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Accessing Your Witcher 3 Add-ons: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re ready to dive deeper into the rich world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt with its fantastic add-ons? Whether you’re a seasoned Witcher or a fresh-faced adventurer, accessing your Downloadable Content (DLC) and mods is crucial for maximizing your gameplay experience. Here’s a breakdown of how to get started and everything you need to know.

The primary method for accessing your add-ons in The Witcher 3 depends on your platform. Generally, you’ll find DLC within the game itself, discoverable through notice boards, automatically triggering quests, or through specific menu options. For mods, you’ll usually need to navigate to the game’s installation folder and use a mod manager, or use in-game menus if the console supports mods. In the sections that follow we will go into detail for each platform and how to access and manage all of your addons.

Accessing DLC Content

In-Game Access

The Witcher 3 integrates DLC content seamlessly into the world. Here’s how you can access the major expansions and smaller DLC packs:

Hearts of Stone: Once installed, head to the Seven Cats Inn notice board in Velen. A cutscene will trigger, starting the first quest of the expansion. This expansion is designed for characters around level 30.
Blood and Wine: This expansion unlocks a questline that becomes available after completing the main story quest “A Poet Under Pressure” in the base game. Check notice boards in Velen for a message from knights of Toussaint that will start the quest chain. Blood and Wine is intended for characters around level 34.
Free DLC: Many of the 16 free DLCs add new quests, armor sets, and alternative looks to the game. These usually become available automatically as you progress through the game.

Checking Installed DLC

To verify that your DLC is installed, you can check within the game itself:

Title Screen: At the Title Screen, look for banners in the bottom left corner. A blue banner indicates Hearts of Stone is installed, while a red banner indicates Blood and Wine. These banners will also state if the DLC is installed or available.
Downloadable Content Menu: On the Title Screen, navigate to the “Downloadable Content” menu. This lists all DLC and expansions currently available in the game.

Activating Alternative Looks

Alternative Looks DLC for characters like Ciri, Triss, and Yennefer need manual activation:

Go to the Gameplay tab in the main menu.
Scroll to the bottom of the list and manually activate each Alternative Look.

Managing Mods on PC

Locating the Mods Folder

Mods are typically installed in the “mods” folder within your Witcher 3 game directory. The exact location may vary depending on your installation, but it’s usually in the same folder as the game’s executable file.

Using a Mod Manager

While manual installation is possible, using a mod manager like Vortex or Mod Organizer 2 can significantly simplify the process. These tools help manage mod installation, activation, and conflict resolution.

In-Game Mods Menu

Some mods may require specific keybindings or configurations. Check the mod’s documentation for any additional setup instructions.

Activating/Deactivating Mods

The easiest way to see if you have mods and activate/deactivate is to click the game icon on your dashboard. A menu will appear on the left of the screen with options like overview, news, DLC, and mods. Navigate to the mods section and you can see all the existing mods and toggle them on/off.

Console-Specific Instructions

PlayStation 4/5

Navigate to the Game Icon: From the PlayStation home screen, find The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt game icon.
Additional Content Section: Scroll down to the “Additional Content” section below “New”.
Access the PlayStation Store: Select the DLC you want to access, and you’ll be redirected to the PlayStation Store.
Download and Install: Download the DLC. It should automatically install once the download is complete.
Redownloading DLC: If you need to redownload DLC, go to your Library, choose Purchased, select The Witcher 3, scroll down to PlayStation Store, open My Add-ons, and find your content to download.

Xbox One/Series X/S

Manage Game and Add-ons: From the Xbox home screen, navigate to My Games & Apps.
Select The Witcher 3: Find and select The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Manage Game: Press the Menu button on your controller and select “Manage game and add-ons.”
Install or Redownload: Here, you can see all available DLC and add-ons, install any that aren’t already installed, or redownload if necessary.

Nintendo Switch

Software Information: Select “Software Information” from the home screen (by pressing + over the icon).
Nintendo eShop: Choose “Nintendo eShop.”
Downloadable Content: Scroll down to “Downloadable Content” and select “View All Items.”
Account Information: Select your Nintendo Switch Profile Image in the top-right corner to go to “Account Information.”
Redownload: If the DLC shows as “Purchased,” you can redownload it at no cost.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

DLC Not Appearing

Verify Installation: Double-check that the DLC is properly installed on your platform.
Restart the Game: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues with DLC recognition.
Check Game Updates: Ensure your game is updated to the latest version, as some DLC require specific game versions to function correctly.

Mods Causing Crashes

Check Mod Compatibility: Ensure your mods are compatible with the current game version.
Disable Conflicting Mods: If you suspect a conflict, try disabling mods one by one to identify the culprit.
Update Mods: Keep your mods updated to their latest versions to fix known bugs and improve compatibility.

DLC Availability

You can start Hearts of Stone after reaching level 30 and the Blood and Wine expansion after completing the quest “A Poet Under Pressure” and your character is around level 34. Though, it’s generally recommended to finish the main story before diving into Blood and Wine.

The Witcher 3 offers a truly expansive experience, and understanding how to manage your add-ons is key to unlocking its full potential. Whether you’re adding new quests, customizing Geralt’s look, or enhancing the game with mods, these steps will guide you to a richer, more immersive adventure. Always remember to consult the specific instructions provided with each DLC or mod for the best results. For more insights into the gaming and learning connection, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I have to start a new game to play the DLC?

No, you don’t have to start a new game. The game provides a save right before the end of the main story, allowing you to complete side quests and start the DLC without needing to start from scratch. You can also use a character save specific to DLC content, if available.

2. Can I start Blood and Wine before finishing the main story?

Yes, you can, but it’s generally recommended to finish the main story first. Blood and Wine is designed as an epilogue to Geralt’s journey.

3. When should I start Hearts of Stone?

It’s recommended to start Hearts of Stone around level 30. A good time to jump in is shortly before finding Ciri or after the battle of Kaer Morhen, but before the grand finale on Undvik.

4. Where can I find the 16 free DLCs for The Witcher 3?

On PC, you can find them on GOG Galaxy on the game page in the “ADDITIONAL CONTENT” section. Purchase the “FREE DLC PROGRAM” (it’s free!). On consoles, they should be available in the respective platform’s store.

5. Is Blood and Wine DLC free?

No, Blood and Wine is not free. It is a paid expansion, though it is included in the physical and digital editions of the game. The base game does contain 16 free DLC packs.

6. How do I check my mods in The Witcher 3 on PC?

Launch the game. From the main menu, look for a “Mods” or “Mod Browser” section. This will display a list of your installed mods, allowing you to activate, deactivate, or remove them.

7. How do I access DLC outfits in The Witcher 3?

Go to the Gameplay tab in the game menu and scroll to the bottom of the list to find options to enable the alternative looks for characters like Ciri, Triss, and Yennefer.

8. How do I switch DLC on the Nintendo Switch?

Select the game, then select “Software Information“, then select “Nintendo eShop“. Scroll to “Downloadable Content” and select “View All Items“. Select your icon at the top right and choose “Account Information“.

9. How do I start the Hearts of Stone DLC?

After installing the DLC, go to the notice board at the Seven Cats Inn in Velen. A quest will appear, beginning the expansion’s storyline.

10. What are the 16 free DLCs for The Witcher 3?

These include items like the Temerian Armor Set, Beard and Hairstyle Set, new quests like “Contract: Missing Miners“, Alternative Look for Yennefer, and the Nilfgaardian Armor Set.

11. How long is the Hearts of Stone DLC?

The main objectives of Hearts of Stone take around 10 hours to complete. Completionists can expect to spend around 18 hours to see everything.

12. Why isn’t my DLC working on the Switch?

First, restart your Nintendo Switch. If that doesn’t work, redownload the DLC from the eShop.

13. How do I find my downloaded DLC on PS3?

On the PS3 XMB (System Software), scroll to the Game Data Utility under the Game tab. Verify that the DLC is installed there.

14. Where are my Witcher 3 mods located?

Mods are typically installed in the “mods” folder within The Witcher 3 game directory. This is usually located in the game’s installation folder on your hard drive.

15. What level should I be to start Blood and Wine?

The Blood and Wine expansion is designed for characters around level 34. While you can start it earlier, you might find the challenges too difficult.

How do I access my add ons in Witcher 3?