Should I play Hearts of Stone before main story?

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Should I play Hearts of Stone before main story

Should I Play Hearts of Stone Before Main Story?

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The answer to whether you should play Hearts of Stone before the main story in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is that it can be done either way, but most players recommend completing it prior to finishing the main questline to avoid missing out on certain pieces of dialogue. Playing Hearts of Stone before the main story or at a point shortly before finding Ciri or after the battle of Kaer Morhen can provide a more immersive and coherent narrative experience.

Introduction to Hearts of Stone

Hearts of Stone is the first DLC (Downloadable Content) expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, offering a significant side quest that enriches the game’s story and gameplay. It introduces new characters, quests, and gameplay mechanics that expand on the Witcher universe. Understanding when to play Hearts of Stone in relation to the main story can enhance your overall gaming experience.

Main Story and DLC Integration

The Witcher 3 allows for a flexible gameplay experience, enabling players to engage with the Hearts of Stone DLC at various points in the main storyline. However, the optimal timing for playing Hearts of Stone can depend on your progress and preferences within the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about playing Hearts of Stone and its integration with the main story of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt:

  1. Should I Play Hearts of Stone Before Main Quest? Most players agree that Hearts of Stone is best completed prior to completing the main questline to avoid missing certain pieces of dialogue.

  2. Does Hearts of Stone Take Place After the Main Story? Chronologically, events in Hearts of Stone can happen during or after the main game, with CDPR writing dialogs to accommodate both scenarios.

  3. Should I Finish Blood and Wine Before Main Quest? The Blood and Wine expansion can be done completely independently of the main game and has no bearing on it.

  4. How to Play Witcher 3 in Chronological Order? The recommended quest order starts with Prologue Kaer Morhen, followed by Lilac and Gooseberries, The Beast of White Orchard, Incident at White Orchard, and then Imperial Audience.

  5. When Should I Start Hearts of Stone? It’s recommended to start Hearts of Stone shortly before finding Ciri or after the battle of Kaer Morhen, and before the grand finale on Undvik.

  6. Should I Play Witcher 3 Hearts of Stone or Blood and Wine in Order? The recommended order is completing Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, then Hearts of Stone, and finally Blood and Wine.

  7. Should I Do Hearts of Stone Before Final Preparations? Playing Hearts of Stone while doing the main quest Final Preparations in Novigrad can provide a better narrative fit.

  8. Should I Play Hearts of Stone Before or After Skellige? It can be played before or after finishing the story in the base game, but due to its high level, it’s best done after returning from Skellige.

  9. What Happens If You Beat Blood and Wine Before the Main Game? Doing Blood and Wine before completing the main quest can result in lower XP rewards for remaining quests outside Toussaint.

  10. How Many Hours Is Hearts of Stone? Hearts of Stone is about 10 hours in length for main objectives and around 18 hours for 100% completion.

  11. How Many Endings Does Hearts of Stone Have? Hearts of Stone features two different endings, depending on the player’s choices regarding O’Dimm and Olgierd.

  12. Is There Any Romance in Hearts of Stone? Yes, Hearts of Stone introduces Shani, a character with whom Geralt can enter into a romance.

  13. Should I Do Hearts of Stone Before Isle of Mists? It can be done before going to the Island of Mists, but consider your character’s level and the potential impact on the game’s challenge and narrative flow.

  14. Should I Start with The Last Wish or Blood of Elves? For reading The Witcher books, start with The Last Wish, then Sword of Destiny, and consider The Blood of Elves as part of the series but not the first to read.

  15. What Level Do You Finish The Witcher 3? The max level in the base game and with Hearts of Stone is 70, but Blood and Wine increases this cap to level 100, with most players finishing the game around level 50.

Conclusion

Playing Hearts of Stone before the main story in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can be a viable option, but considering the narrative flow and character level, it’s often recommended to integrate it into your gameplay at a point that feels most cohesive and enjoyable for you. Whether you choose to play it before, during, or after the main quest, Hearts of Stone offers a rich and engaging experience that expands the Witcher universe in meaningful ways.

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