The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a critically acclaimed open-world RPG developed by CD Projekt Red. It follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter (witcher), as he searches for his adoptive daughter, Ciri, while facing political intrigue and a looming supernatural threat known as the Wild Hunt. The walkthrough below covers the game's core systems, mechanics, and story progression.
Table of Contents
- Game Overview
- Core Mechanics
- Detailed Walkthrough
- Prologue
- Act 1: Velen, Novigrad, Skellige
- Act 2: Battle Preparations
- Act 3: Endgame
- Side Quests and Exploration
- Combat Tips and Strategies
- Crafting, Alchemy, and Upgrades
- Ending Variations
1. Game Overview
- Main Story Length: ~50 hours.
- Exploration/Side Content: 150+ hours.
- Playable Areas: White Orchard, Velen, Novigrad, Skellige Isles, Kaer Morhen, and more.
- Key Features:
- Open-world exploration.
- Choice-driven narrative with multiple endings.
- Tactical combat with swords, signs (magic), bombs, and potions.
2. Core Mechanics
Combat
- Two Swords:
- Steel (humans/beasts) and Silver (monsters).
- Signs:
- Aard (telekinetic push), Igni (fire), Yrden (magical trap), Quen (protective shield), Axii (mind control).
- Dodging/Rolling: Essential for avoiding attacks, especially against fast or large enemies.
Skills and Leveling
- Earn experience points (XP) to level up. Allocate points to:
- Combat: Focus on sword techniques.
- Signs: Enhance magical abilities.
- Alchemy: Improve potion/bomb effectiveness.
- General: Passive skills like health boosts.
Alchemy
- Brew potions, oils, and bombs using ingredients found in the world. Critical for tougher battles.
- Potions: Boost health or stamina.
- Oils: Apply to weapons for extra damage against specific enemy types.
Equipment and Upgrades
- Gear has levels and rarity (common, rare, relic, Witcher gear).
- Repair and upgrade at blacksmiths or armorers.
Choices and Consequences
- Choices made in dialogue and quests affect story outcomes and relationships.
3. Detailed Walkthrough
Prologue: White Orchard
Main Quests:
- Kaer Morhen Tutorial: Learn basic combat, alchemy, and exploration mechanics.
- Lilac and Gooseberries: Begin your search for Yennefer.
- Use Witcher senses to investigate clues.
- The Beast of White Orchard: Fight the Griffin (first major boss).
- Prepare by crafting the Thunderbolt potion and applying Hybrid Oil to your silver sword.
Tips for White Orchard:
- Explore thoroughly for loot and crafting materials.
- Complete side quests to earn XP before tackling the Griffin.
Act 1: Velen, Novigrad, and Skellige
Velen (No Man's Land)
Key Quests:
- The Nilfgaardian Connection: Investigate Ciri's whereabouts.
- Bloody Baron: Help the Baron find his missing family.
- Branching paths depending on your choices.
- Ladies of the Wood: Interact with the Crones of Crookback Bog.
- Decisions here affect later outcomes.
Major Boss: The Botchling
- Use Axii to calm it or fight directly. Quen and Specter Oil are critical.
Tips for Velen:
- Explore hidden treasure locations marked by "?" on the map.
- Avoid high-level enemies like Fiends and Leshens early on.
Novigrad
Key Quests:
- Pyres of Novigrad: Meet Triss Merigold.
- Count Reuven's Treasure: Solve a heist mystery and interact with key characters like Dijkstra.
- Get Junior: Hunt down the criminal Whoreson Junior.
Major Decision Point:
- Choosing to aid Triss or focus on main storylines impacts future dialogue and relationships.
Tips for Novigrad:
- Engage in Gwent matches to build your deck.
- Take on side quests involving mage persecution for additional lore and rewards.
Skellige Isles
Key Quests:
- The King is Dead – Long Live the King: Attend King Bran’s funeral and navigate political intrigue.
- The Lord of Undvik: Search for clues about Ciri's time on the isles.
- The Tower Outta Nowheres: A magical side quest with a unique reward.
Major Boss: Imlerith (Wild Hunt General) at Bald Mountain.
- Use heavy attacks, dodge frequently, and bring Elementa Oil.
Tips for Skellige:
- Explore underwater treasure and hidden islands for relic gear.
- Upgrade your boat to withstand Skellige’s rough seas.
Act 2: Battle Preparations
Key Locations: Kaer Morhen, Novigrad, Skellige.
Gather allies for the final battle with the Wild Hunt:
- Yennefer, Triss, Crach an Craite, and others.
Defend Kaer Morhen in the Battle of Kaer Morhen.
Major Boss: Caranthir (Wild Hunt Mage)
- Prepare with Frost resistance potions and Quen for his ice-based attacks.
Act 3: Endgame
Key Quests:
- Through Time and Space: Journey through dimensions with Avallac’h.
- Tedd Deireadh, The Final Age: Confront the Wild Hunt leader, Eredin.
Final Boss:
- Eredin uses teleportation and frost-based attacks.
- Dodge his heavy swings and counterattack during openings.
4. Side Quests and Exploration
- Witcher Contracts: Monster-hunting quests providing coin and gear.
- Treasure Hunts: Lead to Witcher gear sets (e.g., Griffin, Cat, Bear, and Wolf sets).
- Romance Options: Develop relationships with Triss, Yennefer, or others through dialogue and choices.
5. Combat Tips and Strategies
- Always keep swords repaired for maximum damage.
- Use potions like Swallow (health regen) and Tawny Owl (stamina regen).
- Exploit enemy weaknesses using specific oils and bombs.
6. Crafting, Alchemy, and Upgrades
- Witcher Gear: Find blueprints for powerful weapons and armor.
- Alchemy: Continuously upgrade potions and bombs using rare herbs.
- Runestones and Glyphs: Enhance gear with additional effects.
7. Ending Variations
Your decisions throughout the game determine:
- Ciri’s Fate: She becomes Empress, a Witcher, or vanishes.
- Geralt’s Relationships: Ends up with Yennefer, Triss, or alone.
- The World’s State: Depending on political alliances and quest outcomes.