The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Walkthroug

Embarking on the epic journey through the expansive, monster-infested world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can be as daunting as it is thrilling. With its deep lore, complex characters, and a myriad of quests, mastering this game requires more than just skill—it demands comprehensive guidance. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt walkthrough serves as a crucial tool for players aiming to uncover every secret, complete every quest, and achieve the best possible outcomes. Given the game's rich narrative and intricate gameplay mechanics, a complete walkthrough can significantly enhance the player experience, making it essential for both newcomers and seasoned veterans alike.

This article meticulously covers The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt walkthrough gameplay part 1 to the final showdown with the Wild Hunt, offering detailed insights into each major area of the game, including White Orchard, Velen - No Man's Land, Novigrad, and the Skellige Isles. From the initial preparations at Kaer Morhen to the culminating battles that decide the fate of Geralt and Cirilla, this guide is structured to provide step-by-step support through this vast world. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive the Witcher 3 walkthrough guide or specific strategies for conquering the game's numerous challenges, our walkthrough promises to be an invaluable companion as you navigate through the Northern Realms in pursuit of your ultimate quest.

Getting Started with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Game Overview

"The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" is an action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt RED, 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 game resumes Geralt's story after the events of "The Witcher 2," where the Northern Realms face an occupation force from Nilfgaard. Players receive a mysterious letter from Geralt’s former lover, the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg, setting off a quest that spans continents to find Yennefer and reunite with his lost protege Ciri. With over 100 hours of additional content beyond the main quests, players can engage in side quests, crafting, alchemy, and the popular card game Gwent.

System Requirements

To ensure a smooth gaming experience, it's essential to meet the system requirements for "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt." The minimum system requirements include:

• OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or 64-bit Windows 8 (8.1)
• Processor: Intel CPU Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz or AMD A10-5800K APU (3.8GHz)
• Graphics: Nvidia GPU GeForce GTX 660 or AMD GPU Radeon HD 7870
• RAM: 6GB
• Disk Space: 50 GB

For enhanced graphics and performance, the recommended specifications are:

• OS: 64-bit Windows 7 or 64-bit Windows 8 (8.1)
• Processor: Intel CPU Core i7 3770 3.4GHz or AMD CPU AMD FX-8350 4GHz
• Graphics: Nvidia GPU GeForce GTX 770 or AMD GPU Radeon R9 290
• RAM: 6GB
• Disk Space: 50 GB

Players aiming for the highest settings, such as Ultra settings with Ray Tracing, should consider even more robust specifications.

Game Settings and Customization

Adjusting game settings is crucial for optimizing performance and gameplay experience. Players can modify various settings such as shadow quality, terrain quality, water quality, and texture detail according to their system's capabilities. It's advisable to start with default settings and adjust based on performance and visual preferences.

• Graphics Settings: Adjust the brightness level to suit your display and preferences, especially since some game areas can be quite dark. Players can also toggle features like hardware cursor and DLSS frame generation, depending on their hardware.
• Control Settings: Customize control options to enhance gameplay comfort, including keybindings and controller settings. For instance, players can choose to use a standard Windows cursor or The Witcher cursor based on their preference.
• Audio Settings: Modify subtitle size and font, and manage audio levels to balance dialogue, effects, and background music effectively.

For those with compatible hardware, enabling Nvidia Reflex low latency can reduce input lag, and users with 40 series Nvidia cards can take advantage of DLSS settings for smoother frame rates.

By carefully adjusting these settings, players can tailor their gaming experience to match their personal preferences and hardware capabilities, ensuring an immersive journey through the rich, detailed world of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt."

Prologue: Kaer Morhen

The journey through "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" begins with a captivating prologue set in Kaer Morhen, a fortress that serves as the home base for Geralt of Rivia, also known as the White Wolf. This initial phase is crucial for players, as it lays down the foundation of gameplay mechanics and story elements that will be encountered throughout the game.

Introduction to Training

The prologue kicks off in Yennefer's bedroom, where players must use their Witcher Senses to locate a key lying atop an open book on one of the tables. This first task introduces players to the Witcher Senses mechanic, a pivotal gameplay feature that allows Geralt to track quests and detect clues in his environment. After finding the key, players proceed to the lower floor of the fortress to meet with Vesemir and Ciri. Here, players have the option to engage in a race to the lower courtyard, teaching the basics of movement including sprinting, climbing, jumping over obstacles, and descending from heights safely.

Meeting Ciri

Upon reaching the lower courtyard, Vesemir presents the option to partake in sparring. Players can choose to be reminded of the combat basics or dive straight into training. Opting for the tutorial covers essential combat techniques such as selecting the appropriate sword for the fight, marking targets, executing fast and strong attacks, dodging, counterattacking, utilizing Witcher signs, and deploying bombs. This segment not only reinforces the combat mechanics but also strengthens the bond between Geralt and Ciri, setting the stage for their intertwined destinies.

Completing Kaer Morhen

As the prologue concludes, players are introduced to the narrative's depth and the emotional stakes at play. The training session ends with a dramatic cutscene where Ciri, demonstrating her skills, knocks off a dummy's helmet, which she then retrieves. This moment is abruptly interrupted as Geralt senses danger, and the weather shifts ominously, heralding the appearance of the Wild Hunt. This sequence, revealing itself to be a dream, effectively foreshadows the challenges and adversaries Geralt and Ciri will face together. It's a poignant reminder of the stakes involved in their journey and the relentless pursuit by the Wild Hunt.

The Prologue: Kaer Morhen not only serves as an introduction to the game's mechanics but also effectively sets the tone for the narrative that unfolds. Players learn the basics of combat, movement, and interaction within the game world, all while being drawn into the rich story and character dynamics that make "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" a deeply engaging experience.

White Orchard

White Orchard serves as the first significant area players explore in "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" after the tutorial at Kaer Morhen. It's a region marked by the simplicity of its farming communities, yet recently, it has been scarred by conflict. The aftermath of battles stains its fields, and a Nilfgaardian Outpost stands as a sign of the ongoing war, just north of the main town. This area is crucial for players to familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics, engage in initial quests, and start unraveling the game's rich narrative.

Main Quests

1. Lilac and Gooseberries: Players embark on a quest to find Yennefer, encountering various characters and learning more about the game's world.
2. The Beast of White Orchard: This quest introduces players to their first significant challenge, a griffin terrorizing the locals. It serves as a comprehensive tutorial on preparation and combat strategies against formidable foes.

Side Quests

White Orchard is home to a variety of side quests that provide players with opportunities to explore the area further, gain experience, and collect valuable items. Notable side quests include:

• A Frying Pan, Spick and Span: A seemingly simple task that immerses players in the local culture and the impact of war.
• Missing in Action: A quest that delves into the consequences of the conflict, requiring players to make moral decisions.
• On Death's Bed: This quest emphasizes the importance of alchemy in the game, as players must brew a potion to save a character's life.
• Precious Cargo: A short quest that introduces players to the detective aspects of gameplay, using Witcher Senses to solve a mystery.
• Twisted Firestarter: A quest that explores the theme of justice in a war-torn land, asking players to investigate an arson case.

Additionally, players can engage in Witcher Contracts and Treasure Hunts, such as the Contract: Devil by the Well and Scavenger Hunt: Viper School Gear, enhancing their understanding of combat and exploration.

Exploration and Hidden Treasures

Exploring White Orchard reveals its rich landscape filled with hidden treasures and guarded secrets. Players are encouraged to visit notice boards for leads or simply wander off the beaten path to discover what lies hidden. Guarded treasures often challenge players with tough enemies but reward them with rare loot, including weapons, armor, and crafting diagrams. Key locations for exploration include:

• Guarded Treasures: Found along the swampy road near the Nilfgaardian Garrison, south of White Orchard by the riverbank, and in various other secretive locations. Each site presents unique challenges, from groups of wolves to powerful wraiths guarding the treasures.
• Hidden Treasures: These are not marked on the map and require keen observation and exploration to uncover. From the spoils of war in the river east of the Nilfgaardian Garrison to secret treasures near the abandoned mill, each discovery adds to the richness of the game's world.

White Orchard is a microcosm of the vast, intricate world of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt". Through its main quests, side quests, and the encouragement of exploration, players gain the foundational skills and knowledge needed for the adventures that lie ahead.

Velen - No Man's Land

Velen, also known as No Man's Land, is a vast and sprawling region in "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt." It's a place ravaged by war, where danger and intrigue lurk around every corner. This section delves into the main quests, side quests, Witcher contracts, and points of interest that players will encounter in this perilous yet fascinating area.

Main Quests

Velen is home to 11 main quests, each unfolding automatically as players complete the preceding one. These quests are pivotal in advancing the storyline and involve significant characters and complex narratives that deepen the player's immersion into the game's world.

Side Quests

There are 35 side quests available in Velen, which players can initiate through various means such as interacting with notice boards or directly engaging with quest givers. These quests offer a deeper look into the lives of Velen's inhabitants and provide challenges that range in difficulty. Completing these quests not only enriches the game experience but also aids in leveling up Geralt’s abilities.

Witcher Contracts

Velen offers 11 Witcher contracts, obtainable from notice boards across the region. These contracts task Geralt with tracking and eliminating monsters plaguing the area. Each contract provides a unique challenge and requires players to study the bestiary to understand and exploit the monster’s weaknesses effectively.

Points of Interest

The region of Velen is dotted with 127 exploration points, which players can discover by visiting notice boards or simply exploring. These points often reveal hidden treasures, guarded secrets, and challenging foes. Additionally, there are 6 Places of Power in Velen, with 5 located in the southern part of the region, offering opportunities for enhancing Geralt’s abilities.

Navigating through Velen is a significant part of "The Witcher 3" experience, with its rich quests and intriguing points of interest that provide both challenges and rewards. Engaging in these activities not only progresses the game but also deepens the player's engagement with the intricate world CD Projekt RED has crafted.

Novigrad

Novigrad stands as a beacon of diversity and culture in "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," bustling with activity and ripe with opportunities for Geralt to explore. This section delves into the main quests, side quests, and the unique Gwent challenges that players will encounter in the Free City.

Main Quests

The journey through Novigrad presents players with several pivotal quests that are crucial for advancing the storyline and uncovering the fate of key characters. Among these quests are:

1. Pyres of Novigrad: Players navigate the city's underbelly, making new allies and facing the witch hunters head-on.
2. Novigrad Dreaming: A quest that delves into the supernatural, requiring players to use their Witcher senses to solve a haunting mystery.
3. Broken Flowers: Geralt embarks on a quest to find his old friend Dandelion, leading to encounters with Novigrad's most colorful inhabitants.
4. Get Junior: A deep dive into the city's criminal underworld, challenging players to outwit one of Novigrad's most notorious gang leaders.
5. Count Reuven's Treasure: A thrilling treasure hunt that tests players' detective skills and decision-making.
6. The Play's The Thing: Where players produce a theatrical play to send a secret message, blending creativity with strategy.
7. A Poet Under Pressure: A rescue mission that culminates the Dandelion quest line with high stakes and dramatic confrontations.

Side Quests

Novigrad is teeming with side quests that enrich the game's world, providing depth to the city's lore and offering valuable rewards. Notable side quests include:

• A Deadly Plot and Redania's Most Wanted: Intriguing quests that involve political machinations and espionage.
• Carnal Sins: A dark quest that has Geralt tracking a serial killer through the city's streets.
• Cabaret and Carnal Sins: Quests that further explore Dandelion's character and his ventures in Novigrad.
• Gwent: Big City Players: A quest that challenges players to defeat some of the best Gwent players in Novigrad for unique cards.

Additionally, contracts like The White Lady and The Oxenfurt Drunk offer challenging battles and intriguing mysteries for Geralt to solve.

Gwent and Other Activities

Novigrad is a haven for Gwent enthusiasts, with numerous top-class players scattered throughout the city, each offering a unique challenge and the opportunity to win powerful cards. Key players include:

• Vimme Vivaldi at the Vivaldi Bank on Hierarch Square, known for his Scoia'tael deck.
• Marquise Serenity at the Passiflora, wielding a formidable Nilfgaardian deck.
• Sigismund Dijkstra at his bathhouse, playing the Northern Realms deck.
• A Scoia'tael merchant at the trading camp outside Novigrad, also favoring the Scoia'tael deck.

Victories against these players not only enhance Geralt's Gwent deck but also prepare him for greater challenges ahead.

In addition to Gwent, players can engage in various activities around Novigrad, from uncovering hidden treasures to participating in street races. Each activity offers a glimpse into the city's rich tapestry of stories and characters, making Novigrad a memorable part of Geralt's journey in "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt."

Skellige Isles

Main Quests

The journey to the Skellige Isles begins with the main quest "Destination: Skellige," which is triggered after completing "Imperial Audience." Players must navigate the complexities of securing passage to Skellige, which involves interacting with multiple ship captains at the harbor. This quest not only unlocks the Skellige region for exploration but also sets the stage for further adventures in this rugged and stormy territory.

Once in Skellige, players are drawn into the political intrigue and vibrant culture of the isles through quests like "The King is Dead – Long Live the King" at Kaer Trolde, where they must navigate a series of ceremonial and diplomatic challenges. Other significant quests include "Echoes of the Past" and "The Calm Before the Storm," both set in Ard Skellig, offering deep dives into the mystical and historical aspects of the region.

Side Quests

Skellige is teeming with a rich array of side quests that reflect its unique cultural and environmental backdrop. These quests range from the mystical "In Wolf's Clothing" and the thrilling "Iron Maiden" to the challenging Witcher contracts like "Here Comes the Groom" and "Missing Son," where players face formidable foes in the form of mythical beasts and monsters. Each quest is designed to provide insights into the daily lives and traditions of the Skellige people, as well as offering substantial rewards and experience points.

Players can also engage in treasure hunts like "Scavenger Hunt: Bear School Gear," which lead them across various parts of the isles in search of legendary Witcher gear. These quests not only add to the lore but also equip players with powerful items necessary for survival in the harsh Skellige environment.

Exploration of the Isles

Exploring the Skellige Isles offers a breathtaking experience where the wild landscapes and the ancient Nordic-inspired culture come to life. Players are encouraged to traverse the diverse terrains of Ard Skellig, Hinsarsfjall, Faroe, Spikeroog, and An Skellig. Each island features its own set of challenges and secrets waiting to be discovered.

The exploration is enriched with various activities including uncovering hidden treasures guarded by mythical creatures, solving ancient riddles, and participating in local customs and games. The isles are dotted with mysterious ruins, dense forests, and towering mountains, all of which contain clues and items that contribute to the overarching narrative and player's progress.

Navigating through Skellige is made easier with the availability of fast travel points, which players can unlock by purchasing maps from local vendors or by exploring. This feature is crucial as it allows players to efficiently manage their journey across the sprawling archipelago, ensuring that they can experience every aspect of Skellige's rich storytelling and immersive gameplay.

Kaer Morhen and Final Preparations

Main Quests

The pivotal chapter of "Kaer Morhen and Final Preparations" in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt involves a series of crucial quests that set the stage for the game's climactic battles. Following the return from Bald Mountain, Geralt and Ciri engage in the "Final Preparations" quest, which is crucial for rallying allies and strategizing for the impending confrontation with Eredin, the leader of the Wild Hunt. This quest serves as an umbrella for several sub-quests that must be completed to ensure that all preparations are in place.

1. Battle Preparations: This main quest begins in the Skellige area and is comprised of three smaller quests. The sequence in which these quests are completed does not alter the outcome, providing players with flexibility in their approach.
2. Reason of State: Before proceeding to the final battle, players must ensure this critical quest is completed, as it significantly influences the game's political landscape and the available resources for the final confrontation.

Preparing for the Final Battle

As Geralt and his allies conclude their preparations, they gather at Kaer Trolde Harbor to finalize their plans. The following steps outline the essential actions taken during this phase:

1. Securing the Sunstone: Geralt needs this ancient elven artifact to lure Eredin and trap him. The quest to find the Sunstone involves consulting with Ermion and then assisting Philippa Eilhart in the ruins to locate it.
2. Alliance with Sorceresses: Thanks to the efforts of Triss and Yennefer, the team secures additional support from powerful sorceresses, including the crucial ally, Fringilla Vigo. Their magical prowess is essential for the battle strategy against the Wild Hunt.
3. Ciri’s Preparation: With all physical preparations complete, Geralt focuses on preparing Ciri mentally and emotionally for her confrontation with Eredin. This involves strategic discussions and emotional support to bolster her confidence and resolve.

The culmination of these efforts is a carefully orchestrated plan involving all allies, leading to the decisive battle against the Wild Hunt on the icy plains of Undvik. As the preparations conclude, players are poised to engage in one of the most epic sequences of the game, testing all the skills and alliances they have developed throughout their journey.

The Endgame: Cirilla and the Wild Hunt

In the climactic moments of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the fates of Geralt, Ciri, and their allies converge in a series of final missions that determine the outcome of their battle against the Wild Hunt and the fate of the world itself. The decisions made by players in these critical moments shape the resolution of the story, offering different endings based on the choices concerning Ciri's path and her confrontation with the White Frost.

Final Missions

The endgame is set into motion with Avallac'h taking Ciri and using her power to cause worlds to collide, leading to a chaotic scenario where Geralt and Yennefer must dodge meteors and otherworldly monsters. The urgency of this situation doesn't leave room for combat; the primary goal is to reach Avallac'h. Upon confronting him, it's revealed that Avallac'h has no intention of harm, and Ciri's determination to destroy the White Frost is unveiled. This pivotal moment is the culmination of the journey shared by Geralt and Ciri, highlighting the trust and freedom Geralt has instilled in her.

1. Escape the Chaos: Players must navigate through a tumultuous environment, emphasizing the urgency of reaching Ciri.
2. Confrontation at the Tower: The encounter with Avallac'h reveals his true intentions and sets the stage for Ciri's ultimate test.
3. Ciri's Decision: The dialogue here allows players to express their final words of encouragement or caution to Ciri before she faces her destiny.

Different Endings and How to Achieve Them

The resolution of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is deeply influenced by the choices made during the quests "Battle Preparations," "Blood on the Battlefield," and "Final Preparations." These decisions reflect Geralt's influence on Ciri, shaping her confidence and resolve in the face of existential threats.

These endings underscore the importance of Geralt's role as a mentor and father figure to Ciri, illustrating how his guidance—or lack thereof—directly impacts her ability to face her destiny. Each ending carries its own set of cutscenes and narrative closure, reflecting the culmination of the choices made throughout the game.

In summary, the endgame of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a profound exploration of choice, consequence, and the bonds that define us. Through the final missions and the differing endings, players witness the culmination of their journey with Geralt and Ciri, making the conclusion of this epic saga a deeply personal experience shaped by the choices they've made.

Conclusion

Throughout the expansive journey in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players are equipped with an elaborate guide that ensures no stone is left unturned, from the misty peaks of Kaer Morhen to the mythical lands of Skellige. This walkthrough has served as a companion in navigating the intricate paths, mastering quests, and unveiling the rich tapestry of a world where every action and decision carves out a unique narrative. By leaning on the critical strategies, insights, and comprehensive coverage of game mechanics provided, players are empowered to strategize, explore, and conquer the game's numerous challenges, thereby enriching their overall gaming experience.

The significance of this guide extends beyond mere gameplay, shedding light on the broader implications of narrative choices and their impact on the game's world and its characters. As players forge their paths, intertwined with the fates of Geralt, Ciri, and the myriad of complex characters they meet, the guide underscores the importance of thoughtful decision-making and strategic planning. It leaves players with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper appreciation for the narrative artistry and immersive world-building that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers, urging them to explore further, delve deeper, and perhaps even reconsider the choices they make in subsequent playthroughs for a different experience each time.

FAQs

1. In what order should the main quests in Witcher 3 be completed?
While there is no specific recommended order for completing the main quests in The Witcher 3, players should feel free to pursue the storylines that interest them most. If a particular quest line captivates you, follow it to its conclusion; otherwise, you can skip it without consequence.

2. How can I initiate the Master Master Quest in The Witcher 3?
The Master Master Quest can be started by visiting the Gran'place notice board and picking up the side quest. Once you have the quest, you should speak with the grandmaster smith Lafargue to proceed and also unlock additional Scavenger Hunt side quests.

3. Is it possible to complete all quests in The Witcher 3 in a single playthrough?
Completing every quest in a single playthrough of The Witcher 3 is not possible. Many quests and the availability of certain side quests are influenced by the decisions you make throughout the game. For example, the outcomes in the Baron’s quest line are directly affected by your choices.

4. Can you fail the main quests in The Witcher 3?
While you cannot officially "fail" a main quest in The Witcher 3, it is possible to fail certain objectives within those quests. Additionally, some connected side quests, such as "Possession" or "The Lord of Undvik," can be failed depending on the actions you take.