Should You Start Your Witcher Journey with Witcher 1 or 3? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of where to begin your adventure in the world of The Witcher is a common one, fraught with considerations of gameplay, story, and personal preference. The direct answer is this: it depends on what you’re looking for in your gaming experience.
- If you prioritize chronological story order and are willing to tolerate dated mechanics, start with The Witcher 1. It provides a foundational understanding of the world, characters, and Geralt’s past.
- If you value modern gameplay and stunning visuals above all else, and are eager to dive into the most acclaimed entry in the series, start with The Witcher 3. You can always explore the earlier games (or their summaries) later to fill in the lore.
The series is interconnected, but each game stands relatively alone. Let’s delve deeper into this complex choice.
Understanding the Witcher Landscape
The Witcher franchise, based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski, consists of three main video games: The Witcher (2007), The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011), and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). Each game tells a part of Geralt of Rivia’s journey as a Witcher, a monster hunter for hire.
The Witcher 1: A Foundation, But Dated
The Witcher 1 is a game that is both beloved and criticized. It offers a deep dive into the lore, introducing key characters, factions, and locations that become important throughout the series. The story is compelling, with moral dilemmas and a gritty atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the books.
However, the game’s combat system is clunky and divisive. The mechanics can be awkward, requiring you to click at specific times to chain attacks. The visuals, while impressive for their time, are undeniably dated by today’s standards. Furthermore, some may struggle with the dialogue and voice acting.
The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings: A Significant Step Up
The Witcher 2 represents a major leap forward in terms of gameplay and visuals. The combat is more fluid and engaging, and the world is brought to life with greater detail and fidelity. The story is also excellent, with a complex plot involving political intrigue and assassination attempts. The consequences of player choices are more profound and branching.
The game is more linear than The Witcher 3, but offers great replayability due to different paths that can be taken. It’s generally considered more accessible than The Witcher 1 and a good middle ground for players looking for a balance of story and gameplay.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: The Pinnacle
The Witcher 3 is widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time. Its open world is vast and breathtaking, filled with interesting quests, memorable characters, and challenging monsters. The combat is refined and satisfying, and the story is both epic and personal.
While it is the most polished and accessible game in the series, some may find the overwhelming amount of content intimidating. You can jump directly into the story without prior knowledge, though you might miss some nuances and references.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Starting Point
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Starting with The Witcher 1:
- Pros: Chronological story order, deep dive into the lore, introduction to key characters, and allows you to experience Geralt’s journey from the beginning.
- Cons: Dated gameplay and visuals, clunky combat system, and potentially off-putting for modern gamers.
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Starting with The Witcher 3:
- Pros: Modern gameplay and graphics, vast open world, refined combat system, and most accessible entry point.
- Cons: Potentially overwhelming amount of content, missing out on prior story context, less appreciation for character development.
Finding the Right Path for You
Ultimately, the best starting point depends on your personal preferences and gaming habits.
- For the Lore Enthusiast: Start with The Witcher 1 and experience the story in chronological order. Be prepared for some old-school gameplay quirks, or read a detailed synopsis of the first game before jumping into The Witcher 2.
- For the Gameplay-Focused Gamer: Start with The Witcher 3 and enjoy the modern visuals and fluid combat. If you become invested in the world and characters, consider revisiting the earlier games later.
- For the Balanced Approach: Start with The Witcher 2. It offers a good balance of story and gameplay, and serves as a solid bridge between the dated mechanics of The Witcher 1 and the vast open world of The Witcher 3.
Video games aren’t just about entertainment; they are also tools for learning. Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about this subject.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is The Witcher 1 Worth Playing in 2023?
Yes, but with caveats. If you appreciate older RPGs with a focus on story and world-building, and don’t mind dated graphics and combat, it can still be an enjoyable experience.
2. Can I Skip The Witcher 1 and Play The Witcher 2?
Absolutely. You’ll miss some backstory and character introductions, but The Witcher 2 does a decent job of providing context.
3. Can I Skip Both The Witcher 1 and 2 and Play The Witcher 3?
Yes, you can. The Witcher 3 is designed to be accessible to newcomers, although knowing the previous games can enhance your experience.
4. Is The Witcher 3 Boring at the Beginning?
Some players might find the initial area (White Orchard) a bit slow-paced, but it serves as a tutorial and introduces key characters and plot points. Most agree the game picks up significantly after this initial section.
5. Is The Witcher 1 Easy?
On lower difficulties, it can be relatively easy. Playing on harder difficulties requires more tactical use of Geralt’s abilities and potions.
6. How Long Does It Take to Beat The Witcher 1?
The main story of The Witcher 1 takes around 35-40 hours. Completing all side quests and exploring everything can easily push it to 60+ hours.
7. Is The Witcher 1 Hard to Get Into?
For some players, the dated gameplay and visuals can be a barrier. However, the engaging story and world-building can make it worth persevering.
8. Is The Witcher 2 Shorter Than The Witcher 1?
Yes, The Witcher 2 is generally shorter, taking around 30-40 hours to complete.
9. Why is The Witcher 2 Better Than The Witcher 1?
Many find The Witcher 2 superior due to its improved gameplay, graphics, and more focused storyline. It’s a more polished experience overall.
10. Does The Witcher 1 Have Multiple Endings?
Yes, The Witcher 1 has three distinct endings based on your choices throughout the game.
11. How Long Between the Events of The Witcher 1 and 3?
The events of The Witcher 3 take place roughly six-seven months after The Witcher 2, and a little under a year after The Witcher 1.
12. Is The Witcher 3 Easier Than The Witcher 2?
Many players find The Witcher 3 to be more forgiving than The Witcher 2, particularly on lower difficulty settings.
13. What Difficulty Should I Play The Witcher Games On?
If you’re new to the series or RPGs in general, start on a lower difficulty and adjust as needed. Higher difficulties require more strategic use of combat mechanics and resource management.
14. What’s the Most Important Thing to Focus On in The Witcher Games?
For a first-time player, focusing on the story and characters is highly recommended. The Witcher universe is rich and deep, and the stories are what truly make the games special.
15. Do My Choices in Previous Witcher Games Affect The Witcher 3?
Yes, if you import a save file from The Witcher 2 into The Witcher 3, certain choices you made will have consequences and affect the story.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Dive into the Continent in whichever way feels most appealing. Each game offers a unique and rewarding experience, and there’s no wrong way to begin your Witcher journey. Enjoy the ride!