Even with the Next-Gen update, The Witcher 3 remains one of the deepest RPGs ever made. This guide covers everything a first-time player should know — without spoiling major story beats.
Choose the right difficulty
Start on Story and Sword (normal) unless you have Soulslike experience. The combat is punishing until you learn to parry-dodge and manage signs. You can raise difficulty at any time, but lowering it resets some achievement progress.
Core progression tips
- Do side quests before main quests. Most side quests auto-scale to your level, but levelling past them reduces XP rewards.
- Prioritise Witcher Gear — the crafting diagrams scattered across the map unlock sets that are stronger than any random loot.
- Buy recipes, don’t hoard ingredients. Alchemy is Witcher 3’s hidden depth — once crafted, potions are free to re-brew using alcohol.
Essential side content
- A Towerful of Mice — unlocks a unique oil and reveals core world lore.
- Wandering in the Dark — crucial for the Keira Metz relationship arc.
- Family Matters → Ladies of the Wood — these two Velen quests heavily affect the ending.
- Hearts of Stone expansion — 10-hour side story many players consider better than the main campaign.
- Blood and Wine expansion — 30 hours in Toussaint, start it at level 35+.
Combat essentials
Witcher 3 rewards preparation. Before any major fight:
- Meditate to refill potions and restore toxicity.
- Apply the right oil for the enemy type — check the bestiary.
- Keep at least two signs maxed early: Quen for survival, Igni for crowd damage.
Best endings
There are three possible endings for Ciri, and they hinge on just five specific choices throughout the game. Without spoilers: be a father figure, let her express her feelings, and take her to visit the Emperor only when she asks. Doing all three unlocks the “good” ending.
Final advice
Don’t rush. The Witcher 3 is best savoured over 100+ hours. Every NPC has real dialogue, every village has its own subplot. Slow down, read the books you pick up — the world is the true reward.