Unlocking Geralt’s True Potential: Max Level After The Witcher 3 Main Story
So, you’ve vanquished the Wild Hunt, made your tough choices, and watched the credits roll on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. But the adventure doesn’t have to end there! Many witchers (ourselves included) find the urge to continue roaming the Northern Kingdoms, tackling side quests, and exploring the fantastic DLCs. And the big question arises: what’s the maximum level Geralt can achieve after the main story?
The answer, as with many things in The Witcher universe, is it depends! In the base game and with the Hearts of Stone expansion, Geralt’s maximum level is 70. However, the Blood and Wine expansion raises the level cap to 100. This means even after you conclude the main storyline, you can continue leveling Geralt, unlocking new skills, and dominating the battlefield. Achieving these higher levels is a testament to your dedication and unlocks the full potential of your Witcher build.
Continuing the Hunt: Leveling Up Post-Game
You might be wondering how you can actually reach these levels after the main story. There’s plenty to do after the main quest is done:
- Complete all remaining side quests and Witcher contracts: Many challenging contracts offer significant XP rewards, pushing you closer to the level cap. Don’t underestimate these quests.
- Explore undiscovered locations: The Witcher 3 is full of hidden locations with monsters, treasures, and quests waiting to be discovered. Many locations offer XP bonuses for simply discovering them and clearing out monsters.
- Dive into the DLCs: The Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions not only offer compelling stories but also provide a wealth of experience points through their quests and monster encounters. Blood and Wine, in particular, is essential for reaching level 100.
- New Game Plus (NG+): This allows you to replay the entire game with your current level and gear, providing a massive boost to your experience gains throughout the story. It’s the best way to get to Level 100.
Maximizing Your XP Gains
Leveling up efficiently after the main story is crucial. Here are some tips to optimize your XP gains:
- Focus on quests and contracts at or slightly above your level: Completing quests much lower than your current level will yield minimal XP.
- Use XP-boosting potions and decoctions: Potions like the Superior Golden Oriole or decoctions like the Doppler decoction can increase your XP gain from quests and monster kills.
- Equip gear with XP bonuses: Certain armor and weapons provide bonus XP, accelerating your progress. Grandmaster Witcher Gear, in particular, offer good stats and bonuses.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the difficulty: While a higher difficulty can make combat more challenging, it doesn’t affect XP gains. Experiment with difficulty settings to find a balance between challenge and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding max level in The Witcher 3 and related topics:
What level should I be at the end of The Witcher 3 main story?
Most players finish the main story around level 34-35. This can vary slightly depending on how many side quests and contracts you completed during your playthrough.
Can I continue playing The Witcher 3 after the main story?
Yes! You can continue exploring the world, completing side quests, and tackling the DLCs after the main story. However, be mindful that some side quests that are connected to the main story might Fail as you progress.
Can I reach the maximum level in The Witcher 3 without the DLCs?
No, without the Blood and Wine expansion, the max level is 70. Blood and Wine is essential for reaching level 100.
What is New Game Plus (NG+) and how does it affect leveling?
NG+ allows you to start a new game with your character, skills, and most of your gear from a previous playthrough. Enemies scale to your level, and you earn significantly more XP, making it easier to reach higher levels.
How long does it take to reach level 100 in The Witcher 3?
It depends on your playstyle and efficiency, but reaching level 100 can take anywhere from 50-100 hours after completing the main story, especially if you’re doing the main quest and sidequests in the DLCs.
What happens when you reach the max level in The Witcher 3?
Once you reach the maximum level, you stop earning experience points and can no longer unlock new skills. However, you can still continue playing the game, completing quests, and exploring the world.
What are the best skills to focus on for a high-level Geralt?
It depends on your playstyle, but popular choices include skills from the Combat, Signs, and Alchemy trees. Experiment with different builds to find what works best for you.
Are there any benefits to reaching the max level besides unlocking skills?
Reaching the max level is largely for personal satisfaction. At that point, Geralt is powerful enough to tackle any challenge in the game. With a good build, it also allows you to dominate enemies that were once very challenging.
Is it possible to respec my character in The Witcher 3?
Yes, you can respec your character by purchasing a Potion of Clearance. These potions reset your skill points, allowing you to redistribute them. They can be bought from various merchants, including those in the Blood and Wine expansion.
What is the best armor and weapon to use at high levels?
The best gear depends on your build, but popular choices include Grandmaster Witcher armor sets and powerful swords like Aerondight. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your playstyle.
Does the difficulty setting affect experience gain in The Witcher 3?
No, the difficulty setting does not affect the amount of experience you earn from quests and monster kills.
What are some of the most challenging monsters to fight at high levels?
Some of the most challenging monsters include high-level Archgriffins, the Caretaker, and bosses like Detlaff from the Blood and Wine expansion.
Can I complete all quests and contracts after finishing the main story?
Yes, most quests and contracts can be completed after finishing the main story. However, some quests are tied to the main story and may become unavailable depending on your choices.
What should I do after reaching the maximum level in The Witcher 3?
After reaching the max level, you can focus on exploring the world, completing any remaining quests, mastering Gwent, or starting a new playthrough in New Game Plus. The possibilities are endless!
Where can I learn more about game design and the impact of games?
You can explore resources such as the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), which delves into the educational and social aspects of gaming.
Conclusion: A Never-Ending Adventure
Reaching the maximum level in The Witcher 3 is a testament to your dedication as a witcher. While it marks the end of skill progression, it doesn’t mean the end of your adventure. The world is still full of monsters to slay, quests to complete, and stories to uncover. So, grab your silver sword, saddle up Roach, and continue exploring the Northern Kingdoms – the hunt never truly ends.