Should I Start With The Witcher 2 or 3? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of whether to jump straight into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or begin with The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings is a common one for newcomers to the series. The short answer is: while you can start with The Witcher 3 and enjoy it, beginning with The Witcher 2 is highly recommended for a more enriching and complete experience. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore the nuances of each game in the context of your overall Witcher journey.
Why Starting with The Witcher 2 Is Recommended
A More Direct Lead-In
The Witcher 2 serves as a much more direct prequel to the events of The Witcher 3. The story and characters are directly connected. Skipping The Witcher 2 means you’ll be thrown into The Witcher 3 without a lot of necessary context, particularly about the political landscape, key characters, and some significant plot points. Many of the relationships and alliances established in the second game become pivotal in the third. You risk having a less nuanced understanding of Geralt’s situation, his motivations, and the motivations of his allies and enemies.
Understanding Character Dynamics
The Witcher 2 is where you will get the opportunity to form bonds with characters that play major roles in The Witcher 3, including Triss Merigold, Vernon Roche, Letho of Gulet, and others. When these characters reappear in the third game, you will already know who they are, their histories, and the reasons for their involvement, greatly enhancing the impact of their scenes and interactions. Without this background, these characters could feel less significant, and their backstories may feel like throwaway pieces of dialogue.
Richer Narrative Understanding
The plot of The Witcher 3 picks up several months after the events of The Witcher 2. Playing the second game will give you a much clearer perspective on the narrative threads that continue into the third game. You’ll understand the consequences of your actions in The Witcher 2 and how they shape the world in The Witcher 3, adding extra layers of depth to your playthrough. This includes understanding motivations and the geopolitical climate of the world.
Learning the Lore and Backstories
The Witcher 3 does a commendable job of catching new players up, providing a ‘dramatis personae’ to explain characters and events. However, experiencing these events firsthand in The Witcher 2 offers a level of immersion and comprehension that simple exposition cannot replicate. This includes important lore and world-building aspects that make the Witcher universe so interesting and unique.
Gameplay Transition
While significantly different from The Witcher 1, The Witcher 2’s gameplay provides a more natural transition into the systems of The Witcher 3. This is because the third game is much smoother and more open-ended compared to the combat found in the first Witcher. This allows you to get a grip on core mechanics in a format similar to that of The Witcher 3.
The Case for Starting Directly With The Witcher 3
Accessibility and Modern Gameplay
The Witcher 3 is designed to be accessible to new players, with a robust tutorial and explanations of important lore. It’s also the most modern of the three games, offering a smoother gameplay experience and the vast open-world that most modern RPG fans expect. If you’re worried about clunky mechanics or dated graphics, The Witcher 3 might be a more appealing starting point.
Time Commitment
The Witcher 2 is shorter than the other two games, typically taking around 25-50 hours to complete, depending on playstyle. Starting with The Witcher 2 adds this extra time commitment before you can get to the popular, open-world experience of The Witcher 3. If you only have a limited time to dedicate, skipping to the Witcher 3 is understandable.
“Simulate Save” Option
The Witcher 3 offers a “simulate save” feature. This means that at the beginning of the game, you can make decisions that mimic the key choices made in The Witcher 2. While this doesn’t exactly replicate the experience of playing the game yourself, it does allow you to impact the world based on knowledge gained from reading or watching recaps about the events of the second game.
FAQs About Starting with The Witcher Games
Do I have to play The Witcher 1 before The Witcher 2?
No, you do not need to play The Witcher 1 before The Witcher 2. The games are almost mutually exclusive in terms of their main storylines. The connections between them are minor, and skipping the first game won’t negatively impact your enjoyment or understanding of the second.
Is The Witcher 2 better than The Witcher 3?
The games have distinct strengths. The Witcher 2 is more focused and linear, with a tighter narrative and impactful choices. The Witcher 3 is a vast open-world experience with smoother gameplay and a more robust exploration system. Which one is better depends entirely on personal preference.
Is The Witcher 3’s story understandable if I skip The Witcher 2?
Yes, but it will be a less nuanced experience. You will understand the overall plot, but the relationships and backstories will feel less impactful, especially in regard to important characters, the political situation and the repercussions of decisions made in the second game.
How much shorter is The Witcher 2 compared to The Witcher 3?
The Witcher 2 is considerably shorter than The Witcher 3. On average, The Witcher 2 takes 25-50 hours to complete, while The Witcher 3 can easily take 60-100+ hours.
Is The Witcher 2’s gameplay dated?
Compared to The Witcher 3, The Witcher 2 does have some slightly clunky mechanics, but it’s still very playable and enjoyable. Its unique potion system and more tactical approach to combat differentiate it from the later title.
Will I be lost if I start with The Witcher 3?
You won’t be completely lost. The Witcher 3 does a good job of introducing key characters and lore, but your understanding of events and character relationships will be significantly improved by playing The Witcher 2 beforehand.
What should I do if I choose to skip The Witcher 2?
If you decide to skip The Witcher 2, it is highly recommended to watch a comprehensive recap of the story, including the various plot choices that can be made. This will allow you to better understand the context and story of The Witcher 3.
Is The Witcher 2 still worth playing in 2024?
Absolutely. The Witcher 2 has aged well and remains a compelling RPG with a great story, impactful choices, and a captivating world. It is definitely still worth playing for fans of the series.
Does my choice in The Witcher 2 impact The Witcher 3?
Yes, but the impact is managed by the aforementioned “simulate save” feature in The Witcher 3. Certain choices you make in The Witcher 2 do shape events in The Witcher 3. While you do not get the experience of living through your own decision-making, the feature allows you to reflect on the consequences of the events.
How different is The Witcher 2’s gameplay compared to The Witcher 3?
The Witcher 2 has more linear levels and a more challenging combat system that requires planning and preparation, including using potions before combat. The Witcher 3 is smoother, faster, and has an open-world structure.
How important is the potion system in The Witcher 2 compared to The Witcher 3?
In The Witcher 2, potions are essential and must be consumed before battle. In The Witcher 3, potion use is more flexible, allowing you to drink potions during battle.
Can a new gamer start with The Witcher 3?
Yes. Although it can be initially overwhelming, The Witcher 3 is beginner-friendly, offering a thorough tutorial, explanations of the gameplay systems, and a world that is easy to explore.
Which Witcher game is more challenging?
Both have their challenges, but The Witcher 2 is often regarded as the more difficult of the two, with less forgiveness in combat, especially on higher difficulties. The Witcher 3 is also challenging, but not as demanding.
Is The Witcher 2 an open-world game?
No, The Witcher 2 is not a true open-world game. It has several large open-world-esque maps, but these are separated into distinct acts. While not fully open world, these areas still provide exploration and side quests.
How is combat different in The Witcher 1, 2 and 3?
The combat in the Witcher Series is drastically different. The Witcher 1 employs a click-based combat system where you time your clicks on enemy animations. The Witcher 2 moves to a more Arkham Asylum-like style freeflow combat with spells and traps. The Witcher 3 improves the feel of combat even further with smoother animations and more responsiveness.
Conclusion
While you can start with The Witcher 3, beginning with The Witcher 2 provides a much more complete and satisfying experience. It lays the groundwork for the narrative, introduces key characters, and deepens your understanding of the world and its lore. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but playing The Witcher 2 before The Witcher 3 is highly recommended for any newcomer to the series who wishes to fully immerse themselves in the rich world and story.