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Diving Deep into The Witcher 3: What is New Game ++?

So, you’ve conquered the Wild Hunt, navigated the treacherous political landscape of the North, and perhaps even romanced a certain sorceress or two. You’ve poured countless hours into The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and now you’re wondering: what more is there to experience? Enter New Game ++ (NG++), a feature that takes the challenge, and the reward, to a whole new level.

Simply put, New Game ++ allows you to replay the game after completing New Game + (NG+). But it’s not just a repeat of NG+. It introduces further scaling of enemies and quests, ensuring an even more demanding and strategic experience. Essentially, it’s a second iteration of the NG+ system, allowing veteran Witchers to test their mettle against truly formidable foes with all the gear and skills they’ve meticulously accumulated. The world scales again, generally placing enemies at higher levels than in either the standard game or NG+. You get to keep all your XP and the progress that you made. You get to keep everything.

Think of it as the ultimate victory lap for the truly dedicated Witcher. It’s designed for players who relish a challenge and want to push their character builds to the absolute limit, all while revisiting the captivating world of The Witcher 3 with a fresh perspective. It provides an experience that is both fresh and unique.

Why Tackle New Game ++? The Allure of the Double Plus

The core appeal of New Game ++ lies in its heightened difficulty. It’s not just about slashing through hordes of monsters; it’s about mastering every aspect of Geralt’s skillset, crafting the perfect gear, and strategizing every encounter. Here’s why you might want to consider braving NG++:

The Ultimate Challenge: Enemies are significantly tougher than in the standard game and even NG+, demanding skillful combat, strategic potion usage, and meticulous preparation. If you felt NG+ was too easy, NG++ provides the challenge you crave.
Character Build Optimization: NG++ forces you to refine your character build and explore new strategies. You’ll need to experiment with different skill combinations, mutations, and gear sets to overcome the increased difficulty.
Extended Lifespan: New Game ++ extends the replayability of The Witcher 3, offering a fresh experience even after countless hours spent exploring its world. It’s a perfect way to rediscover the game’s intricate story and memorable characters.
Gear Grinding and Mastery: With the increased challenge comes the opportunity to further hone your gear, acquire rare items, and truly master your chosen Witcher School armor.
Personal Satisfaction: Conquering New Game ++ is a badge of honor, signifying your dedication and mastery of The Witcher 3. It’s a testament to your skills as a Witcher and your unwavering determination.

Preparing for the Gauntlet: Essential Tips for New Game ++

Before diving headfirst into New Game ++, it’s crucial to prepare. Here are some essential tips to ensure your survival:

Max Out Your Character: Reach level 100 in NG+ before starting NG++. This will give you a significant advantage in terms of skills and available gear.
Craft the Best Gear: Focus on crafting the Grandmaster Witcher School armor sets and upgrading your Witcher Swords to their maximum potential. Remember to use Runewright enhancements.
Gather Essential Potions and Oils: Stock up on essential potions like Thunderbolt, Blizzard, and Tawny Owl, and craft superior oils for all monster types.
Respec Your Skills: Experiment with different skill combinations and mutations to find a build that suits your playstyle and the challenges of NG++.
Master Combat Techniques: Practice dodging, parrying, and using signs effectively. Knowing the weaknesses of different monsters is also crucial.
Utilize the Bestiary: The Bestiary is your best friend. Learn enemy attack patterns and weaknesses to strategize effectively.
Take Advantage of the Environment: Use Quen to protect yourself from damage and Axii to control crowds. Don’t forget about Igni to set enemies on fire.
Plan Your Route: Knowing where to find essential resources and crafting components is crucial for survival. Familiarize yourself with the map and plan your route accordingly.
Remember to Have Fun: Despite the increased difficulty, remember to enjoy the experience. Explore the world, interact with the characters, and immerse yourself in the story.

New Game ++: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarification on New Game ++ in The Witcher 3:

1. What level do enemies scale to in New Game ++?

Enemies in New Game ++ scale even higher than in NG+. You’ll encounter creatures well above level 100, demanding careful planning and execution in every encounter.

2. Do I keep my gear from NG+ in New Game ++?

Yes, you retain all your gear, including Witcher armor, swords, and potions, when starting New Game ++. This is essential for surviving the increased difficulty.

3. Is there a level cap in New Game ++?

While the level cap in the base game is level 70, New Game + and New Game ++ allow you to surpass this limit. You can theoretically reach level 100 and beyond with enough experience.

4. Do I need the DLCs to play New Game ++?

No, the DLCs are not required to play New Game ++. However, they add significant content and challenges that complement the experience.

5. Does the story change in New Game ++?

No, the story remains the same in New Game ++. The primary difference is the increased difficulty and enemy scaling.

6. Can I change the difficulty during New Game ++?

Yes, you can adjust the difficulty setting in New Game ++ to tailor the challenge to your preferences. However, even on lower difficulties, enemies will still be significantly tougher than in the base game.

7. Are there any new items or quests in New Game ++?

No, there are no new items or quests specifically introduced in New Game ++. The focus is on replaying the existing content with increased difficulty.

8. How do I start New Game ++?

To start New Game ++, you must first complete New Game +. Once you’ve finished the main story, you can select the “New Game” option from the main menu and choose to start a New Game ++ using your completed NG+ save.

9. Are there any achievements or trophies related to New Game ++?

No, there are no specific achievements or trophies tied to completing New Game ++. However, conquering it is a significant accomplishment in itself.

10. Is New Game ++ worth playing?

If you enjoy a challenge and want to further test your skills in The Witcher 3, New Game ++ is definitely worth playing. It offers a unique and rewarding experience for veteran Witchers.

11. How does crafting work in New Game ++?

Crafting remains the same in New Game ++. You can still craft Witcher gear, potions, and oils using the same recipes and components.

12. Do contracts scale in New Game ++?

Yes, monster contracts also scale in New Game ++, presenting even greater challenges and rewards.

13. What skills should I prioritize in New Game ++?

Prioritize combat skills, alchemy skills (for potion effectiveness), and sign intensity. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.

14. Is there a “best” build for New Game ++?

There’s no single “best” build, as it depends on your playstyle. However, a balanced build that incorporates strong combat skills, enhanced potions, and powerful signs is generally effective.

15. Where can I learn more about game-based learning?

For information about the intersection of games and education, you can visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. At GamesLearningSociety.org, you will find information about how the principles of game design can be applied to education.

So, there you have it: a comprehensive guide to New Game ++ in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Now, arm yourself with knowledge, steel your resolve, and prepare to embark on the ultimate Witcher challenge. Good luck on the path, Witcher!

What is the new game ++ in The Witcher 3?