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How to Dive Back into The Witcher 3: A Comprehensive Guide

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So, you’re thinking of dusting off your silver sword and venturing back into the Continent? Excellent choice! The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a masterpiece, and returning to its world, whether after a short break or a long hiatus, can be incredibly rewarding.

The most direct way to get back into The Witcher 3 is to simply load a previous save file. This allows you to jump back in at the point where you last left off. If you’ve completely finished the game, you can start a New Game+ for a fresh experience with increased difficulty. You can also continue exploring the open world and completing any remaining side quests or contracts.

Re-Entering the World: What You Need to Know

The key to a successful return is understanding what you might have forgotten, what’s changed since you last played, and how to best reacquaint yourself with Geralt of Rivia and his adventures. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects to consider:

Refresh Your Memory: Before firing up the game, spend a little time re-familiarizing yourself with the plot. Read a summary, watch some gameplay videos, or even consult a wiki to remember key characters, locations, and the overall story arc.
Understand Your Build: Combat in The Witcher 3 can be complex, and remembering your chosen build (alchemy, combat, signs) is crucial. Review your character skills, mutations, and equipment to understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Check for Updates: If you haven’t played in a while, your game might have received updates, potentially including the Next-Gen update. These updates can introduce graphical enhancements, new quests, and gameplay tweaks, so it’s worth checking the patch notes.
Adjust Difficulty: Don’t be afraid to adjust the difficulty settings. If you find the combat too challenging after your break, lower the difficulty. You can always increase it later once you’re back in the swing of things.
Start Small: Resist the urge to immediately tackle the most difficult contracts or quests. Begin with easier activities to ease yourself back into the game mechanics and controls.

Making the Most of Your Return

Once you’re back in the game, here are some tips for maximizing your enjoyment:

Explore, Explore, Explore: The world of The Witcher 3 is vast and filled with hidden secrets. Take your time, explore new areas, and discover what you might have missed the first time around.
Complete Side Quests: Side quests offer engaging storylines, valuable rewards, and opportunities to level up. They’re also a great way to re-immerse yourself in the world and its characters.
Experiment with Different Playstyles: Now’s the perfect time to try a different build or approach to combat. Experiment with new skills, mutations, and equipment to discover new ways to play.
Engage with the Community: Join online forums, communities, or Discord servers to connect with other Witcher 3 players. You can ask questions, share tips, and participate in discussions.
Consider a New Game+: If you’ve completed the main story, starting a New Game+ allows you to replay the game with your existing character and equipment, but with increased difficulty and new challenges.

FAQs: Getting Back into the Game

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you jump back into The Witcher 3:

1. Can I go back in The Witcher 3 after completing the main story?

Yes! After finishing the main story, you can continue to explore the world, complete side quests, and tackle the DLC expansions. You can also start a New Game+.

2. How do I revert to an earlier version of The Witcher 3?

On Steam, you can revert to an earlier version by:

Going to your Steam Library.
Right-clicking on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and selecting Properties.
Going to BETAS and selecting CLASSIC. The game will update automatically.

3. Can you backtrack in Witcher 3?

Yes, you can backtrack in most areas of the game. However, certain areas might become inaccessible after certain story points. Always save before attempting risky maneuvers!

4. Can I go straight to The Witcher 3 without playing the previous games?

Yes, you can play The Witcher 3 without playing the previous games. The game explains most of the necessary information and characters. However, playing The Witcher 2 is recommended to better understand the lore and characters.

5. What is the 40-second rule in Witcher 3?

The “40-second rule” refers to the game’s design philosophy of rewarding players with points of interest (POIs) at least every 40 seconds during exploration to keep them engaged.

6. What order should I play the Witcher 3 quests?

The suggested quest order is typically:

Prologue (Kaer Morhen)
Lilac and Gooseberries
The Beast of White Orchard
Incident at White Orchard
Imperial Audience

7. Can you continue Witcher 3 after the main story?

Yes, you can play Witcher 3’s side quests after beating the game. Some side quests connected to the main story will fail as you progress through the main questline, however!

8. What happens if you spare the Witcher (Gaetan)?

Sparing Gaetan will let you avoid a difficult fight and provide better rewards: 250 crowns and Tegir. Killing him only grants Tegir.

9. Does Witcher 3 have alternate endings?

Yes, The Witcher 3 has 36 different ending scenarios, reflecting the various choices you make throughout the game. These endings depend on your actions and relationships with key characters.

10. Can I do a failed quest in Witcher 3?

No. Unless you reload an older savegame where the quest is still active. Certain sidequests are available until you reach a certain point in the story, after which you can’t turn back and those quests are marked as failed.

11. Should I finish The Witcher 3 main story or DLC first?

The recommended order is: Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Hearts of Stone, and Blood and Wine. However, you can start Hearts of Stone before finishing the main game.

12. Is it worth doing every quest in Witcher 3?

It depends on your playstyle and time commitment. Completing every quest provides the most complete experience, but it can be time-consuming. Solely playing the main quests will let you experience the most vital parts of the game. You can find valuable insights into how games like The Witcher 3 are used for educational purposes through resources from organizations such as the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which studies the intersection of gaming and learning. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

13. What to do in Witcher 3 after the main story?

Complete DLCs and Expansion Packs.
Start a New Game+ Adventure.
Complete Monster Contracts and Treasure Hunts.
Collect Every Gwent Card.

14. What is the max level in Witcher 3?

In the base game and with Hearts of Stone, the max level is 70. The Blood and Wine expansion increases the cap to level 100.

15. What should I level up first in The Witcher 3?

Prioritize skills that align with your chosen playstyle, such as your School Technique (Cat, Griffin, or Bear), Sun and Stars, Refreshment, and Delusion.

Final Thoughts

Returning to The Witcher 3 is like revisiting an old friend. Take your time, explore the world, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a returning player, there’s always something new to discover in this incredible game.