In What Order Should You Play the Witcher 3 DLC?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an award-winning action role-playing game developed by CD Projekt Red. The game has a vast open world, an intricate storyline, and plenty of DLC (downloadable content) packs to extend the gameplay experience. Deciding which DLC to play and in what order can be overwhelming, especially for new players. In this article, we’ll break down the best order to play the Witcher 3 DLC, helping you navigate the vast world of The Continent.
Why Release Order Matters
Release order is the most widely recommended approach to playing the Witcher 3 DLC. This means playing the expansions in the order they were released: Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine, and the smaller free DLC packs. Playing in release order ensures that you’ll experience the story and game world in the intended order, without missing out on critical plot points or quests.
Hearts of Stone: A High-Stakes Adventure
Hearts of Stone is the first DLC expansion for The Witcher 3, and it’s a high-level quest line that requires your character to be at least level 30. The story follows Geralt, as he takes on the quest of the Wild Hunt and faces off against his former friend, Shupe. Hearts of Stone is an exciting and challenging adventure that expands on the main storyline.
Blood and Wine: A New Region to Explore
Blood and Wine is the second and final DLC expansion for The Witcher 3. It introduces a new region, Toussaint, and a vast open world to explore. The story follows Geralt as he becomes embroiled in a murder mystery, and he must unravel the complex web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth. Blood and Wine is a standalone expansion that doesn’t require you to play Hearts of Stone beforehand, but it’s highly recommended to play in the intended order.
Play Order Summary
Here’s a summary of the best order to play the Witcher 3 DLC:
- Main Game: Complete the main game storyline before moving on to the DLC.
- Hearts of Stone: Play Hearts of Stone after completing the main game, as it requires your character to be at least level 30.
- Blood and Wine: Play Blood and Wine after completing Hearts of Stone, as it introduces a new region and story arc.
- Smaller Free DLC Packs: Play the smaller free DLC packs, such as "Arena" and " CONTRACT: Take What Is Yours," at any time after completing the main game and DLC expansions.
Playing in a Different Order
If you’re short on time or prefer to play out of order, you can still enjoy the Witcher 3 DLC. However, keep in mind that you may miss out on some critical plot points and story arcs. If you decide to play in a different order, make sure to:
- Start a new game: Each DLC expansion has its own separate storyline, so start a new game to experience each expansion as intended.
- Complete the main game: Ensure you complete the main game storyline before diving into the DLC to avoid spoilers and missing important quests.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when playing the Witcher 3 DLC:
- Level up your character: Make sure your character is at least level 30 before playing Hearts of Stone, as it requires a high level to fully appreciate the story and challenges.
- Explore and enjoy: Take your time to explore the vast open world, complete quests, and enjoy the game’s atmospheric soundtrack and visuals.
- Use your skills: Master your skills and potions to overcome the challenges presented in the DLC expansions.
- Save often: Make sure to save frequently to avoid losing progress and to experiment with different story choices.
Conclusion
The Witcher 3 DLC offers a wealth of additional content to extend your gameplay experience. By following the recommended release order and completing the main game storyline first, you’ll ensure the most immersive and engaging experience. Whether you’re new to the series or a seasoned veteran, the Witcher 3 DLC is an essential part of the gaming experience.