How Long is Act 3 in The Witcher 3? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of how long Act 3 of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt takes to complete is surprisingly complex, primarily because playtime varies significantly based on individual playstyles. However, a general timeframe can be established. Act 3 of The Witcher 3 typically takes between 10 to 40 hours for most players. This wide range is because Act 3’s duration is highly dependent on whether you focus solely on the main questline or engage in the numerous side quests and exploration opportunities. If you strictly stick to the main narrative, you can complete Act 3 within around 10 hours. However, many players, especially those drawn to the rich world of The Witcher, often spend far more time exploring, completing side quests, and engaging with the game’s various systems. This is where that 40-hour figure comes into play.
This article will delve deeper into the intricacies of Act 3’s length, why it varies so much, and also provide answers to other related questions you may have regarding the game, ensuring you’re fully informed as you embark on or continue your journey in the world of The Witcher.
Factors Influencing Act 3 Playtime
Several elements contribute to the varying playtime of Act 3:
Main Quest Focus vs. Side Quest Engagement
The most significant factor affecting playtime is whether you prioritize the main storyline or delve into side quests. Act 3 features fewer main quests than Act 1 or even Act 2, but the game world is still brimming with side activities. Players who only follow the main narrative will complete Act 3 much faster than those who opt to explore every nook and cranny of the world and take on side quests.
Exploration and Discovery
The Witcher 3 encourages exploration. If you are the kind of player that leaves no stone unturned, and you spend time discovering all the points of interest (POIs) around the game world, you’ll significantly increase your playtime in Act 3. The “40-second rule,” where the game often rewards exploration with POIs at least every 40 seconds, can lead to many hours of exploration and side-tracking, especially when playing in Act 3.
Difficulty Level
The difficulty level you choose can also influence how long you spend in Act 3. Higher difficulty settings will lead to more challenging combat scenarios, forcing you to spend more time preparing, strategizing, and even retrying battles, which can noticeably increase total time.
Experience with the Game
If you are a returning player or are comfortable with the combat system, you are likely to navigate Act 3 more efficiently than a first-time player. A deep understanding of the mechanics also makes for a quicker playthrough.
Understanding the Structure of The Witcher 3
It’s important to understand that the way different players experience the game impacts how they see the length of each act. The game’s acts aren’t strictly defined by length, as demonstrated by different player’s playthroughs. Many players spend a huge amount of time in Velen/Novigrad (Act 1) due to the sheer number of quests and points of interest. Conversely, some players feel Skellige (mostly Act 2) is a very long section due to its expansive landscape and boat travel.
The perception of length is subjective and directly related to the player’s approach. This explains the variance between individual player experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about The Witcher 3 and its pacing:
1. What is considered the longest act in The Witcher 3?
While not strictly defined by quest numbers alone, Act 1 (primarily Velen/Novigrad) is often cited as the longest due to the sheer amount of content and side quests available. Many players report spending significantly more time in this region than in Skellige or the final Act.
2. Is The Witcher 3 the longest single-player game ever?
While not the longest overall, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a significant contender for a long single-player game. Its completionist time averages around 189 hours, putting it amongst the longest and most detailed. However, games like Melvor Idle can clock in at 3000+ hours.
3. How long does it take to complete The Witcher 3 if focusing only on the main quests?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can be completed in roughly 56 hours if you focus solely on the main storyline. The other additional playtime comes from side quests, exploration, and other activities.
4. How long does it take to achieve 100% completion in The Witcher 3?
A 100% completion run of The Witcher 3 typically takes around 188 hours. However, this can vary even further depending on the player. Some players have reported spending over 400 hours in a single playthrough!
5. How long does it take to complete The Witcher 3 with all DLCs?
Completing The Witcher 3, including both the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions, typically takes at least 150 hours if you’re taking a relatively focused route, going up to 200+ if you explore more.
6. Can you get 100% completion in a single playthrough of The Witcher 3?
Yes, you can achieve 100% completion in a single playthrough, but it is challenging and might require some planning, as you’ll need to be aware of timed events, missable side quests, and various choices that impact future quests. For this, it might be beneficial to consult a guide beforehand, or save often.
7. Should I complete the Hearts of Stone DLC before the Isle of Mists quest?
Storywise, Hearts of Stone can be played before “Isle of Mists.” The DLC is also often recommended for players to take on at Level 30+ or higher, so it’s a perfect activity to jump into at the beginning or middle of Act 3. However, be aware that tackling Hearts of Stone at a level higher than the recommended one might make you overpowered for the end game of the main campaign.
8. How long after The Witcher 2 does The Witcher 3 take place?
The Witcher 3 takes place approximately six months after the events of The Witcher 2. Many changes to the world have happened in this gap.
9. Can you play The Witcher 3 without doing side quests?
Yes, you can play The Witcher 3 without doing side quests. You will miss out on certain aspects of the world, characters, and story, but you can still complete the main narrative.
10. Is The Witcher 3’s game world bigger than Skyrim’s?
Yes, The Witcher 3’s world is significantly larger than Skyrim’s. It’s estimated to be approximately thirty times larger than its predecessor and larger than Skyrim’s vast landscape.
11. How many different endings does The Witcher 3 have?
The Witcher 3 boasts 36 different endings, which aren’t all full-blown cinematic cutscenes. Rather, they are more variations on world and character states at the end of the story.
12. What are some of the hardest boss fights in The Witcher 3?
Some of the hardest boss fights in The Witcher 3 include The Toad Prince, Dettlaff, The Caretaker, and Iris’ Greatest Fear, among others, showcasing how varied the challenge in the game can be.
13. Which DLC should I play first in The Witcher 3?
It is recommended to play the DLC in release order, which is first Hearts of Stone, then Blood and Wine after completing the main story. Hearts of Stone has a level recommendation of 30, while Blood and Wine’s recommended level is around 35-40.
14. How long does it take to complete Hearts of Stone?
Hearts of Stone takes about 10 hours to complete, when focusing on the main objective. 100% completion will take approximately 18 hours.
15. What happens if Geralt’s toxicity reaches 100%?
If Geralt’s toxicity reaches 95% or more, he will begin to lose health over time. This is to be avoided if you want to survive battles.
Conclusion
Act 3 of The Witcher 3 provides a fitting conclusion to the main story, offering a wide range of experiences depending on your playstyle. Its playtime is variable, ranging from a focused 10 hours to a more immersive 40+ hours when taking in all the world has to offer. Regardless of how you approach it, The Witcher 3 remains an enthralling and rewarding gaming experience, packed with enough content to keep players immersed for many hours. Knowing the factors that influence play time can help you plan your playthrough to get the most out of your experience in The Witcher 3.