Is The Witcher 3 a Long Game? A Deep Dive into Geralt’s Epic Adventure
Yes, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is undeniably a long game. How long, exactly, depends entirely on your playstyle. If you’re laser-focused on the main storyline, you’re looking at around 50-60 hours. However, if you’re anything like most players – and especially if you’re drawn in by the rich world and compelling side quests – expect to spend well over 100 hours exploring the Continent. For completionists aiming for 100%, you’re easily looking at 150-200 hours or more, especially with the DLC expansions included. The sheer volume of content, the intricate storylines, and the expansive open world all contribute to its considerable length, solidifying its status as one of the longest and most rewarding RPG experiences available.
Why is The Witcher 3 So Captivating?
The length of The Witcher 3 isn’t just about raw playtime; it’s about the depth and quality of the experience. Unlike some open-world games that pad their length with repetitive tasks, The Witcher 3 consistently delivers engaging content. This is largely due to the game’s strong foundation in Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. The well-developed characters, intricate plotlines, and morally ambiguous choices all contribute to a narrative that keeps players invested for the long haul.
The Power of Narrative and World-Building
The Witcher 3 excels in narrative design. Each quest, even seemingly minor side quests, is often a self-contained story with its own unique characters, motivations, and consequences. This attention to detail creates a world that feels alive and responsive to the player’s actions. The game also excels in world-building, presenting a complex political landscape, diverse cultures, and a rich history that draws players deeper into the Continent.
Freedom and Exploration
The game offers a remarkable degree of player freedom. You’re free to explore the vast open world at your own pace, tackling quests in any order and making choices that have a tangible impact on the world around you. This sense of agency is a key factor in why players are willing to invest so much time in The Witcher 3.
The DLCs: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine
The two major DLC expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, add significantly to the game’s length and overall experience. Hearts of Stone offers a compelling standalone story centered around Gaunter O’Dimm, while Blood and Wine takes Geralt to the new region of Toussaint, a vibrant and visually stunning land inspired by Southern France. Each expansion adds roughly 20-40 hours of gameplay, further solidifying The Witcher 3’s reputation as a long and substantial RPG.
Is the Length Justified?
Ultimately, whether the length of The Witcher 3 is a positive or a negative depends on individual preferences. For players who enjoy immersive open-world experiences with deep narratives and meaningful choices, the game’s length is a major selling point. However, for those who prefer shorter, more focused games, the sheer scale of The Witcher 3 may feel overwhelming.
That said, most critics and players agree that the quality of the content justifies the length. The Witcher 3 isn’t just a long game; it’s a long game that consistently delivers engaging and rewarding experiences, making it a truly memorable RPG.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Witcher 3’s Length
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about The Witcher 3’s length to further clarify what to expect:
How long does it take to beat The Witcher 3’s main story?
The average player takes around 50-55 hours to complete the main story of The Witcher 3.
How long does it take to 100% complete The Witcher 3?
Completionists can expect to spend 150-200 hours or more to achieve 100% completion, including all side quests, contracts, and exploration.
How long is The Witcher 3 with all DLCs?
Completing The Witcher 3 with both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine DLCs will take around 150-200 hours on average.
Is The Witcher 3 the longest game ever?
No, The Witcher 3 is not the longest game ever. Games like The Longing and some MMOs have significantly longer completion times. However, it is considered one of the longest and most critically acclaimed single-player RPGs. You can see how it measures up against other games by studying what the GamesLearningSociety.org and other research hubs are saying about the game.
Why is The Witcher 3 so long?
The Witcher 3 is long due to its expansive open world, numerous side quests, intricate storyline, and two major DLC expansions. Each element adds significant playtime to the overall experience.
Is The Witcher 3 a grind?
No, The Witcher 3 is generally not considered a grind. The game discourages repetitive tasks for XP farming and encourages players to engage with the diverse content available.
What is the max level in The Witcher 3?
The maximum level in The Witcher 3 is 70 in the base game and Hearts of Stone, and it increases to 100 with the Blood and Wine expansion.
Is it worth it to play The Witcher 3?
Yes, The Witcher 3 is widely considered worth playing due to its compelling story, well-developed characters, engaging gameplay, and beautiful open world.
Is The Witcher 2 longer than The Witcher 3?
No, The Witcher 3 is significantly longer than The Witcher 2. The Witcher 2 is more linear and compact in comparison.
What happens after you beat The Witcher 3?
After beating The Witcher 3, you can continue exploring the world, completing side quests, and tackling DLC content. New Game Plus mode is also available, allowing you to replay the game with your character and equipment from a previous playthrough.
How big is The Witcher 3’s map?
The Witcher 3’s entire game world, including DLCs and the Skellige map, measures roughly 88 square miles (142 square km).
Is The Witcher 3 bigger than Skyrim?
Yes, The Witcher 3’s world is roughly 3.5 times larger than Skyrim’s.
What is the fastest way to level up in The Witcher 3?
The fastest way to level up is by completing main quests and side quests that are close to your current level. Focusing on monster contracts and exploring points of interest can also provide substantial XP.
Has anyone 100% completed The Witcher 3?
Yes, many players have achieved 100% completion in The Witcher 3, completing all quests, unlocking all skills, and exploring every corner of the game world.
What are some tips for managing the length of The Witcher 3?
To manage the length, prioritize main quests and side quests that interest you the most. Don’t feel obligated to complete every single activity. Use fast travel to save time, and focus on developing a combat style that suits your playstyle to make encounters more efficient.
In conclusion, The Witcher 3 is a long game, but its length is a testament to the richness and depth of its world, characters, and stories. Whether you’re a completionist or a casual player, The Witcher 3 offers a truly unforgettable RPG experience.