Novigrad or Skellige First? A Witcher 3 Dilemma, Decoded!
So, you’ve reached that pivotal moment in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. You’ve wrapped up your business in Velen, received your marching orders, and are now staring down two very different paths: the bustling city of Novigrad or the windswept isles of Skellige. Which do you choose first? The answer, while seemingly simple, is steeped in gameplay preferences, narrative desires, and character level considerations.
The Short Answer: It Depends, But Probably Novigrad
While the game allows you to tackle either region first, starting with Novigrad is generally the recommended and more narratively cohesive choice for most players. There are several reasons for this recommendation, though, and none of the reasons will break your game, should you choose to skip to Skellige. It comes down to your individual playstyle!
Why Novigrad First? The Case for the City
- Narrative Flow: The main story quests in Novigrad lead more directly into the events of Skellige. Completing the Novigrad arc sets the stage for the political tensions and personal stakes you’ll encounter in the Skellige isles, creating a more impactful and understandable experience.
- Gradual Level Progression: Novigrad, while boasting a variety of challenging encounters, generally caters to a slightly lower level range than Skellige. Starting in Novigrad allows you to level up and acquire better gear before venturing into the more demanding environment of the islands. The recommended starting level for Skellige is 17, and Novigrad will prepare you for this.
- Quest Structure: The questlines in Novigrad, while some may find them tedious, are designed to gradually introduce you to the game’s mechanics and intricacies. This provides a smoother learning curve compared to being thrown into the more open and exploration-focused gameplay of Skellige right away.
- Financial Considerations: You will need 1,000 crowns to travel to Skellige and, although you get this money back in the story, it can be helpful to have the funds available before traveling to Skellige. You will be able to accumulate wealth easier in Novigrad before departing.
Why Skellige First? The Call of the Isles
Despite the benefits of starting with Novigrad, there are compelling reasons to head to Skellige first:
- Fresh Air (Literally!): As the article you supplied states, after the oppressive atmosphere of war-torn Velen and the crowded streets of Novigrad, Skellige’s breathtaking landscapes and distinct culture offer a refreshing change of pace. If you’re feeling burned out by the urban environment, a trip to the islands might be just what you need.
- Exploration and Freedom: Skellige emphasizes exploration and open-world gameplay. If you enjoy discovering hidden locations, tackling monster contracts, and unraveling local mysteries, Skellige offers a richer experience in this regard than Novigrad.
- Challenge: Skellige’s higher level enemies and more demanding quests can provide a greater sense of accomplishment for experienced players seeking a challenge. If you’re confident in your Witcher skills, diving into Skellige first can be a rewarding experience.
- Unique Dialogue: There are unique dialogue interactions that appear when you visit Skellige before Novigrad and Velen. This can make for a unique playthrough experience that is not often seen.
The Importance of Choice
Ultimately, the choice of whether to visit Novigrad or Skellige first comes down to personal preference. There is no “wrong” answer, and the game is designed to accommodate either path. Consider your playstyle, your desired level of challenge, and your narrative priorities when making your decision. No matter which you choose, rest assured that you’ll eventually experience both regions and their captivating stories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. At what level should you go to Skellige?
The game suggests being at least level 17 before starting the main quests in Skellige. However, skilled players can tackle the region at a lower level, focusing on exploration and easier side quests to level up.
2. Will going to Skellige first fail any quests?
No, traveling to Skellige will not automatically fail any quests in Velen or Novigrad. You can fast travel between regions once you’ve unlocked the ability. The only thing that auto-fails quests is progressing through certain main story quests.
3. Do you have to pay 1,000 crowns to get to Skellige?
Yes, you need a minimum of 1,000 crowns to pay for passage to Skellige. The game ensures you’ll get this money back within the Skellige quest line.
4. Is there a way to get to Skellige without paying?
Technically, no. The game requires you to pay for transport to Skellige initially. After you unlock travel between areas, you will no longer need to pay.
5. What order should I play the Witcher 3 quests?
A generally accepted quest order is:
- Prologue (Kaer Morhen)
- Lilac and Gooseberries
- The Beast of White Orchard
- Incident at White Orchard
- Imperial Audience
- Onward to Velen (and then the choice between Novigrad and Skellige)
6. Can you sail to Skellige yourself?
No, you cannot manually sail to Skellige across the open sea. You can technically sail if you have already been to Skellige and are using the boat fast travel.
7. Who is the best choice for ruler of Skellige?
The best choice is subjective and depends on your desired outcome. Cerys an Craite is often considered the most beneficial ruler for Skellige’s future, leading to peace and prosperity.
8. Should I do Witcher 3 main story first or DLC?
Generally, play the DLC in release order. Hearts of Stone can be played before the end of the main story, but Blood and Wine is best saved for after the main campaign.
9. What is the max level in Witcher 3?
The base game and Hearts of Stone cap Geralt’s level at 70. The Blood and Wine expansion raises the cap to 100.
10. Is it worth doing every quest in Witcher 3?
It depends on your completionist tendencies. Playing only the main quests will allow you to experience the core story, but exploring side quests provides valuable experience, unique items, and deeper insights into the world.
11. Why is Skellige so cold?
Skellige’s climate is influenced by its northern latitude and mountainous terrain. High altitude causes air to cool which results in colder temperatures.
12. Can you become king of Skellige?
No, Geralt cannot become the king of Skellige. He can only influence who becomes king (or queen) through his choices and actions.
13. Is it worth getting all the question marks in Skellige?
Skellige’s question marks can lead to valuable loot and experience, but some are time-consuming and may feel repetitive. Focus on points of interest that align with your playstyle and completion goals.
14. What is the fastest way to level up in Witcher 3?
A fast way to level up is to find a monster nest and keep meditating and farming the monsters that spawn.
15. Should I play The Witcher trilogy in order?
While playing the first two games will provide a deeper understanding of the lore and characters, it’s not essential. The Witcher 3 is designed to be accessible to new players.
Mastering the Game and Learning through Play
Choosing between Novigrad and Skellige is just one of the many choices that add complexity and replayability to The Witcher 3. As explored by researchers at the Games Learning Society, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, games like The Witcher 3 offer rich opportunities for learning and skill development, from problem-solving and strategic thinking to decision-making and narrative comprehension.