Do The Witcher Games Carry Over?
The Witcher series, consisting of three main games – The Witcher, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – is a beloved franchise with a dedicated fan base. While each game is its own standalone story, the Witcher series is also notorious for its complex plot threads, character developments, and continuity between games. But do the games really carry over? Let’s dive in and explore this topic further.
From The Witcher 1 to The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings
Starting from the beginning, if you’ve played The Witcher 1, you may have noticed that it sets the stage for The Witcher 2. By selecting "New Game" and then "Import Witcher 1 Save" in the main menu of The Witcher 2, you can transfer your progress from the first game. This carries over the choices you made, skills, and gear in the first game to The Witcher 2, providing a seamless experience between the two games. In addition, some scenes in The Witcher 1 foreshadow the events in The Witcher 2, adding a rich layer of depth to the storytelling.
No Immediate Carrying Over in The Witcher 3
Moving on to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the process becomes a bit more complex. Unfortunately, there is no direct carrying over from The Witcher 2 to The Witcher 3. Neither The Witcher 1 nor The Witcher 2 save files are supported in The Witcher 3. The games have distinct storylines and narratives, and there’s no way to carry over characters, skills, or items from the previous two games.
Impact of Importing Witcher 1 Save in Witcher 2
To help bridge the gap, we’ll explore the effect of importing a Witcher 1 save in Witcher 2. Here’s a summary:
• No Orens: One crucial aspect to keep in mind is that, even with an imported Witcher 1 save, the inheritance of Orens is still limited. You might still face some issues.
• DLC Item Compatibility: Some DLC items purchased for The Witcher 2 may not work when imported from The Witcher 1 save, specifically potions and ingredients. A clean start might be preferable to avoid potential glitches.
• No Name Tagging: Although Yennefer and Geralt receive their names in Witcher 2, any reference to Ciri from The Witcher 1 only occurs indirectly.
Merging Storylines – Indirect Connections
Both Witcher 1 and 2 mention Ciri indirectly, setting the stage for her pivotal role in The Witcher 3. Additionally, a connection to the previous two games lies in the following instances:
• Continuation of the Continent: The Witcher Continent itself continues to evolve, revealing subtle connections between each installment.
• Elves and Humans: Important relationships between Elves, particularly Ciri, and their involvement in the subsequent game events are hinted at and eventually resolved in The Witcher 3.
• The Nilfgaardian Empire’s Endurance: The conflict involving the Nilfgaardian Empire is built upon from The Witcher 1, emphasizing their rivalry in the subsequent games.
• The White Orchard Incident: The White Orchard in The Witcher 1 has a direct bearing on events in The Witcher 2 and hints at a larger conspiracy resolved in The Witcher 3.
In-Depth Connection: Witcher Saga Explained
The complete saga of the White Witch, including the storyline leading up to The Witcher 3, will explore Ciri’s history in-depth. This series concludes with the revelation that Yennefer, also called "The White Wolf" or "The Bloody White" in the saga, becomes the White Queen while Ciri grows closer to her destiny, aligning with the ending and postscripts seen in the entire game saga.
{“It was a wild run that ultimately led to that grand conclusion, with its 21 different endings.” ~ David Jaffe, Games for Breakfast}
No Ultimate "Carryover," but a Rich Franchise History
While we acknowledge the lack of immediate continuity between games, each chapter builds upon the next in an intricate narrative weave, resulting in a thrilling fantasy epic. Throughout, subtle connections and events guide us through the trilogy’s narrative, ultimately giving depth and meaning to this breathtakingly complex storyworld.
Remember, do keep your Witcher spirit curious and be willing to engage with the subtle mysteries between games, fostering the bond between you, as a player, and The Witcher world as we, ‘wheighing the pros and the cons, and embracing it.’