What Carries Over to Witcher 2 Save? A Comprehensive Guide
The Witcher series is known for its rich, branching narratives where player choices have genuine consequences. One of the most fascinating aspects of the games is how your decisions in one title can impact the next. So, what exactly carries over from The Witcher to The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings? The answer is, while not a massive overhaul, significant enough to give returning players a slight edge and a sense of continuity. Primarily, you’ll see a carryover of certain items, a very small amount of money, and some continuity regarding your character’s past. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Item Carryover: A Slight Edge
Don’t expect to waltz into The Witcher 2 with an arsenal of god-tier weapons and armor. Instead, what carries over is a very slightly improved steel and silver sword, as well as a somewhat better armor than what you’d typically find at the start of the game. Think of it as a nod to your previous accomplishments, rather than a game-breaking advantage. These items are essentially the gear Geralt had equipped at the end of The Witcher, but their stats are significantly nerfed so they are only a bit better than the basic gear available at the start of the second game. The purpose here is not to make you invincible, but rather to acknowledge your past battles and provide a smoother initial experience.
Monetary Carryover: A Minimal Boost
One of the most anticipated carryover elements for many players is money. However, the monetary transfer is quite minimal. You’ll receive a small percentage of your orens (about 1%) from your saved game of The Witcher, added to the standard ~150 orens a new game typically starts with. This means if you finished The Witcher with a fortune, you’ll see a few extra coins in your purse, but not enough to become instantly wealthy in The Witcher 2. The limited monetary carryover forces players to still engage with the game’s economy and earn their way through the new world.
Narrative Continuity: Hints of the Past
Beyond the tangible items and money, importing your The Witcher save also carries over a sense of continuity. While the storyline in The Witcher 2 is largely independent from the first game, there are subtle references and nods to the events of The Witcher. This provides an emotional connection for players who are invested in Geralt’s journey, making the transition from one game to another feel more organic and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify what you can expect with the The Witcher save import into The Witcher 2.
1. Does Importing a Witcher 1 save have a major impact on The Witcher 2?
No, the impact is not major in terms of items, stats or narrative. The imported items are only slightly better, and the amount of money is minimal. While there are nods to the past, The Witcher 2 storyline is largely self-contained. So it doesn’t dramatically change the experience.
2. If I choose not to import my save, will I miss out on major content in Witcher 2?
You won’t miss out on any major plot points or gameplay. The game is designed to be enjoyable whether you import a save or not. The save import is there for returning players to feel a small sense of continuity.
3. What’s the most important thing that transfers over from Witcher 1 to Witcher 2?
The sense of continuity is probably the most important thing. The imported items and money are not significant enough to drastically alter the game. However, having played the first game, returning to the world of the Witcher feels more immersive due to the small nods and references.
4. How do I import my Witcher 1 save into Witcher 2 on PC?
The process is fairly straightforward. When you start a new game in The Witcher 2, the game will automatically detect your The Witcher save files from their default location. You will then be prompted to import the data.
5. Can I import my save if I have The Witcher on a different platform?
No, save files cannot be transferred across platforms. If you played the first game on a console, the save file cannot be used on the PC version of the second game, or vice versa.
6. Is there any bug with importing Witcher 1 saves into Witcher 2?
Yes, there is a known bug: If you import a Witcher 1 save AND do the witcher 2 tutorial, some of the DLC items will not appear in your inventory. Also, you will not inherit any orens.
7. Should I bother importing my Witcher 1 save if the carryover is minimal?
Yes, it’s still worthwhile. Though minimal, the slight starting boost, the few extra orens, and the references to your previous journey can enhance your overall experience and make the transition smoother.
8. Are the starting items in Witcher 2 significantly better than the regular starting gear if you import a save?
No, the imported items are only slightly better than the default starting gear. Their stats are nerfed significantly from what they were at the end of The Witcher, so it’s not an immense advantage.
9. Does my inventory from The Witcher carry over?
No, only the gear Geralt was wearing at the end of The Witcher will transfer. Everything else in your inventory is left behind.
10. Is the monetary carryover impacted by how much money I had when I finished The Witcher?
Yes, it is. You get about 1% of the orens from your previous save in addition to the default starting money of about 150 orens. However, this amount will be minimal even with a large sum at the end of The Witcher.
11. What happens if I play The Witcher 2 on a new PC, where my saves from the Witcher are not present?
If you don’t have saves from the Witcher, you’ll simply start a new game without the slight bonuses. You won’t miss out on any core content; it’s a completely normal experience.
12. Does it matter what decisions I made in The Witcher when importing the save?
No. The decisions made in The Witcher do not carry over into The Witcher 2, it only matters what gear Geralt had equipped when you completed the game.
13. Will my skills and abilities transfer over from The Witcher?
No, skills and abilities are reset for The Witcher 2. The game introduces a new progression system, so you’ll start with a clean slate regarding your character build.
14. Can I choose which save file to import from The Witcher, if I have multiple save files?
Yes, when prompted, you can choose the specific save file you wish to import. This allows you to carry over the items that you equipped at the end of that particular game.
15. Does importing a save from The Witcher affect the difficulty of Witcher 2?
Not directly. Importing a save will make the very start of the game marginally easier with slightly better gear. However, the game’s overall difficulty remains the same, and you’ll need to master new skills and combat mechanics to progress.
Final Thoughts
While the import system from The Witcher to The Witcher 2 isn’t a game-changer, it’s a welcome feature for long-time fans. The subtle acknowledgements of your past adventures and the slight starting edge create a sense of continuity. Don’t expect an overhaul of your gameplay experience but rather a smoother transition for returning players. Now, you’re well-prepared to embark on Geralt’s journey in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, knowing exactly what to expect from your imported save.