Is The Witcher 3 DLC Free? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether The Witcher 3 DLC is free is a common one, and the answer isn’t entirely straightforward. The short answer is: some of it is, and some of it isn’t. Let’s break it down to provide a clear understanding. When The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt launched, it included a robust set of 16 free downloadable content packs. These were offered as a thank-you to the community and included everything from new armor sets and hairstyles to additional side quests and the highly sought-after New Game Plus mode. However, the story doesn’t end there. Beyond the 16 free DLCs, CD Projekt Red also released two substantial paid expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, each offering a significant amount of new story content, locations, and gameplay.
Therefore, while a significant portion of the additional content for The Witcher 3 is indeed free, the major narrative expansions that offer the most substantial additions to the game require a purchase.
Understanding The Witcher 3 DLC Structure
The confusion often stems from the existence of both free and paid DLC for The Witcher 3. Here’s a clearer look at what each category includes:
Free DLC Packs
- Quantity: 16
- Cost: Free
- Content: Primarily cosmetic items such as new armor and hairstyles, along with a few smaller gameplay additions such as side quests and the beloved New Game Plus.
- Availability: Automatically available on all platforms (PC, Xbox One/Series X/S, and PlayStation 4/5) for players who own the base game.
- How to Access: These are usually found in the “ADDITIONAL CONTENT” section on the game page on your chosen platform. Often they are automatically installed.
Paid DLC Expansions
- Expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine
- Cost: Available separately at a cost or included in the Expansion Pass/Game of the Year Edition
- Content:
- Hearts of Stone: Approximately 15 hours of main quest content with additional side quests, new monsters, characters, gear, and a new storyline set within the existing game world.
- Blood and Wine: Approximately 15 hours of main quest content alone. Can take up to 40 hours for complete exploration and offers a brand new, visually stunning region of Toussaint, alongside a vast number of side quests, characters, and an entirely new storyline.
- Availability: Must be purchased or obtained through the purchase of the Expansion Pass, or by owning the Game of the Year Edition.
How To Access The Different Types of DLC
Understanding how to access both the free and paid DLC is crucial. Here’s a simple guide:
- Free DLC: If you own The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, these should be automatically available. Ensure you have an internet connection for initial installation, and then navigate to the appropriate section of your game’s platform page.
- Paid DLC:
- Digital Purchase: Obtain either the Expansion Pass, which bundles both expansions, or purchase each expansion individually from your platform’s store. They can then be accessed via the main menu after the download completes.
- Physical Purchase (Game of the Year Edition): This version of the game typically includes both expansions on the disc.
- In Game access: To start hearts of stone, find the seven cats inn notice board. Blood and Wine can be started by selecting a new game with DLC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances surrounding The Witcher 3 DLC, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. How much does The Witcher 3’s paid DLC cost?
The Witcher 3’s paid DLC expansions can be purchased as part of the game’s Expansion Pass for $24.99. Alternatively, Hearts of Stone costs $9.99 and Blood and Wine costs $19.99 if purchased separately.
2. Is Blood and Wine DLC free?
No, Blood and Wine is not free. It is one of the two major paid expansions for The Witcher 3.
3. Does The Witcher 3 come with DLC?
Yes, The Witcher 3 comes with 16 free DLC packs. It also has two paid expansion packs: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.
4. Does The Witcher 3 PS5 version come with all the free DLC?
Yes, the PS5 upgrade includes all 16 free DLC packs automatically. However, the two expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, are only included if you already owned them on PS4, or if you purchase the Game of the Year Edition.
5. How do I get the 16 free DLCs for The Witcher 3?
Simply purchasing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt grants you access to the 16 free DLCs across all platforms (PC, Xbox, and PlayStation).
6. How do I claim my free PS5 upgrade in Witcher 3?
Sign in to your existing PlayStation account on your PS5, find The Witcher 3 on the PlayStation Store, and select the “Free PS5 Upgrade” offer on the right side of the screen.
7. How long is the Blood and Wine DLC?
The main story of Blood and Wine takes around 15 hours to complete. However, completing everything can take upwards of 40 hours.
8. Is The Witcher 3 DLC worth it?
Absolutely! The DLC, especially the two expansions, are highly recommended. Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine offer significant amounts of quality content.
9. How do I access The Witcher 3 DLC?
You can select the dlcs when starting a new game. When playing the main campaign, Hearts of Stone can be started by interacting with the notice board at the Seven Cats Inn, while Blood and Wine starts after completing its opening quest in Toussaint.
10. Does The Witcher 3 Game of the Year Edition have all the DLC?
Yes, the Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition includes the base game, all 16 free DLC packs, and both paid expansions (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine) all installed at once.
11. Which Witcher 3 DLC should I play first?
It’s generally recommended to play Hearts of Stone first, due to its lower level requirements and its placement within the main game’s timeline, with Blood and Wine being played after that. However, both DLCs can be played independently of the base game.
12. How many hours is The Witcher 3 with all DLC?
A playthrough of The Witcher 3 along with all DLC can range anywhere from 105 to 180 hours or more depending on your approach to side content and exploration.
13. Should I finish The Witcher 3 game before playing the DLC?
While you can start either DLC before finishing the main story, the recommended order is to finish the base game first, followed by Hearts of Stone, and then Blood and Wine. This follows the narrative order that was originally intended.
14. Which Witcher 3 DLC is better?
This is subjective, but many consider Blood and Wine to be superior due to its sheer size, stunning new region, and its overall feeling of a grand finale. However, both are excellent in their own right.
15. What level should I be to play The Witcher 3 DLC?
Hearts of Stone is recommended for players above level 30, while Blood and Wine is best attempted at a higher level, generally around or above level 34.
Conclusion
In summary, while The Witcher 3 offers a generous array of 16 free DLC packs that enhance the core experience, the major expansions – Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine – are paid content that provides substantial new story content and should be purchased to fully experience the complete offering of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Understanding this distinction will help you to get the most from your adventure into the world of the Witcher.