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Beginner's Guide - Witcher 3 Features and Things to Know
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an Action Role-Playing game developed by CD Projekt RED. It was first released on May 19, 2015 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It has since been re-released for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The Witcher 3 is one of the most critically acclaimed RPGs to release in the last several years. With the new Next-Gen Updates, now is the best time to jump in and explore the vast world of Geralt of Rivia. If you are a new player, then The Witcher 3 might feel incredibly overwhelming, but this guide will provide the basic mechanics of the game, including how Witcher gear works, how to play the Gwent card game, how to upgrade your character's abilities, how alchemy works, and more.
Other Helpful Pages:
- Things The Witcher 3 Doesn't Tell You
- Tips and Tricks
- Biggest Changes in the Next-Gen Update
Game Overview
The Witcher 3 resumes Geralt's story after the events of The Witcher 2, which finds the Northern Realms under attack by a Nilfgaardian occupation force. He recieves a mysterious letter from his former lover, the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg. Geralt sets off on a quest to find Yennefer that will span continents and reunite him with his lost protege Ciri.
The Basics
The Witcher 3 is an enormous game that features open-world exploration, side quests, main quests, crafting, alchemy, and Gwent, a popular card game. There are a lot of activities to do in the game and you can easily spend 100+ hours on the extra content on top of the main quests.
Character Abilities
In your travels, Geralt will gain ability points (both by leveling up, and discovering Places of Power for the first time). You will be able to spend these ability points on Character Abilities, which can be customized and improved to customize your ideal Witcher.
First you will have to unlock a desired skill from one of the four trees: Combat, Signs, Alchemy, or General. Once you have unlocked a skill, you will then need to apply it on the diagram on the right. You will only have so many slots open to you (A total of 12 ability slots and 4 mutagen slots) which means that you will either need to be very careful about how you build Geralt, or remember to swap out skills to properly meet each challenge you face.
For more information, check out these Guides:
Gear Upgrades
During your adventures, Geralt is able to obtain Gear Upgrades that boosts your abilities and signs. Only certain armor and weapons can be upgraded, as noted by empty slots. Once applied, the upgrade can either be removed - destroying the upgrade, and making room for a new upgrade, or the item can be dismantled, and the upgrade returned.
For more information check out these Guides:
Crafting
Geralt can find various crafting schematics and diagrams, which can then be used to create weapons and armor (provided he has the necessary components). Once you have the diagram, you must take it to either a Blacksmith or Armorer who can then craft the desired item for you. Note that only Armorer can craft armor, and Blacksmiths can only craft weapons.
Pieces of Witcher Gear are special Crafting Diagrams that are designed specifically by and for Witchers. These green-labeled items are often upgradable, and are some of the most powerful in the game. They can be found by exploring the open world, completing side quests and purchasing maps from merchants.
For more information, check out these Guides:
Alchemy
Alchemy is the process of converting substances into other materials, and vice versa. In The Witcher, alchemy is used to craft Potions, Oils, Bombs and other useful items that Geralt can use to enhance his efficiency in combat.
For more information, check out these Guides:
Sex and Romance
One of the major choices you'll make in The Witcher 3 is who to romance. Whether you're looking to romance Yennefer or Triss Merigold, here is everything you need to know about all of the women that Geralt can romance during his quest, as well as a brief walkthrough of each mission he must complete in order to unlock these carnal interactions.
For more information, check out this guide. Warning: the guide includes information about the NSFW sex scenes in The Witcher 3.
Things To Do
There are many things to do in The Witcher 3 apart from the Main Quest. These include Side Quests, Monster Hunts, Horse Races and Gwent. These activities will often yield rewards.
Main Quests
These Witcher 3 walkthroughs will guide you through all of the main story missions across all the major regions and continents and include all the relevant images you'll need to track down unique treasure, locate your objectives, and tips for defeating enemies and bosses alike.
For more information, check out these guides:
- Walkthrough
- Wild Hunt Quests
- Hearts of Stone Quests
- Blood and Win Quests
Side Quests
There are many quests in The Witcher 3, and the majority of those are glorious side quests. Most all side quests have a certain recommended level, and many are available only under certain conditions. Some affect other side quests in the area too. Take a look at our walkthrough guides below to navigate each location's unique quests.
For more information, check out these guides:
Monster Hunts
Witcher Contracts, also known as Monster Hunts are side quests that Geralt can undertake throughout the game world. These monster hunts will be given out, primarily, in villages, towns, and cities. Smaller contracts will be found on notice boards outside of inns while more major contracts, also possible to find on notice boards, will be given to Geralt by NPCs.
For more information, check out this guide:
Horse Races
Doing horse races is well worth your time! The saddlebags you earn will let you carry up to 160 items in your inventory, the racing saddles will give your horse more stamina, and with the blinders your horse won't get frightened by monsters so quickly. You will also earn a great deal of money for very little work (the 7th race alone gives you 700 coins and takes only 3 minutes). It's a good way to get some cash early in the game.
For more information, check out this guide:
Gwent Card Game
Gwent is a collectible card game that simulates two armies meeting on the battlefield. You will always find someone willing to play Gwent in the different towns you visit.
For more information, check out these guides:
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Initial Release: May 18, 2015
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