How Long Does It Really Take to Beat The Witcher 2 With Side Quests?
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a fantastic entry in the Witcher series, known for its intricate plot, challenging combat, and morally grey choices. But how long does it take to truly experience everything the game has to offer, including all those tempting side quests? If you’re aiming for a playthrough that balances the main storyline with a healthy dose of exploration and side content, expect to spend somewhere between 35 and 45 hours on your adventure. This timeframe allows you to delve into the richer side narratives without committing to a full completionist run.
Diving Deep: What Influences Playtime?
Several factors can influence how long it takes you to complete The Witcher 2 with side quests. Here’s a breakdown:
- Difficulty Setting: A higher difficulty setting will inevitably increase your playtime due to more challenging combat encounters. You’ll likely spend more time strategizing, crafting, and potentially dying (and reloading).
- Playstyle: Are you a meticulous explorer who checks every nook and cranny, or do you prefer a more focused approach? Explorers will naturally spend more time uncovering hidden areas, loot, and quest-related items.
- Prior Witcher Experience: If you’re a veteran of The Witcher 1 or even The Witcher 3, you’ll likely be more familiar with the combat system, crafting mechanics, and general world lore. This can translate to a slightly faster playthrough.
- Reading Dialogue: The Witcher games are known for their rich dialogue and lore. If you take the time to read through all the conversations and examine the in-game books and notes, you’ll add significant time to your overall playthrough.
- Side Quest Completion Rate: The more side quests you undertake, the longer your playtime will be. Some side quests are relatively short and straightforward, while others can be quite involved and branch into multiple stages.
Chapter Breakdown: A Time Estimate
To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a rough estimate of playtime per chapter, assuming you engage with a decent number of side quests:
- Chapter 1: 10-12 hours. This chapter introduces many of the game’s core mechanics and features a good mix of main and side quests.
- Chapter 2: 12-15 hours. Depending on your choice in Chapter 1, you will be placed in either Aedirn with King Henselt or Vergen with the Scoia’tael, and this split offers dramatically different content and quests.
- Chapter 3: 8-10 hours. This is the shortest chapter, focusing primarily on wrapping up the main storyline. However, there are still some worthwhile side quests to be found.
These are approximate estimations, of course. Your mileage may vary depending on your playstyle.
The Allure of Side Quests: More Than Just Filler
The side quests in The Witcher 2 aren’t just generic fetch quests or monster hunts. They often feature compelling narratives, memorable characters, and difficult choices that can have a real impact on the game world. Many players consider the side quests to be just as engaging, if not more so, than the main storyline. They add depth and texture to the world, and provide valuable insights into the lives of the people living in it. For many, the hours invested in side quests are the most rewarding part of the game. You can learn more about the impact of gaming experiences at the Games Learning Society.
Beyond the Main Path: 100% Completion
If you’re aiming for a full 100% completion, meaning every quest, every achievement, and every secret uncovered, then you’re looking at a significantly longer playtime. Expect to invest around 50-60 hours or more to achieve this goal. A true completionist run requires meticulous attention to detail, careful planning, and a willingness to explore every corner of the game world.
Combat: Mastering the Blade and Magic
The combat system in The Witcher 2 is challenging and rewarding. It requires you to use a combination of swordplay, magic, alchemy, and tactical positioning to overcome your enemies. Mastering the combat system is essential for surviving the game’s more difficult encounters, and it can also add to your playtime. Experimenting with different builds and strategies can be a fun and engaging way to spend your time.
Replayability: A World of Choice and Consequence
One of the best things about The Witcher 2 is its high replayability. The game features multiple branching paths, different endings, and a wide range of choices that can have a significant impact on the story and the world around you. This means that you can play the game multiple times and still discover new content and experiences. This can add significantly to your overall playtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Witcher 2’s Length
Here are some frequently asked questions about the playtime of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, offering additional insights and context.
1. Is The Witcher 2 shorter than The Witcher 1?
Generally, yes. Most players find The Witcher 2 to be shorter than The Witcher 1, particularly if they focus on the main story. The first game has a slower pace and a larger world, making it a longer experience overall.
2. Is The Witcher 2 longer than The Witcher 3?
No, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is significantly longer than The Witcher 2. The Witcher 3 is a massive open-world game with hundreds of hours of content, while The Witcher 2 is more linear and compact.
3. Should I skip The Witcher 1 and play The Witcher 2?
While you can skip The Witcher 1 and jump straight into The Witcher 2, it’s generally recommended to play the first game first. It provides important context for the story, characters, and world. However, if you’re short on time or find the gameplay of the first game too dated, you can still enjoy The Witcher 2 without playing it.
4. Is The Witcher 2’s story better than The Witcher 3’s?
This is subjective, but many players prefer The Witcher 2’s story for its tighter focus and political intrigue. The Witcher 3 has a broader scope and more personal narrative, but some find it less cohesive.
5. Is it okay to play The Witcher 2 before The Witcher 3?
Yes, it’s definitely okay. Playing The Witcher 2 before The Witcher 3 will enhance your understanding of the characters and the lore, making the experience of the third game even more rewarding.
6. How long is each chapter of The Witcher 2 on average?
Chapter 1 and 2 are roughly equal in length, taking around 10-15 hours each with side quests. Chapter 3 is significantly shorter, clocking in at around 8-10 hours.
7. What happens if I simulate a Witcher 2 save in The Witcher 3?
Simulating a Witcher 2 save in The Witcher 3 allows you to make choices that reflect your decisions in the second game, even if you haven’t played it. This can impact certain storylines and character interactions in The Witcher 3.
8. Do choices from The Witcher 2 matter in The Witcher 3?
Yes, some of the choices you make in The Witcher 2 will have consequences in The Witcher 3. These consequences may be subtle or significant, but they can add to the overall sense of continuity and immersion.
9. Is The Witcher 2 an open-world game?
The Witcher 2 is not a fully open-world game like The Witcher 3. It features smaller, more contained areas that you can explore, but you cannot freely travel between them. Each chapter has its own distinct region.
10. Is Blood and Wine (The Witcher 3 expansion) longer than The Witcher 2?
No. The Witcher 2 main story and side quests is longer than The Witcher 3 Blood and Wine expansion.
11. Should I finish The Witcher 2 before starting The Witcher 3?
It’s not strictly necessary, as The Witcher 3 provides enough context for new players. However, playing The Witcher 2 will give you a deeper understanding of the characters and the world, enhancing your overall experience.
12. Is The Witcher 2 worth playing after finishing The Witcher 3?
Yes, if you enjoyed The Witcher 3, The Witcher 2 is definitely worth playing. It offers a different style of gameplay and storytelling, and it provides valuable insights into the events that led up to the third game.
13. Does The Witcher 1 carry over to The Witcher 2?
Yes, The Witcher 2 allows you to import a save file from The Witcher 1, allowing some of your choices from the first game to influence the events of the second.
14. What makes The Witcher 3 so much better than The Witcher 2?
The Witcher 3 is generally considered superior to The Witcher 2 due to its massive open world, improved combat system, and more polished presentation. However, some players prefer The Witcher 2’s more focused story and political intrigue.
15. Is The Witcher 2 a success?
Yes, The Witcher 2 was a critical and commercial success. It sold millions of copies and was praised for its story, graphics, and gameplay.
Ultimately, the playtime of The Witcher 2 with side quests depends on your individual playstyle and preferences. However, by understanding the factors that influence playtime and planning accordingly, you can ensure that you have a rewarding and enjoyable experience with this fantastic game.