Do I need to play Witcher 1 before 3?
To answer the question directly, no, you don’t necessarily need to play Witcher 1 before playing Witcher 3, as the game is designed to be accessible to new players, with the storyline and characters explained in a way that allows newcomers to jump in without prior knowledge. The Witcher 3 game provides a comprehensive introduction to the world and its characters, making it possible to start with this installment and still enjoy the game without feeling lost.
Understanding the Series and Its Games
The Witcher series is known for its deep storyline, engaging characters, and polished gameplay, with each game building upon the previous one to create a rich and immersive experience. However, the games are designed to be accessible, with Witcher 3 being a prime example of how a player can dive into the series at any point and still appreciate its complexity and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to play Witcher 1 to understand the story of Witcher 2?
Not really, the two games are almost mutually exclusive from each other in terms of story, with only small bits connecting the two together. Very little of what happens in Witcher 1 is even mentioned in Witcher 2.
2. Can I skip Witcher 1 and 2 and play Witcher 3 directly?
Yes, you can directly play Witcher 3 without playing the first two games, as the game explains most of the necessary backstory and lore for you to understand and enjoy the game.
3. How long does it take to complete Witcher 1?
When focusing on the main objectives, The Witcher is about 35½ Hours in length, and if you’re a gamer that strives to see all aspects of the game, you are likely to spend around 64 Hours to obtain 100% completion.
4. Is Witcher 3 a hard game?
Witcher 3 can be a pretty tough game at times, requiring players to adapt their playstyle and strategies to progress, especially in fights against tougher enemies.
5. Do I need to play Witcher 2 before Witcher 3?
While not necessary, playing Witcher 2 before Witcher 3 is highly recommended, as it provides much-needed context for future events and is a great experience on its own.
6. Can I start with Witcher 3 without any prior knowledge of the series?
Yes, you can start with Witcher 3, and the game will explain the necessary backstory and characters, making it accessible to new players.
7. Is The Witcher 1 worth playing?
The Witcher 1 is worth playing for its introduction to the world and characters, although its story and gameplay may seem less polished compared to its sequels.
8. How many hours is Witcher 3?
When focusing on the main objectives, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is about 51½ Hours in length, and for 100% completion, you are likely to spend around 173 Hours.
9. Is it fine to start with Witcher 3?
Yes, you can just start with Witcher 3, you’ll be fine, but note that the game is heavily based on the events of the second game, so watching a retrospective of Witcher 2 can be beneficial.
10. Does Witcher 1 affect Witcher 2?
Several choices, items, and a small amount of money are transferred to Witcher 2 if you import a save file from The Witcher, but this does not significantly impact the overall story.
11. What should I play before Witcher 3?
Playing The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is highly recommended before starting Witcher 3, as it provides much-needed context for future events.
12. How long between Witcher 1 and 3?
The time gap between Witcher 1 and Witcher 2 is about a month, and from Witcher 2 to Witcher 3 is about 8 to 10 months.
13. Is The Witcher 2 shorter than 1?
Yes, Witcher 2 is shorter than Witcher 1, with Witcher 1 taking around 50 hours to complete and Witcher 2 taking about 35-40 hours.
14. Is The Witcher 3 the longest game ever?
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt GOTY Edition averages 126 Hours for completion, making it one of the longest single-player games, though not the longest in terms of completionist time.
15. Can Witcher 1 be skipped?
While Witcher 1 can be skipped, it serves as a good introduction to the world and some characters, and its story, although self-contained, adds depth to the overall lore of the series.