Hearts of Stone: Skellige First or Second? A Witcher’s Dilemma, Decoded
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Should you tackle the swirling mists of Skellige or the cursed fields of Hearts of Stone first in your Witcher 3 adventure? It’s a question that plagues many a fledgling Witcher, and the answer, as with most things in the Northern Kingdoms, isn’t entirely straightforward.
The Short Answer: Do Skellige First.
While The Witcher 3 allows considerable freedom in how you approach its sprawling narrative, playing the Skellige storyline before diving into Hearts of Stone is generally recommended. Here’s why:
- Level Progression: Hearts of Stone is designed for characters around level 30+. While technically you can start it earlier, you’ll find yourself repeatedly battered and bruised by Olgierd von Everec’s cursed crew. Skellige’s quests, including many side quests, will help you bridge the gap from the main Velen/Novigrad arc to the recommended level for Hearts of Stone.
- Narrative Cohesion: Completing the core story of the main game, including the Skellige portion, provides a better understanding of Geralt’s personal stakes and relationships before jumping into the self-contained, yet emotionally resonant, narrative of Hearts of Stone. The main story provides important context about Geralt’s relationships, motivations, and the overall state of the world, enhancing the impact of Hearts of Stone’s standalone tale.
- Gear and Skills: Skellige is a treasure trove of Witcher gear diagrams, crafting materials, and experience points. Equipping yourself with enhanced armor and honed skills before facing the challenges of Hearts of Stone will significantly improve your chances of survival. Gwent decks aren’t half bad either!
- Pacing and Impact: Hearts of Stone is a tightly woven, relatively short expansion. Playing it after the lengthy Skellige storyline allows you to enjoy its intense narrative without feeling overwhelmed by open-world tasks immediately afterward. It provides a refreshing change of pace and a satisfying conclusion to a substantial chunk of gameplay.
Diving Deeper: Why Skellige Wins
Let’s elaborate on these points. Imagine facing the Toad Prince, one of Hearts of Stone’s formidable bosses, at level 20. You’d be spending more time running away than fighting! Skellige provides a natural progression path, offering quests tailored for levels 20-30, allowing you to gradually build Geralt’s strength and skillset.
Furthermore, knowing the fates of key characters from the main storyline adds weight to Geralt’s choices in Hearts of Stone. While the expansion doesn’t directly reference every detail, the player’s pre-existing knowledge enriches the experience. You’ll appreciate the nuances of Geralt’s personality and his approach to problem-solving even more.
A Note on Player Choice
Ultimately, the decision is yours. If you’re an experienced Witcher player seeking a challenge, tackling Hearts of Stone at a lower level could be exhilarating. However, for most players, especially those new to The Witcher 3, the recommended path ensures a smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately more rewarding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hearts of Stone and Skellige
Here are some common questions players have regarding the optimal order of tackling these parts of The Witcher 3:
1. What level should I be to start Hearts of Stone?
The recommended level is 30 or higher. While you can technically start the questline earlier, expect a significantly increased difficulty.
2. Will I miss out on anything if I do Hearts of Stone before Skellige?
You won’t miss out on any essential story content, but you may lack the context and familiarity with the world that Skellige provides. Furthermore, you’ll be less equipped in terms of gear and abilities.
3. Can I come back to Skellige after starting Hearts of Stone?
Absolutely! The world of The Witcher 3 remains open, allowing you to travel freely between regions. You can begin Hearts of Stone, realize you’re under-leveled, and then return to Skellige to gain experience and better equipment.
4. Does the order of Skellige and Hearts of Stone affect the main game’s ending?
No, the order of these storylines doesn’t directly impact the main game’s ending. Hearts of Stone is a self-contained narrative, although choices you make within Hearts of Stone can have their own consequences.
5. What are the benefits of doing Skellige first?
- Higher Level: Reaching the recommended level for Hearts of Stone.
- Better Gear: Acquiring Witcher gear and other powerful items.
- Narrative Understanding: Gaining a deeper appreciation for the world and characters.
- Improved Skills: Enhancing Geralt’s abilities and combat prowess.
6. Is Hearts of Stone harder than the Skellige storyline?
Yes, generally speaking, Hearts of Stone presents a greater challenge than the Skellige storyline. The enemies are tougher, the boss fights are more complex, and the quests often require strategic thinking.
7. Are there any missable quests in Skellige that I should be aware of before starting Hearts of Stone?
While most quests remain available, some side quests in Skellige have level requirements. It’s always a good idea to check your quest log and complete any lower-level quests before progressing too far.
8. What kind of gear should I aim for before starting Hearts of Stone?
Focus on acquiring Witcher gear, such as the Ursine armor set or the Griffin armor set. These sets provide excellent protection and bonuses tailored to different playstyles. Also, ensure your weapons are up to par.
9. How long does it take to complete the Skellige storyline?
The Skellige storyline is quite extensive and can take 20-30 hours to complete, depending on how many side quests you pursue.
10. How long does it take to complete Hearts of Stone?
Hearts of Stone is significantly shorter, typically taking 10-15 hours to complete.
11. Does Hearts of Stone introduce new gameplay mechanics?
Yes, Hearts of Stone introduces a new Runeword crafting system, allowing you to enhance your weapons and armor with powerful buffs. It also introduces new monsters and abilities.
12. Does Hearts of Stone have multiple endings?
While not “endings” in the same vein as the main game, Hearts of Stone offers significant choices that impact the fate of Olgierd von Everec. These choices lead to different outcomes and rewards.
13. Where does the Blood and Wine expansion fit into all of this?
The Blood and Wine expansion is generally considered the final chapter of Geralt’s story and is designed for characters level 34+. It should be played after completing both the main game and Hearts of Stone.
14. I’m a completionist. Should I do all the side quests in Skellige before starting Hearts of Stone?
That depends on your patience! While completing all side quests will certainly boost your level and resources, it’s not strictly necessary. Prioritize quests that offer valuable rewards, such as Witcher gear diagrams or skill points.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and how these kinds of decisions are made in game development?
The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org is an excellent resource. They focus on the intersection of games and education, and you can find a lot of insightful information about how game developers make design choices and craft engaging player experiences. Exploring resources like the Games Learning Society can give players an appreciation for the art and science behind crafting experiences like The Witcher 3.