Which Witcher DLC should I play first?

Which Witcher DLC should I play first?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a vast and engaging open-world RPG that offers an enormous amount of content for players to explore. To add to the already rich storyline and gameplay, CD Projekt Red, the game’s developers, released two expansion packs: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. So, which Witcher DLC should you play first? Let’s break down the key points to help you decide.

Play the DLCs in order, if possible

For an optimal gaming experience, it is recommended to play the DLCs in the order they were released: Hearts of Stone, followed by Blood and Wine. This sequence will allow you to better appreciate the storyline and its developments. The two DLCs are designed to work seamlessly with the main game, and playing them out of order might compromise the overall narrative coherence.

Why play Hearts of Stone first?

• Hearts of Stone introduces the Geralt of Rivia character to the world of Gaunter O’Dimm, a mysterious and complex individual.
• This expansion also expands the game’s cast, introducing new characters like Toussaint’s noble lord, Archibald Tuir Siól, and the cunning Lady Emilia.
• The expansion’s storyline explores the dark forces that lurk beneath the surface of Toussaint, and its characters play a crucial role in shaping the overall story arc of the Witcher 3.

What are the benefits of playing Blood and Wine first?

• Blood and Wine introduces an entirely new region, the Nilfgaardian province of Toussaint, which is packed with new quests, characters, and landscapes to explore.
• The expansion’s story follows Geralt’s quest for revenge against the Toussaintian aristocrat, St. Humbert of Toussaint.
• The new characters, monsters, and gameplay mechanics in Blood and Wine add variety to the game and create an engaging experience.

Main differences between Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine

When should I finish Blood and Wine?

• There is no bearing on the main game or the other DLC when completing Blood and Wine first. You can finish Blood and Wine before completing the main game, but doing so will not impact your progress or understanding of the storyline.
• Be warned: Playing the game in reverse order may cause you to miss important narrative connections between the expansions.

Can I still enjoy the game without playing the DLCs?

Absolutely! The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s base game is a rich and engaging experience, and playing the DLCs is purely optional. If you want to focus solely on the main game, you won’t miss out on essential content.

What level can I reach?

When playing the base game or with the Hearts of Stone expansion, Geralt’s max level is 70. However, with the Blood and Wine expansion, this cap increases to 100, providing a significant boost for completionists and hardcore fans of the series.

Hearts of Stone or Blood and Wine? It’s your choice!

While playing the DLCs in order provides the best gaming experience, you can still have fun playing either one separately. If you want a darker, more sinister story, Hearts of Stone is the way to go. For a fresh new region and exciting new quests, Blood and Wine is an excellent choice.