Should I Play Witcher 2 or 3 First?
The answer to whether you should play Witcher 2 or Witcher 3 first is that you can start with either game, as both offer unique experiences and are designed to be accessible to new players, but Witcher 3 is often recommended due to its more refined gameplay and engaging storyline. Playing Witcher 3 first allows you to enjoy a more polished and expansive open-world game with a compelling narrative, and then you can choose to play Witcher 2 to understand the backstory and characters’ development.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Is it necessary to play Witcher 1 to understand Witcher 2? – No, the games are designed to be somewhat standalone, with each having its own story, although there are connections and referenced events throughout the series.
- Can I skip Witcher 1 and play Witcher 2? – Yes, you can skip Witcher 1 and start with Witcher 2, as the series is structured to allow players to join at any point and still enjoy the game without prior knowledge.
- Is Witcher 3 a good first game? – Witcher 3 is considered an excellent entry point into the series, providing a comprehensive introduction to the Witcher universe and its lore.
Gameplay and Story
- How important is Witcher 2 to Witcher 3? – While Witcher 2 provides background information on characters and events, Witcher 3 does a good job of filling in the gaps, making it possible to play Witcher 3 without playing Witcher 2 first.
- Is The Witcher 2 better than 3? – This is subjective, but Witcher 2 is more linear and focused, while Witcher 3 offers a larger open world and more complex storyline, making Witcher 3 preferred by many for its immersive gameplay.
- Is The Witcher 3 easier than 2? – The difficulty level can vary depending on the player, but many find Witcher 3 to be slightly easier due to its more refined combat mechanics and accessible gameplay.
Series and Sequel Questions
- Is The Witcher 1 and 2 connected to 3? – Yes, The Witcher 3 is a sequel and continues the story from the previous games, but it is designed to be playable without prior knowledge of the series.
- Should I finish Witcher 2 before 3? – While it’s not necessary, playing Witcher 2 before Witcher 3 can enhance your understanding of the characters and their relationships, adding depth to your gaming experience.
- Can I play The Witcher 2 after 3? – Absolutely, many players have started with Witcher 3 and then gone back to play the earlier games to learn more about the Witcher lore and character backgrounds.
Game Length and Comparison
- Is The Witcher 2 shorter than 1? – Yes, Witcher 2 is generally shorter than Witcher 1, with completion times varying based on the player’s level of engagement with side quests and exploration.
- Is The Witcher 2 bigger than The Witcher 3? – No, Witcher 3 is significantly larger, with a vast open world to explore, more quests, and a longer main storyline.
- How long to beat The Witcher 2? – The time to complete Witcher 2 can range from 24 hours for the main story to over 50 hours for 100% completion, depending on the player’s pace and level of interest in side quests.
Recommendations and Alternatives
- Should I play Witcher 1 or 2 first? – If you’re new to the series and considering starting from the beginning, Witcher 1 can provide a foundation, but keep in mind it’s dated in terms of gameplay; Witcher 2 offers more modern mechanics and is a good middle ground.
- Is there any game better than Witcher 3? – Opinions vary, but games like the rebooted God of War series offer similar blends of action, adventure, and deep storytelling, and might be considered alternatives or comparable experiences.
- Can you play The Witcher 3 without playing the others? – Yes, Witcher 3 is designed to be accessible to new players, with an engaging storyline and intuitive gameplay that brings you up to speed on the necessary Witcher lore and characters.