What happens if you do Blood and Wine first?

If you choose to play the Blood and Wine DLC before completing the main story of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you won’t miss out on any critical plot points, as the expansion is designed to be a self-contained story with its own unique characters, area, and narrative. However, it’s recommended to play Blood and Wine after completing the main game, as the enemy levels within the DLC are intended for higher-level characters, and playing it first may make the remainder of the campaign feel too easy.

Understanding the Context

To fully grasp the implications of playing Blood and Wine first, it’s essential to understand the context of the game and its expansions. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world role-playing game set in a vast fantasy world, with a rich storyline and engaging characters. The game’s storyline is divided into the main game and two expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.

Playing Blood and Wine First: What to Expect

Playing Blood and Wine before the main story will not affect the overall narrative, as the DLC is designed to be a standalone expansion. However, you may encounter some references to events in the main game, which may seem out of context if you haven’t completed the main story. Additionally, the enemy levels in Blood and Wine are higher than in the main game, so you may find the gameplay more challenging if you’re not adequately prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 15 FAQs that provide additional information about playing Blood and Wine and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt:

1. What is the recommended order for playing The Witcher 3 DLCs?: The recommended order is to play The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, followed by Hearts of Stone, and finally Blood and Wine.
2. Can I play Blood and Wine without completing the main story?: Yes, you can play Blood and Wine without completing the main story, but it’s recommended to play it after completing the main game.
3. What are the consequences of playing Blood and Wine before the main story?: Playing Blood and Wine before the main story may make the remainder of the campaign feel too easy, as the enemy levels in the DLC are higher than in the main game.
4. How long does it take to complete Blood and Wine?: Completing Blood and Wine can take around 15 hours for the main story, 28 hours for side quests and extra activities, and 40.5 hours for 100% completion.
5. What is the minimum level requirement for Blood and Wine?: The minimum level requirement for Blood and Wine is level 35, but it’s recommended to be at least level 30 to 35 to start the DLC.
6. Can I romance someone in Blood and Wine?: Yes, you can romance Syanna in Blood and Wine, but it has no impact on the rest of the game or other romance options.
7. Does the Witcher 3 ending affect Blood and Wine?: No, the Witcher 3 ending does not affect Blood and Wine, as the DLC is a separate adventure with its own story and characters.
8. Can I keep Anna Henrietta alive in Blood and Wine?: Yes, you can keep Anna Henrietta alive in Blood and Wine by retrieving a magic ribbon from a fairy-tale world and killing the higher vampire Dettlaff.
9. What is the best possible ending in Blood and Wine?: The best possible ending in Blood and Wine involves retrieving the magic ribbon, killing Dettlaff, and saving the sisters, resulting in a ceremony where Geralt receives the equivalent of the Medal of Honor.
10. How do I prove my valor in Blood and Wine?: You can prove your valor in Blood and Wine by completing quests that involve beating huge beasts or difficult enemies, such as Witcher contracts.
11. Is Blood and Wine longer than The Witcher 2?: Yes, Blood and Wine is longer than The Witcher 2, with a gameplay time of around 20 hours compared to The Witcher 2’s 10 hours.
12. What happens if I don’t kill Dettlaff in Blood and Wine?: If you don’t kill Dettlaff in Blood and Wine, you won’t be able to achieve the best possible ending, and the story will unfold differently.
13. Can I go back to the main game after starting Blood and Wine?: Yes, you can go back to the main game after starting Blood and Wine, as the DLC is designed to be a self-contained story.
14. What is the max level cap in Blood and Wine?: The max level cap in Blood and Wine is level 100, which is higher than the max level cap in the main game.
15. How much does Blood and Wine add to the gameplay experience?: Blood and Wine adds around 20 hours of gameplay to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with a total of 40.5 hours for 100% completion, making it a significant addition to the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing Blood and Wine first is possible, but it’s recommended to play it after completing the main story to fully appreciate the narrative and gameplay. With its engaging storyline, challenging gameplay, and beautiful visuals, Blood and Wine is an excellent addition to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and fans of the series won’t want to miss it. By understanding the context and implications of playing Blood and Wine first, players can make an informed decision about how to approach the game and its expansions.