Should I play The Witcher 1 before or after the books?
To answer the question directly, it is not necessary to play The Witcher 1 before reading the books, as the game’s story is designed to be a standalone experience, although playing the game after reading the books can provide a deeper understanding of the lore and characters. The books and the game series are connected but can be enjoyed independently, with the game taking creative liberties to enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience.
Understanding the Witcher Series
The Witcher series is a complex and engaging fantasy world created by Andrzej Sapkowski, with a rich history and intricate lore that spans across books, games, and TV shows. The games, developed by CD Projekt Red, are set in the same universe as the books but offer a unique perspective on the story and characters.
The Connection Between the Books and Games
The games are set after the events of the last book, Lady of the Lake, and while they do spoil some of the major plot points from the books, they also expand on the world and characters in meaningful ways. The game series is designed to be accessible to new players, with each game providing a self-contained story that builds upon the previous one.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Does playing The Witcher 1 spoil the books? A: While The Witcher 1 does spoil some of the major plot points from the books, it also avoids many key characters and storylines, making it possible to enjoy the books without prior knowledge of the game.
- Q: Can I play The Witcher 1 without reading the books? A: Yes, The Witcher 1 is designed to be a standalone experience, and players can enjoy the game without prior knowledge of the books.
- Q: Is The Witcher 1 set after the books? A: Yes, The Witcher 1 is set after the events of the last book, Lady of the Lake.
- Q: Does The Witcher 1 follow the books? A: The game takes creative liberties to enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience, while still respecting the source material.
- Q: Should I play The Witcher 1 before playing The Witcher 2? A: While it is not necessary to play The Witcher 1 before The Witcher 2, playing the first game can provide valuable context and character development.
- Q: Can I skip The Witcher 1 and play The Witcher 2? A: Yes, The Witcher 2 is designed to be accessible to new players, and the story is self-contained.
- Q: How long does The Witcher 1 last? A: The Witcher 1 can last around 35-40 hours for the main story, and up to 60-70 hours for 100% completion.
- Q: Does The Witcher 1 have multiple endings? A: Yes, The Witcher 1 has multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices throughout the game.
- Q: Is The Witcher 1 better than The Witcher 2? A: This depends on personal preference, as both games have their strengths and weaknesses.
- Q: Do I need to play The Witcher games in order? A: No, each game is designed to be a standalone experience, and players can jump in at any point in the series.
- Q: What books should I read before playing The Witcher 1? A: The recommended reading order is The Last Wish, followed by Sword of Destiny, and then the main series starting with Blood of Elves.
- Q: Is The Witcher 1 connected to The Witcher 3? A: Yes, The Witcher 1 is connected to The Witcher 3, but each game is designed to be a self-contained story.
- Q: Can I import my save from The Witcher 1 to The Witcher 2? A: Yes, on the PC version, players can import their save file from The Witcher 1 to The Witcher 2.
- Q: What is the correct order to read The Witcher books? A: The recommended reading order is The Last Wish, followed by Sword of Destiny, and then the main series starting with Blood of Elves.
- Q: Do the Witcher show writers hate the books? A: There have been reports of creative differences between the show writers and the source material, but this has not been officially confirmed.