Should I Finish Heart of Stone Before Blood and Wine?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action role-playing game that has captured the hearts of many gamers worldwide. The game offers two DLCs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which add new storylines, characters, and gameplay mechanics to the game. One of the most common questions among players is whether they should finish Heart of Stone before diving into Blood and Wine. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some insights to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Recommended Order?
The recommended order for playing the Witcher 3 DLCs is as follows: Wild Hunt, Hearts of Stone, and then Blood and Wine. This order is suggested because Hearts of Stone is designed to be played after the main story of Wild Hunt, and Blood and Wine is designed to be played after Hearts of Stone.
Why Finish Heart of Stone First?
Finishing Heart of Stone before Blood and Wine is recommended for several reasons:
- Story Continuity: Heart of Stone is designed to be played after the main story of Wild Hunt, and it continues the story of Geralt and his companions. Finishing Heart of Stone first ensures that you understand the events and characters that are introduced in Blood and Wine.
- Character Development: Heart of Stone introduces new characters and storylines that are crucial to understanding the events of Blood and Wine. Finishing Heart of Stone first allows you to develop a deeper understanding of these characters and storylines.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Heart of Stone introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to dual-wield swords and use new signs. Finishing Heart of Stone first allows you to master these mechanics and use them to your advantage in Blood and Wine.
Why Not Finish Blood and Wine First?
While it is technically possible to play Blood and Wine first, it is not recommended for several reasons:
- Story Spoilers: Blood and Wine contains spoilers for the events of Wild Hunt and Heart of Stone. Finishing Blood and Wine first may spoil the story and characters of Heart of Stone, making it less enjoyable to play.
- Character Confusion: Blood and Wine introduces new characters and storylines that may be confusing if you have not played Heart of Stone first. Finishing Heart of Stone first allows you to understand the characters and storylines of Blood and Wine more easily.
- Gameplay Disadvantages: Finishing Blood and Wine first may give you an unfair advantage in Heart of Stone. Blood and Wine introduces new gameplay mechanics and enemies that are not available in Heart of Stone, giving you an advantage in terms of skills and equipment.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, finishing Heart of Stone before Blood and Wine is the recommended order for playing the Witcher 3 DLCs. This order ensures that you understand the story and characters of Heart of Stone, and that you can develop a deeper understanding of the events and gameplay mechanics of Blood and Wine. While it is technically possible to play Blood and Wine first, it is not recommended due to story spoilers, character confusion, and gameplay disadvantages.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to consider when playing the Witcher 3 DLCs:
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush through the DLCs. Take your time to explore the environments, talk to the characters, and complete the side quests.
- Save Frequently: Save your game frequently to avoid losing progress in case you die or encounter a bug.
- Experiment with Different Playstyles: Experiment with different playstyles and abilities to find what works best for you.
- Read the Lore: Read the lore and backstory of the characters and locations to get a deeper understanding of the game’s world and story.
Table: Recommended Order for Playing the Witcher 3 DLCs
| DLC | Recommended Order |
|---|---|
| Wild Hunt | First |
| Hearts of Stone | Second |
| Blood and Wine | Third |
Conclusion
In conclusion, finishing Heart of Stone before Blood and Wine is the recommended order for playing the Witcher 3 DLCs. This order ensures that you understand the story and characters of Heart of Stone, and that you can develop a deeper understanding of the events and gameplay mechanics of Blood and Wine. By following this order, you can get the most out of your Witcher 3 experience and enjoy the game to its fullest potential.