2.3. Act 2: Skellige and Beyond
“The Skellige Isles”
Your journey continues to the Skellige Isles, known for their rugged landscapes and fierce inhabitants. Key quests include:
- “The King is Dead – Long Live the King”: Assist in the political intrigue surrounding the death of Skellige’s king. This questline involves interacting with various factions and characters in Skellige.
- “The Cave of Dreams”: Explore the mystical cave to uncover secrets and gain valuable insights into Ciri’s whereabouts.
Exploring Skellige
Skellige offers a range of side quests and exploration opportunities:
- “The Fists of Fury”: Participate in fistfighting tournaments across the Isles.
- “A Brother’s Keeper”: Help a fellow Witcher with a personal dilemma.
2.4. Act 3: The Final Act
“The Isle of Mists”
As you approach the final stages of the game, the focus shifts to locating Ciri and dealing with the impending threat of the Wild Hunt. Key quests include:
- “The Battle of Kaer Morhen”: Prepare for a major battle at Kaer Morhen, Geralt’s ancestral home. This quest involves gathering allies and strategizing for the upcoming fight.
- “The Last Wish”: Confront the Wild Hunt and face off against the main antagonist. This quest will test your combat skills and decision-making abilities.
Endgame Quests
The final quests involve wrapping up loose ends and preparing for the game’s conclusion:
- “A Matter of Life and Death”: Attend a masquerade ball and make critical decisions that impact the game’s ending.
- “Something More”: Conclude the main storyline and face the consequences of your choices.
3. Side Quests and Activities
3.1. Treasure Hunts
“Witcher Gear”
Treasure hunts involve locating and acquiring special Witcher gear. Some notable treasure hunts include:
- “Scavenger Hunt: Cat School Gear”: Find and collect the Cat School gear scattered across the world.
- “Scavenger Hunt: Wolf School Gear”: Complete the quest to obtain Wolf School gear, each piece offering unique bonuses.
3.2. Gwent
“Gwent Card Game”
Gwent is a card game that can be played with various NPCs. To excel in Gwent:
- Build a Strong Deck: Collect and upgrade Gwent cards from different merchants and quests.
- Challenge Opponents: Play against various opponents across the game world to earn unique cards and rewards.
3.3. Monster Contracts
“Hunting Contracts”
Monster contracts involve tracking and defeating specific creatures. Some notable contracts include:
- “Contract: The Devil by the Well”: Investigate and defeat a devil haunting a well in Velen.
- “Contract: The Merry Widow”: Deal with a ghostly widow terrorizing a local village.
3.4. Exploration and Collectibles
“Hidden Treasures”
Exploration in The Witcher 3 reveals hidden treasures, scenic vistas, and lore:
- Discover Hidden Locations: Explore caves, ruins, and abandoned buildings for valuable loot.
- Collect Monster Trophies: Defeat powerful monsters to collect trophies and display them in your home.
4. Combat and Strategy
4.1. Combat Mechanics
Combat in The Witcher 3 is dynamic and requires a blend of strategy and skill:
- Signs: Use magical signs like Aard, Igni, Quen, Yrden, and Axii to gain an advantage in battles.
- Weapons: Equip different swords and crossbows to suit various enemy types. Each weapon has unique attributes and effects.
4.2. Crafting and Alchemy
“Crafting and Potions”
Crafting and alchemy play a crucial role in enhancing Geralt’s abilities:
- Create Potions: Brew potions, bombs, and elixirs to aid in combat and exploration.
- Upgrade Gear: Use crafting materials to enhance and upgrade your gear.
5. Tips and Tricks
5.1. Efficient Exploration
- Use Fast Travel: Utilize signposts to quickly travel between discovered locations.
- Map Markers: Place map markers to track important locations and quest objectives.
5.2. Managing Inventory
- Organize Inventory: Regularly sort and manage your inventory to keep essential items accessible.
- Sell Unwanted Items: Sell or dismantle items you don’t need to free up space.
5.3. Engaging with NPCs
- Dialogue Choices: Pay attention to dialogue choices as they can affect the storyline and quest outcomes.
- Build Relationships: Engage with key NPCs to unlock additional quests and storylines.
6. Conclusion
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a masterpiece of the RPG genre, combining an engaging story with a rich and detailed world. This walkthrough aims to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the game’s complex landscape, from the main storyline to side quests and activities. By following this guide, you can enhance your gameplay experience, make informed decisions, and fully immerse yourself in Geralt’s epic adventure.
Whether you’re embarking on your first journey through The Witcher 3 or revisiting its world for a new playthrough, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your adventure. Enjoy the world of The Witcher, and may your path be filled with epic quests, memorable encounters, and triumphant victories.