Conquer the Continent Again: What Level Should You Be for Witcher 3 New Game Plus?
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So, you’ve vanquished the Wild Hunt, romanced (or not!) your favorite sorceress, and perhaps even indulged in the sun-drenched vineyards of Toussaint. The Witcher 3 has held you captive, and now you’re itching for another go. But before you dive headfirst into New Game Plus (NG+), a crucial question looms: What level should you be before starting?
The short answer: Ideally, you should be at least level 30, but higher is generally better. NG+ bumps up the levels of all quests and enemies by roughly 30. Starting below level 30 will make the initial stages unnecessarily difficult. However, finishing the main game and both expansions will easily get you much higher, meaning NG+ won’t be too difficult.
Why Level Matters in Witcher 3 NG+
Level in The Witcher 3 isn’t just a number; it’s a key indicator of Geralt’s capabilities. It directly impacts:
- Damage Output: Higher level means more damage dealt with weapons and signs.
- Damage Resistance: You’ll be able to withstand more punishment from enemies.
- Gear Usage: Many powerful weapons and armor pieces have level requirements. Starting NG+ too low could leave you unable to equip your hard-earned loot.
- Sign Intensity: Signs are much more efficient and deal more damage based on your level.
While skill and strategy are always important, being under-leveled creates a frustrating experience where even basic enemies become formidable roadblocks.
The Sweet Spot: Optimizing Your NG+ Start
Level 30 is a safe baseline, but aiming higher unlocks several benefits:
- More Skill Points: Levels translate to skill points, allowing you to further refine your build and unlock powerful mutations.
- Expanded Mutation Options: Accessing more mutations from Blood and Wine gives Geralt significant power boosts. NG+ gives you a great chance to try out new combinations.
- Greater Gear Variety: A higher level allows for a wider range of gear choices from the beginning, making it more fun to experiment with different builds.
- A Smoother Experience: Starting at a higher level makes the early game less of a slog, allowing you to focus on story choices and new experiences rather than constantly struggling to survive.
If you’ve completed the main story and both expansions, you will easily reach levels between 50 and 60 which is more than enough for New Game Plus.
Preparing for the New Journey: Leveling Tips
If you’re nearing the end of your current playthrough and want to boost your level before starting NG+, here are some effective strategies:
- Complete All Side Quests and Contracts: Don’t just rush the main story. Side quests and Witcher contracts are great sources of experience and provide interesting stories and loot.
- Explore Question Marks: Unexplored locations marked on the map often hide monster nests, bandit camps, or even minor quests.
- Monster Nests: Find a monster nest anywhere, and kill the monsters. However, do not destroy the nest. Now, meditate for a while until the monster spawn again. Keep repeating this process to farm monsters near nests to level up quickly.
- Use Experience-Boosting Items: Potions like the Doppler Decoction and skills that give additional experience for monster kills can accelerate your leveling.
- Replay Quests Strategically: Certain quests, especially those involving monster hunts, offer significant experience rewards. If possible, delay completing these until you’re closer to your desired level.
Understanding the NG+ Difficulty Curve
While NG+ is generally considered easier than a fresh start due to your retained gear and skills, it presents its own challenges. The increased enemy levels mean that early-game gear will quickly become obsolete. You’ll need to actively seek out new, upgraded equipment to stay competitive.
Don’t become complacent! While your initial advantage is significant, the game will scale in difficulty to match your character. Continue to refine your build, upgrade your gear, and adapt your strategies as you progress.
The Allure of NG+: Why Play Again?
Beyond the mechanical aspects, NG+ offers a fresh perspective on The Witcher 3’s rich world:
- Different Choices: Explore alternative dialogue options and quest outcomes.
- Romance Options: Try romancing a different character.
- Build Experimentation: Respec your skills and try a completely different combat style.
- Achievement Hunting: Use NG+ to complete any achievements you missed in your first playthrough.
Witcher 3 New Game Plus FAQs
1. Do I keep my Gwent cards in New Game Plus?
Unfortunately, no. Your entire Gwent collection is reset in NG+. Gwent players will be devastated to learn their card collections do not carry over in New Game Plus. That includes cards purchased from vendors.
2. What carries over to New Game Plus?
When you start New Game Plus in The Witcher 3, the following things carry over from your completed save file:
- Geralt’s level
- All unlocked skills
- All non-quest items (potions, decoctions, bombs, food, materials, ingredients, recipes, armor, and weapons)
- Unspent Ability Points
3. What doesn’t carry over to New Game Plus?
- Gwent cards
- Quest items
- Books, notes, and bestiary entries
- Glyph recipes
- Trophies
4. Is Death March easier on New Game Plus?
The early game on Death March NG+ will be easier because you start with a higher-level character. However, the late game can be harder than a new game on Death March, as enemies scale significantly.
5. Can I use Aerondight in New Game Plus?
Yes, you can! Aerondight is incredibly useful in NG+, but make sure to keep leveling it up to maintain its damage output. Keep Quen up and don’t get hit too easily.
6. What is the max level in Witcher 3?
When playing the base game on its own or with the Hearts of Stone expansion, Geralt’s max level is 70. However, the Blood and Wine expansion increases this cap up to level 100.
7. Do you lose Witcher gear in New Game Plus?
No, you do not lose your Witcher gear in New Game Plus. You will keep all potions, decoctions, bombs, and armor/ weapons along with alchemy ingredients. However, you will have to find the legendary version of the diagrams again.
8. Should I finish the Witcher 3 game before the DLC?
Yes, the recommended order is to complete The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Hearts of Stone, and then Blood and Wine.
9. How do I get legendary gear in New Game Plus?
You will have to repeat the same Scavenger Hunt Quests as in the first round. For the legendary basic gear, the legendary enhanced gear, the legendary superior gear, the legendary mastercrafted gear and finally the legendary grandmaster gear. Just like your previous playthrough, they’ll be there at the same place.
10. How many times can you do New Game Plus?
You need a save from before you use NG+, once NG+ is finished you cant start another NG+, but with a save before using NG+ will allow you to do NG+ as many times as you like as long as you keep that save.
11. What is the strongest monster in Witcher 3?
While opinions vary, Gaunter O’Dimm is often considered the most powerful monster in The Witcher 3, based on his lore and the nature of his abilities.
12. What’s the best silver sword in Witcher 3?
Aerondight is generally considered the best silver sword in the game due to its scaling damage, and it gets even better in New Game Plus.
13. Can you sell Aerondight?
No, you can’t sell Aerondight. Aerondight can’t be sold so there’s no point in keeping it.
14. Do you keep diagrams in New Game Plus Witcher 3?
You have to find the diagrams again and now they are called “legendary” Witcher gear. So you find Legendary cat school gear then legendary enhanced, up to legendary mastercrafted and the stats and perks are better than the original.
15. How much harder is New Game Plus Witcher 3?
NG+ is easier than the normal mode because you start the game with a maxed-out character. However, if you play on ‘just for the story’ mode, NG+ is a little harder then because you’re not upgrading your skills anymore but instead have to find new equipment every few levels.
Final Thoughts
Starting New Game Plus in The Witcher 3 is a fantastic way to revisit this beloved world with a fresh perspective. By carefully considering your level and preparing beforehand, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Embrace the challenge, explore new choices, and rediscover why The Witcher 3 continues to captivate gamers worldwide.
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