What Level Should You Be for Final Preparations in The Witcher 3?
The short answer? You should aim to be around level 30-32 before diving into the “Final Preparations” questline in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This ensures you’re adequately equipped and experienced to handle the challenges that await. While the quest “Through Time and Space,” which is part of Final Preparations, starts at a recommended level of 26, being a bit higher will make the subsequent quests much smoother, especially considering the escalating difficulty as you approach the game’s climax.
Understanding Level Recommendations and Scaling
The Witcher 3 provides level recommendations for quests as a general guideline. However, it’s not a rigid requirement. The game has some level scaling, but it’s not consistent across all quests and enemies. Some quests will scale down if you are over-leveled, but lower-level quests won’t scale their rewards up to match your current strength. If you significantly outlevel an area, you’ll find yourself swimming in useless loot. Conversely, attempting quests far beyond your level can result in frustrating and repetitive deaths.
The Final Preparations questline, while starting at a lower suggested level, leads directly into the game’s finale. It’s best to be prepared for a steady increase in enemy difficulty. Being around levels 30-32 will put you in a comfortable position to tackle the main quests and the ensuing boss fights.
Why Level Matters
Leveling up in The Witcher 3 isn’t just about increasing Geralt’s base stats. It also unlocks new abilities, allows you to equip better gear, and improves your overall combat prowess. Here’s why being at the right level is crucial:
- Damage Output: Higher-level enemies have greater defenses. Your attacks will be far more effective if you’re closer to their level.
- Survivability: High-level enemies deal significantly more damage. Being under-leveled makes you vulnerable to one-hit kills and reduces your ability to withstand sustained attacks.
- Gear Requirements: Many powerful weapons and armor pieces have level requirements. Being at the appropriate level allows you to equip the best possible gear, significantly boosting your combat effectiveness.
- Ability Points: Each level grants ability points, which can be invested in Geralt’s combat, signs, alchemy, and general skills. More ability points mean a more versatile and powerful character.
How to Level Up Effectively
If you find yourself below the recommended level before “Final Preparations,” here are some tips to level up quickly:
- Complete Side Quests and Witcher Contracts: These are excellent sources of experience points and often provide valuable rewards. Prioritize quests close to your level.
- Explore Undiscovered Locations: The world of The Witcher 3 is filled with undiscovered locations, often guarded by monsters. Clearing these locations grants experience and loot.
- Craft Potions and Oils: Crafting not only provides temporary buffs but also rewards experience points, especially for crafting new recipes.
- Monster Nests and Bandit Camps: Destroying monster nests and bandit camps are quick and easy ways to gain experience and resources.
- Gwent: Playing Gwent can sometimes lead to quests and experience, plus, it’s a fun distraction!
- Prioritize Main Quests Early On: While side quests are important, following the main storyline will naturally level you up and unlock new areas with higher-level quests.
Should You Do Hearts of Stone Before Final Preparations?
The article mentions playing Hearts of Stone while doing Final Preparations, and that is acceptable. However, a more common suggestion is completing the expansion after finishing the main storyline. This is because Hearts of Stone is designed for characters around level 30, making it a good fit either during the Final Preparations questline, or directly after finishing the main game. It really depends on whether you are more concerned with story or gameplay. Narrative-wise, either option works but gameplay wise after the main story provides a more consistent difficulty curve.
End Game Level and Beyond
The article mentions that most players finish the game around level 34-35, but that you should be level 30-32 before starting Final Preparations. You gain a few levels during the quests, bringing you up to that level. As the article notes, in the base game, you can reach level 70 with Hearts of Stone, or level 100 with the Blood and Wine expansion. This gives you plenty of room to grow and explore even after completing the main story.
Remember to tailor your gameplay experience to your preferences. If you enjoy a challenge, you can attempt quests below the recommended level. If you prefer a smoother experience, level up before tackling difficult content. With careful planning and exploration, you can ensure a rewarding and enjoyable journey through the world of The Witcher 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is “Final Preparations” the last quest in The Witcher 3?
No, “Final Preparations” is a series of quests that lead up to the final quests in The Witcher 3. It’s the penultimate set of missions before you face the game’s ultimate challenges and experience the ending.
2. Does the order of completing quests in “Final Preparations” matter?
The article notes that the order in which you complete the quests within “Final Preparations” doesn’t significantly impact the overall outcome. The order cited is “Blindingly Obvious,” “The Great Escape,” “Payback,” and “Through Space and Time.” However, be aware that some quests contain critical decisions that will affect the game’s ending.
3. Is “Final Preparations” time-sensitive?
No, there is no time limit on the “Final Preparations” questline. You can take your time to explore, level up, and prepare for the final confrontation.
4. What level should I be for New Game Plus (NG+) in The Witcher 3?
You can start NG+ at any level. Your current level, gear, and skills will carry over into the new playthrough. Keep in mind that enemies and quests will scale to your level, offering a fresh challenge. The article specifies that the max level is 99.
5. Does The Witcher 3 scale with level?
Yes, the game has some level scaling. However, high-level quests may scale down to some extent if you’re over-leveled. Lower-level quests will not scale their rewards up, making them less worthwhile as you progress.
6. What is the recommended order for playing the DLCs (Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine)?
The recommended order is to complete The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt first, then Hearts of Stone, followed by Blood and Wine. This ensures a smooth narrative progression and avoids potential spoilers.
7. At what level should I start Hearts of Stone?
The Hearts of Stone DLC is designed for characters around level 30. While you can start it at a lower level, it may be significantly more challenging.
8. What is Geralt’s maximum level in The Witcher 3?
In the base game and with Hearts of Stone, Geralt’s max level is 70. The Blood and Wine expansion increases the level cap to 100.
9. How many different endings does The Witcher 3 have?
While the article states there are 36 endings, this refers to the various variations of the ending based on your choices and actions throughout the game. These variations encompass the fates of key characters, the political landscape, and the overall state of the world.
10. Can you play NG++ in The Witcher 3?
No, you cannot start NG++ with an already existing NG+ save game unless you use mods. You can only initiate NG+ from a standard game save.
11. Is The Witcher 3 harder on New Game Plus?
Yes, NG+ can be more challenging, even on lower difficulties. Enemies scale to your level, and you’ll need to find new equipment to stay competitive as you level up.
12. What is the point of New Game Plus?
New Game Plus allows you to replay the game with your existing character, skills, and gear, facing a greater challenge with scaled enemies and quests. It provides an opportunity to experience the story from a different perspective, make different choices, and explore content you may have missed in your first playthrough.
13. Should I tell Dijkstra about the Emperor in “Payback”?
Telling Dijkstra about the Emperor has consequences. It can lead to the assassination of Radovid, but it will also affect the potential allies you can have in the final battle.
14. Where is Yennefer during “Final Preparations”?
During “Final Preparations”, Yennefer can be found in various locations depending on the specific quest you’re undertaking. Ultimately, you will meet her with the Lodge at Dandelion’s Inn to plan your next move.
15. What is the best order for the Final Preparations Witcher?
While the order in which you complete them does not matter, this walkthrough guide will use the order that makes the most narrative sense, which is “Blindingly Obvious,” “The Great Escape,” “Payback,” and “Through Space and Time.”
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