Where should you start The Witcher series?

Where Should You Start the Witcher Series?

The Witcher franchise is a beloved series of action role-playing games, created by CD Projekt Red and based on the book series of the same name by Andrzej Sapkowski. Over the years, the games have received critical acclaim, and the series has recently been adapted into a television show on Netflix. Despite its popularity, the vast world of The Witcher can be intimidating for newcomers. In this article, we will guide you through the best way to experience the series, answering questions such as: "Can I skip the first games?" and "Where does the Netflix series fit into the timeline?"

Begin with the Prequel Blood Origin

Before diving into the main games, consider watching the Netflix prequel The Witcher: Blood Origin. This anthology series explores the creation myth of the world, 2,000 years before the events of the main Witcher games. While this series is not necessary for understanding the games, it provides a fascinating look into the world’s history, lore, and magic systems.

Play the Game in Order

For maximum enjoyment, it’s recommend playing the games in numerical order: The Witcher, The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings, and then The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Each game builds upon the previous one, telling a continuous story and building upon the characters and their relationships.

But Why?

• Simplified Storyline: Watching the games in order is essential for understanding the simple yet engaging storyline. Starting with The Witcher 3 might introduce too many plot threads that may not be fully elucidated until later in the series.

• Lore and World-Building: Each game introduces players to new locations, lore, and characters, fleshing out the world in a meaningful way. Not playing the games in order may result in missed insights and an incomplete understanding of the world.

Main Games:

Do You Need to Play The Witcher If You’re Skipping Witcher 1]?**

No, It’s Not Essential: Fans of the series and media have reported being able to enjoy The Witcher 3 without playing The Witcher 2. The Witcher 2 assumes some knowledge of the universe and characters from Witcher, but much of this is covered throughout the game itself. Fans have also mentioned that side quests and some references provide enough context for understanding events.

How Does This Affect the Netflix Adaptation?

Netlix Series: The Netflix series, simply titled The Witcher, serves as a live-action adaptation and a re-imagining of the story. Though it draws inspiration from various sources, including the game series, it also adapts and diverges. The show follows Geralt of Rivia ( Henry Cavill), a mighty Witcher, and focuses on his battles, morality, and humanity.

To get the most out of the Netflix series, knowing the games and lore doesn’t necessarily guarantee a clear understanding of the events presented. The show does come with its own mythology, characters, and twists separate from the games.

Conclusion:

When entering the rich world of The Witcher, there’s no set "right" way. However, understanding the flow of the story and order of the games will bring the most immersive experience possible. While the Netflix adaptation offers an engaging reimagining of the series, it is a standalone storytelling entity.

Remember, where you start your journey with Geralt of Rivia comes down to personal preference.

If You Want Maximal Immersion: Start with the Prequel Game, then Play the Remaining Games in Order

Alternatively, You Can:

• Start Directly with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt**, though some parts of the story might appear confusing or out of nowhere.
• Play One or Two of the Game Series, and Skip Ahead to the Netflix Adaptation, though some aspects and characters might feel disjoint.

Regardless of the approach chosen, The Witcher provides an unforgettable experience, full of action, drama, adventure, and dark fantasy storytelling.