Unveiling the Immense World of The Witcher 3: How Many Hours Does It Really Take?
So, you’re thinking about diving into the sprawling world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? Excellent choice! But before you embark on this epic journey, you’re probably wondering, “Just how much time am I going to sink into this game?” The short answer: it varies widely. Depending on your playstyle, completion goals, and even which version of the game you’re playing, you could be looking at anywhere from 50 hours to well over 200. Let’s break it down.
The Core Experience: Main Story Focus
If you’re laser-focused on the main narrative – following Geralt of Rivia as he searches for Ciri and confronts the Wild Hunt – you’re likely looking at a playtime of around 50-55 hours. This involves completing the key quests that drive the central storyline forward. However, even this relatively streamlined approach will involve some exploration and side content, as some quests are level-gated, requiring you to gain experience outside of the main story.
Expanding Horizons: Side Quests and Exploration
Now, things start to get interesting. The Witcher 3 is renowned for its incredibly rich and engaging side quests, many of which are as compelling as the main story itself. If you delve into these side quests, explore the world, and complete Witcher contracts (monster hunting missions), your playtime will easily stretch to 100-120 hours. This approach offers a far more comprehensive experience, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the world and its inhabitants. Remember, many consider these side quests as essential for a full understanding of the game.
The Completionist’s Quest: 100% and Beyond
For the true completionists out there, preparing for a significant time investment is crucial. Achieving 100% completion in The Witcher 3 means doing everything. This includes:
- Completing all main quests
- Completing all side quests and Witcher contracts
- Discovering all points of interest
- Collecting all Gwent cards
- Achieving the “best” ending (or any specific ending you desire)
- Finishing both DLC expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine)
This journey can easily take 170-200+ hours, potentially longer, depending on your efficiency and prior knowledge of the game. Blood and Wine, in particular, adds a substantial chunk of playtime with its new region, quests, and activities. Some sources indicate completionist times closer to 188 hours for the Game of the Year Edition.
DLC Impact: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine
Speaking of DLC, both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine add significant playtime to The Witcher 3. Hearts of Stone offers a compelling side story focused on Gaunter O’Dimm and can take around 10-15 hours to complete. Blood and Wine, on the other hand, is practically a standalone expansion, offering a brand new region (Toussaint), a fresh storyline, and numerous side quests, easily adding 25-40 hours to your overall playtime. Owning the Game of the Year Edition or purchasing these expansions is highly recommended to fully experience the game’s potential. With both DLCs included, expect to spend at least 150 hours for a thorough playthrough.
The Great Gwent Diversion
Let’s not forget Gwent! This addictively fun card game within The Witcher 3 has captivated countless players. Collecting all the Gwent cards and mastering the game can add a considerable amount of time to your playthrough, especially if you aim to defeat every opponent and win every tournament. Some players have spent dozens of hours solely on Gwent.
Is The Witcher 3 the Longest Game Ever?
While The Witcher 3 offers a substantial experience, it’s important to remember that “longest game ever” is a subjective and often debated title. While the completionist time for The Witcher 3 is impressive, some games, particularly idle games like Melvor Idle, have estimated completion times measured in thousands of hours. However, these games often rely on passive gameplay and repetitive actions, making them a different kind of time investment compared to The Witcher 3’s active, story-driven experience. It’s safe to say that The Witcher 3 ranks highly among the longest story-driven single-player games available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Witcher 3 Playtime
How long is The Witcher 3 main campaign?
The main story of The Witcher 3 takes approximately 50-55 hours to complete, assuming you focus primarily on the central storyline.
How many hours is The Witcher 3 with all DLC?
Completing The Witcher 3 with both the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions can take anywhere from 150-200+ hours, depending on your playstyle and completion goals.
How many hours is The Witcher 3 100%?
Achieving 100% completion in The Witcher 3 typically requires 170-200+ hours of playtime, encompassing all quests, contracts, points of interest, and Gwent cards.
What is the max level in The Witcher 3?
The maximum level in the base game of The Witcher 3 is 70. The Blood and Wine expansion raises this cap to 100. However, most players will finish the game around level 50.
Do I need to play The Witcher 1 and 2 before 3?
While playing The Witcher 1 and The Witcher 2 can enrich your understanding of the lore and characters, it is not necessary to enjoy The Witcher 3. The game provides enough context for newcomers, and you can even simulate past choices if you haven’t played the previous titles.
How many endings are there in The Witcher 3?
The Witcher 3 has three main endings, with 36 unique ending scenarios considering various side quest outcomes and decisions.
How big is The Witcher 3 map?
The Witcher 3’s entire game world, including the DLCs and the Skellige Isles, measures approximately 88 square miles (142 square kilometers).
Why is The Witcher 3 so long?
The Witcher 3 is lengthy due to its extensive main storyline, numerous engaging side quests, a vast open world filled with activities, and two substantial DLC expansions, all of which contribute to a rich and immersive experience.
What is the strongest monster in The Witcher 3?
Determining the “strongest” monster is subjective, but many players consider Gaunter O’Dimm (from Hearts of Stone) to be one of the most powerful and formidable foes due to his supernatural abilities and influence.
What is the fastest way to level up in The Witcher 3?
One effective method for fast leveling is to find monster nests, kill the monsters, and then meditate to respawn them. Repeat this process to farm experience quickly.
What’s the best silver sword in The Witcher 3?
Aerondight is widely considered the best silver sword in The Witcher 3, thanks to its scaling damage and ability to charge with each hit.
Can you play The Witcher 3 100% in one playthrough?
Yes, it is possible to achieve 100% completion in The Witcher 3 in a single playthrough, but it requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a thorough exploration of the game world.
How old is Geralt in The Witcher 3?
Geralt is approximately 98-99 years old in The Witcher 3, as the game takes place in 1272, and Witcher 3’s lore entries state that Geralt is a year younger than Yennefer, who was born in 1173.
Can you play The Witcher 3 without playing the others?
Yes, you can. The Witcher 3 is designed to be accessible to new players. While previous games add context, they are not required to enjoy the story.
What is the longest story game?
Based on user-submitted data on HowLongToBeat, Library Of Ruina takes around 122 hours on average to complete.
Final Verdict: Time Well Spent
Ultimately, the amount of time you spend with The Witcher 3 is up to you. Whether you prefer a focused sprint through the main story or a leisurely exploration of every nook and cranny, the game offers a rewarding experience. So, grab your silver sword, saddle up Roach, and prepare to lose yourself in one of the greatest RPGs ever created. And remember, the journey is just as important as the destination!
Learning through gaming is always a great resource to expand your knowledge on the subject. For more information on educational aspects of gaming, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.