Should I Do Everything in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? A Deep Dive

The short answer? Yes, you absolutely should try to do everything in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. However, the more nuanced answer considers your time, playstyle, and tolerance for open-world completionism. While striving for 100% completion offers unparalleled rewards in terms of story, experience, and sheer gaming satisfaction, it’s a monumental undertaking not suited for every player. Let’s break down why, and explore the factors that should inform your decision.

The Allure of Completion: Why Go the Extra Mile?

The Witcher 3 isn’t just a game; it’s an immersive world brimming with expertly crafted quests, memorable characters, and breathtaking landscapes. Doing “everything” means experiencing the game’s full narrative potential.

• Rich Storytelling: Many of the best stories are found in side quests and contracts. These aren’t just filler; they’re often mini-masterpieces that explore the world’s lore, moral ambiguities, and the consequences of choices.
• Character Development: Interacting with characters through side quests provides deeper insights into their personalities and motivations, enriching the overall narrative experience. Geralt himself develops through your choices in these encounters.
• Meaningful Rewards: Beyond experience points and gear, completing quests often unlocks unique items, crafting recipes, and story consequences that affect the game world.
• Exploration and Discovery: Venturing off the beaten path unveils hidden locations, monster nests, and opportunities to gather resources, enhancing your gameplay and appreciation for the game’s detail.
• The Satisfaction Factor: There’s a genuine sense of accomplishment that comes with clearing a map, completing every questline, and mastering the game’s mechanics.

However, this path to completion isn’t without its challenges.

The Price of Perfection: Considerations and Drawbacks

While the rewards are substantial, consider these factors before committing to a 100% playthrough:

• Time Commitment: The Witcher 3 is a massive game. Completing everything can easily take over 100 hours, even with efficient play.
• Potential Burnout: Repetitive tasks, such as clearing every monster nest, can become tedious and detract from the overall enjoyment.
• Difficulty Balancing: Over-leveling can trivialize combat encounters, diminishing the challenge and satisfaction of overcoming difficult foes.
• Information Overload: Managing a vast array of quests, contracts, and crafting recipes can feel overwhelming.
• Spoiler Risk: Constantly consulting guides to ensure you don’t miss anything can inadvertently spoil plot twists and character reveals.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal gaming preferences. If you enjoy exploring every nook and cranny, uncovering hidden secrets, and immersing yourself in the world, then strive for completion. If you prefer a more streamlined experience focused on the main storyline, then prioritize key side quests that pique your interest.

A Balanced Approach: The “Best of Both Worlds”

Perhaps the optimal approach lies somewhere in the middle. Focus on:

• High-Rated Side Quests: Prioritize side quests that are critically acclaimed or personally interesting to you. These quests are often the most rewarding in terms of story and gameplay.
• Character-Specific Quests: Complete questlines related to key characters like Yennefer, Triss, Zoltan, and Roche to deepen your connection to the story.
• Witcher Contracts: Contracts are a great way to earn money, fight unique monsters, and explore different regions of the world.
• Points of Interest: Explore points of interest on the map to uncover hidden treasures, monster nests, and other secrets. But don’t feel obligated to clear every single one.
• Gwent: Mastering Gwent can add a whole new layer to the game.

Navigating the World: Tips for Efficient Exploration

If you decide to pursue a more completionist playthrough, here are some tips to maximize your efficiency:

• Use a Map: Utilize the in-game map and external resources to locate points of interest, quest markers, and hidden locations.
• Fast Travel: Use fast travel to quickly traverse between locations, saving valuable time.
• Prioritize Quests: Focus on quests that are close to your current level to avoid unnecessary difficulty or trivial encounters.
• Manage Your Inventory: Keep your inventory organized to avoid becoming encumbered. Sell unwanted items to merchants to earn money.
• Utilize Witcher Senses: Use Geralt’s Witcher Senses to locate clues, tracks, and other hidden objects.

Ultimately, the goal is to have fun. The Witcher 3 is a game best enjoyed at your own pace. Don’t feel pressured to complete everything if it detracts from your overall experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What constitutes “doing everything” in The Witcher 3?

“Doing everything” generally refers to completing all main quests, side quests, Witcher contracts, treasure hunts, clearing all points of interest on the map (monster nests, guarded treasures, etc.), collecting all Gwent cards, and obtaining all achievements/trophies.

2. How long does it take to complete everything in The Witcher 3?

A completionist playthrough can easily take 100-200 hours, depending on your playstyle, difficulty level, and familiarity with the game. Some players have reported spending even more time, exceeding 200 hours.

3. Is it possible to miss quests in The Witcher 3?

Yes, some quests are time-sensitive and can be missed if you don’t complete them before certain points in the main story. Pay close attention to quest descriptions and prioritize quests that seem urgent.

4. What happens if I fail a quest?

Failing a quest typically means you miss out on the rewards, experience points, and story consequences associated with that quest. However, it doesn’t usually prevent you from progressing in the main story.

5. What’s the best way to manage my inventory in The Witcher 3?

Regularly sell unwanted items to merchants, store excess items in your stash, and use crafting components to create potions, oils, and bombs. Invest in saddlebags to increase your carrying capacity.

6. How important is Gwent in The Witcher 3?

Gwent is a fun and engaging card game that’s integrated into the world of The Witcher 3. While it’s not essential for completing the main story, collecting all Gwent cards and winning tournaments can unlock valuable rewards and add a new dimension to the game. You might consider joining the Games Learning Society to discuss the game mechanics with other players. Their website can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

7. Should I play the DLCs before or after the main story?

It’s generally recommended to play the Hearts of Stone DLC after completing the main story, as it’s more challenging and its story elements are best appreciated after experiencing the core narrative. Blood and Wine is best saved for last, as it provides a satisfying conclusion to Geralt’s story.

8. What’s the best difficulty level to play on for a completionist playthrough?

The best difficulty level depends on your skill level and preferences. Death March offers the greatest challenge but can be frustrating for some players. Story and Sword provides a more forgiving experience, while Blood and Broken Bones offers a good balance between challenge and accessibility.

9. How can I avoid burnout while trying to complete everything?

Take breaks, vary your gameplay, and don’t feel pressured to complete everything in one sitting. Focus on quests that you find enjoyable and don’t be afraid to skip activities that you find tedious.

10. Are there any missable achievements/trophies in The Witcher 3?

Yes, some achievements/trophies are missable, such as those related to specific dialogue choices or quest outcomes. Consult a trophy guide to ensure you don’t miss any.

11. What are the most rewarding side quests in The Witcher 3?

Some of the most highly regarded side quests include “The Bloody Baron,” “Ladies of the Wood,” “Carnal Sins,” and “A Towerful of Mice.” These quests offer compelling stories, memorable characters, and significant consequences.

12. How do I maximize my experience gain in The Witcher 3?

Complete quests that are close to your current level, use experience-boosting decoctions and potions, and explore areas with a variety of quests and activities.

13. What’s the best way to earn money in The Witcher 3?

Complete Witcher contracts, sell unwanted items to merchants, and loot valuable treasures. Crafting and selling high-value items can also be a lucrative source of income.

14. How does New Game Plus affect completion?

New Game Plus allows you to replay the game with your existing character and gear, making it easier to complete quests and explore areas. However, some quests and achievements may require you to start a new game from scratch.

15. Are there any mods that can help with completion?

Yes, many mods can enhance the gameplay experience and make it easier to complete the game. Some popular mods include those that improve the user interface, add new quests, and rebalance the game’s difficulty. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great place to ask other players for their mod recommendations.