Should I Complete Blood and Wine First?
As a gamer, you are probably eager to dive into the world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s expansion packs. Among the two major expansion packs, Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone, which one should you start with? In this article, we will explore the recommended order to experience both expansions and highlight the reasons why you should complete Blood and Wine first.
Why Complete Blood and Wine First?
Before answering the question, let’s take a look at what Blood and Wine offers:
- A New Protagonist: Unlike Hearts of Stone, Blood and Wine introduces a new protagonist, Toussaint, a wine region unlike anything seen in the Wild Hunt.
- Immersion: Blood and Wine’s story is more detached from the main game, allowing you to experience the world of The Witcher 3 without worrying about the main storyline.
- New Characters and Landscapes: Toussaint is home to various new characters, locations, and landscapes, providing an immersive experience.
- Better Visuals: Graphics-wise, Blood and Wine is more polished than Hearts of Stone, with lush environments and detailed character designs.
What Happens if I Play Hearts of Stone First?
- Story Disruption: Hearts of Stone’s storyline is closely tied to the main game, and completing it before Blood and Wine may disrupt the narrative experience.
- Missed Events: By playing Hearts of Stone first, you may miss out on certain events and quests that occur after Blood and Wine’s main storyline.
- Unstable Game Balance: Some gamers have reported that playing Hearts of Stone first can disrupt the game’s balance and make certain areas of Blood and Wine too easy.
When to Play Hearts of Stone?
Don’t worry; you still have the option to play Hearts of Stone! Our recommendation is to play both expansions in the following order:
- Finish the Main Game: First, complete the main game to ensure you have access to all the necessary upgrades and experience.
- Blood and Wine: Next, play Blood and Wine to experience the standalone story and new protagonist.
- Hearts of Stone: After completing Blood and Wine, play Hearts of Stone to tie into the main game’s story and experience the connected events.
Key Takeaways
- Blood and Wine First: For the best experience, complete Blood and Wine first to explore the new world, storyline, and characters.
- Hearts of Stone Second: Play Hearts of Stone after completing Blood and Wine to maintain the immersion and narrative flow.
- Main Game First: Always finish the main game before diving into the expansion packs to ensure you’re prepared for the experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, completing Blood and Wine first provides a more immersive experience, with a detached storyline and new characters, landscapes, and graphics to explore. By playing them in the recommended order, you’ll ensure a consistent narrative flow and a satisfying experience.