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Should I Get The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077? A Deep Dive

The question of The Witcher 3 versus Cyberpunk 2077 isn’t about which game is objectively better. It’s about which game is the better fit for you, based on your gaming preferences and what you seek in an immersive experience. At its core, the decision hinges on whether you crave a sprawling fantasy epic filled with monster hunting, intricate political intrigue, and deeply developed characters or a gritty, technologically advanced sci-fi adventure exploring themes of transhumanism, corporate control, and personal identity. If you prefer swords, sorcery, and a world teeming with mythical creatures, then The Witcher 3 is your clear choice. If you’re drawn to a dystopian cityscape brimming with cybernetics, hacking, and neon-drenched streets, Cyberpunk 2077 is the way to go. The bottom line: both are exceptional games, but cater to different tastes.

Understanding the Core Differences

To make a truly informed decision, let’s dissect the key elements that define each game:

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Setting: A vast, meticulously crafted open-world inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore. Think rolling hills, dense forests, war-torn villages, and imposing castles.
Story: You play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, searching for his adopted daughter, Ciri, who is being pursued by the otherworldly Wild Hunt. The narrative is rich, complex, and driven by player choice, with branching storylines and meaningful consequences.
Gameplay: Combat revolves around swordsmanship, alchemy, and magical signs. Exploration is encouraged, with countless side quests, contracts, and hidden treasures to discover. The game emphasizes storytelling and character development, with memorable characters and impactful relationships.
Themes: Destiny, morality, prejudice, the cost of war, and the importance of family are prominent themes explored throughout The Witcher 3.
Strengths: Unparalleled storytelling, compelling characters, a stunning open world, meaningful choices, and excellent side quests.
Weaknesses: Combat can feel somewhat clunky at times, and the sheer scale of the game can be overwhelming for some players.

Cyberpunk 2077

Setting: Night City, a sprawling, futuristic metropolis dominated by mega-corporations, gangs, and cybernetic enhancements. The environment is dense, vertical, and highly detailed.
Story: You play as V, a mercenary caught up in a dangerous conspiracy after a botched heist. The narrative explores themes of identity, mortality, and the consequences of technological advancement.
Gameplay: A blend of first-person shooting, hacking, and stealth. Players can customize their character with cyberware, enhancing their abilities and altering their playstyle. The game offers a wide range of weapons, gadgets, and skills to master.
Themes: Transhumanism, corporate greed, social inequality, the meaning of life, and the impact of technology on humanity are central themes in Cyberpunk 2077.
Strengths: Immersive world, engaging story (especially after patches and the Phantom Liberty expansion), deep character customization, diverse gameplay options, and a unique aesthetic.
Weaknesses: Launch issues and bugs (largely resolved with patches), some repetitive side quests, and a less impactful story compared to The Witcher 3 (though Phantom Liberty significantly improves this).

Considering Your Gaming Preferences

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help guide your decision:

Do you prefer fantasy or science fiction? This is the most fundamental question. If you have a strong preference for one genre over the other, the choice is easy.
Do you prioritize story and character development? The Witcher 3 excels in this area, offering a deeply engaging narrative with memorable characters and meaningful choices.
Do you prefer a vast open world to explore or a dense, urban environment? The Witcher 3 has a sprawling open world, while Cyberpunk 2077 focuses on a more compact, urban setting.
Do you enjoy crafting and resource management? Both games have crafting systems, but The Witcher 3 places a greater emphasis on gathering resources and crafting potions, bombs, and equipment.
Do you like challenging combat? Both games offer challenging combat, but Cyberpunk 2077 has a more complex combat system with a wider range of weapons, skills, and cyberware options.
Do you mind a game with a slower pace? The Witcher 3 is a more deliberate game, with a slower pace and a greater emphasis on exploration and conversation. Cyberpunk 2077 is generally faster-paced, with more action and a more immediate sense of urgency.

The Verdict

Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer. Both The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 are exceptional games that offer unique and rewarding experiences. If you’re still undecided, consider watching gameplay videos or reading reviews of both games to get a better sense of what they offer. And if you’re truly torn, why not get both? They are available for different prices at different times of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further assist you in your decision:

Is Cyberpunk 2077 worth it now?

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is absolutely worth playing in its current state. The game has received numerous patches and updates that have addressed the initial bugs and performance issues. With the release of the 2.0 update and the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game is now a polished and enjoyable experience.

Is The Witcher 3 still worth playing in 2024?

Absolutely! The Witcher 3 is a timeless classic that remains highly engaging and rewarding to play. Its compelling story, memorable characters, and vast open world continue to captivate players, even years after its initial release.

Which game has a better story, The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077?

The Witcher 3 is generally considered to have a superior story, thanks to its rich lore, well-developed characters, and meaningful choices. Cyberpunk 2077‘s story is also engaging, particularly after the Phantom Liberty expansion, but it doesn’t quite reach the same level of emotional depth and complexity as The Witcher 3.

Which game has a bigger map, The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077?

The Witcher 3 has a significantly larger map than Cyberpunk 2077. The total map size of The Witcher 3 is nearly six times larger than the base map of Cyberpunk 2077.

Which game is more difficult, The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077?

Both games can be challenging, but Cyberpunk 2077 generally offers a wider range of difficulty options and more customizable combat. The difficulty in The Witcher 3 is primarily determined by enemy levels and your understanding of the combat system.

Can I play The Witcher 3 without playing the previous games?

Yes, you can absolutely play The Witcher 3 without playing The Witcher 1 or The Witcher 2. The game is designed to be accessible to newcomers, and the story is largely self-contained.

Is The Witcher 3 a “noob-friendly” game?

The Witcher 3 can be a bit overwhelming for new players due to its complex systems and vast world. However, with some patience and a willingness to learn, it’s definitely manageable for newcomers.

Is Cyberpunk 2077 a heavy game to run?

Cyberpunk 2077 is a demanding game that requires a relatively powerful PC to run smoothly, especially at higher settings. However, it’s not uniquely demanding compared to other modern AAA titles.

How long does it take to beat The Witcher 3?

It takes approximately 51.5 hours to complete the main story of The Witcher 3. If you aim for 100% completion, including all side quests and content, it can take around 173 hours.

Is there going to be a Witcher 4?

Yes, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that The Witcher 4 is in development and will kick off a new saga in the Witcher universe.

Is The Witcher 3 the best open-world game ever?

The Witcher 3 is widely regarded as one of the best open-world games ever created, often praised for its immersive world, compelling story, and memorable characters.

Why is The Witcher 3 so popular?

The Witcher 3‘s popularity stems from its strong narrative, well-developed characters, vast open world, meaningful choices, and excellent side quests. The game is based on a series of novels, which provide a rich and detailed foundation for the story and characters.

Is The Witcher 3 a scary game?

While The Witcher 3 isn’t a horror game, it does feature some creepy and unsettling elements, including terrifying monsters, graphic violence, and disturbing themes.

Is The Witcher 3 better than Assassin’s Creed?

Whether The Witcher 3 is better than Assassin’s Creed depends on personal preference. The Witcher 3 generally receives higher praise for its story, characters, and world-building.

How much storage space does The Witcher 3 require?

The base game of The Witcher 3 requires approximately 16GB of storage space. The Game of the Year Edition, which includes all expansions and DLC, requires approximately 32GB.

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Should I get The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk?