When Should I Start Hearts of Stone? A Witcher 3 Expert’s Guide
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So, you’re diving into the rich world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and wondering when to tackle the Hearts of Stone DLC? Excellent question! The short answer is: aim for around level 30-32 and ideally complete it sometime before the “Isle of Mists” quest in the main storyline. This timing provides the optimal balance of challenge, narrative integration, and character progression.
However, that answer is a bit too simple, isn’t it? Let’s unpack this recommendation and provide a more nuanced understanding of the best time to jump into the Hearts of Stone expansion.
The Importance of Level and Timing
The Hearts of Stone DLC is designed for characters around level 30. Attempting it much earlier can lead to a frustrating experience filled with constant deaths and reliance on cheesy tactics. While technically you can start it at a lower level, the enemies are significantly tougher than those you’ll encounter in the early game.
Level 30 is the recommended starting point. The developers intended for players to have a certain level of skill and equipment proficiency before tackling the challenges within. At level 30, you should have a decent build, some good gear, and a handle on the combat mechanics. This will allow you to enjoy the story and the challenging encounters without being overly punished.
The Narrative Sweet Spot: Before Isle of Mists
From a narrative perspective, Hearts of Stone fits seamlessly into the middle of the main storyline. It doesn’t directly impact the overall hunt for Ciri, making it a great detour.
Why before Isle of Mists? Well, Isle of Mists marks a major point of no return in the main quest. Starting it will cause several side quests to fail, particularly those related to your allies. Completing Hearts of Stone before diving into the main story’s endgame ensures you don’t miss out on any of these quests. It also helps maintain the sense of a living, breathing world, where Geralt can handle side contracts alongside his main objective.
It is also a great way to get overleveled for Isle of Mists and the Wild Hunt.
The Case for Post-Game Hearts of Stone
While I recommend playing before the Isle of Mists quest, if you’ve already completed the main story, don’t despair! Hearts of Stone can still be enjoyed as a standalone experience. There are a few minor dialogue changes depending on whether you’ve completed the main game, but the core story remains the same.
Playing Hearts of Stone after the main game can also feel like a satisfying epilogue, giving you a chance to further develop Geralt and explore more of the world before potentially moving on to Blood and Wine.
Avoiding Overpowering Geralt
A valid concern with doing Hearts of Stone too early is becoming overpowered for the rest of the main game. While powerful gear is always tempting, the point is to still have a reasonable challenge during the final acts.
If you find yourself becoming too strong, consider increasing the game’s difficulty level. Playing on Death March provides a constant challenge, even with high-level gear and skills. Additionally, avoid grinding for experience or completing every single side quest before tackling the main story.
How Long Does it Take to Beat Hearts of Stone?
If you’re looking to get through the main objectives, Hearts of Stone will likely take around 10 hours. However, if you want to explore every nook and cranny, complete all side quests, and achieve 100% completion, expect to spend closer to 18 hours in the expansion.
Final Preparations and Hearts of Stone
As this article notes, some players suggest fitting Hearts of Stone in around the “Final Preparations” main quest in Novigrad. This is because Hearts of Stone is set around the time Final Preparations take place i.e. during the time Geralt and Ciri are in Novigrad after killing Imlerith.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I start Hearts of Stone before level 30?
Yes, you can, but it’s not recommended. The enemies are designed for level 30 characters and above. You’ll likely face a very difficult and frustrating experience if you start too early.
2. Does Hearts of Stone affect the main story?
No, Hearts of Stone is a standalone story. It features new characters and storylines that don’t directly impact the main quest for Ciri. It’s designed to be enjoyed independently.
3. Does Ciri appear in Hearts of Stone?
No, Ciri does not appear in the Hearts of Stone expansion.
4. What quests fail when starting Isle of Mists?
Many side quests related to your allies will fail once you begin Isle of Mists. These typically involve characters you’re recruiting to help in the final battle. Generic side quests and contracts will not fail.
5. Should I complete Hearts of Stone before Final Preparations?
It’s a matter of preference. The timeline of the events fit around Final Preparations, so it makes sense to play it here. However, be sure you are the right level to avoid frustration.
6. Can I play Hearts of Stone after beating the main game?
Yes, absolutely! Hearts of Stone is a great post-game experience. The core story remains the same regardless of whether you’ve completed the main game or not, with some minor dialogue variations.
7. Does Hearts of Stone make me overpowered for the main game?
It can, especially if you complete it early on and at too high of a level. Consider increasing the difficulty or focusing on the main quest after completing Hearts of Stone to maintain a balanced challenge.
8. Should I do Hearts of Stone before or after Skellige?
The best time to start Hearts of Stone is after returning from Skellige and reaching at least level 30. This ensures you are prepared for the DLC’s challenges and can appreciate the story.
9. Will Dijkstra help at Kaer Morhen if I help him in Hearts of Stone?
No, Dijkstra will not help at Kaer Morhen, regardless of your actions in Hearts of Stone. His decision is tied to the main storyline.
10. Is Hearts of Stone set after the Witcher 3 main game?
No, Hearts of Stone takes place during the events of The Witcher 3, specifically around the “Final Preparations” quest in Novigrad.
11. How do I get the good ending in Hearts of Stone?
The “good ending” in Hearts of Stone involves saving Olgierd’s soul. You must complete a timed challenge and solve a riddle set by Gaunter O’Dimm.
12. What level should I be for Isle of Mists?
Isle of Mists is recommended for level 22, but keep in mind that starting this quest will cause some side quests to fail.
13. Does playing Hearts of Stone change the ending of the main game?
No, Hearts of Stone does not change the ending of the main game. The two storylines are independent.
14. What’s the recommended order for playing the Witcher 3 DLC?
The recommended order is: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (main game), Hearts of Stone, and then Blood and Wine. This is the order in which they were released and generally provides the best narrative flow.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
For insightful research and discussions on the intersection of games and learning, visit the website of the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Deciding when to start Hearts of Stone is a balancing act. Consider your character level, the narrative context, and your desired level of challenge. Aim for around level 30 and before “Isle of Mists” for the best experience. But remember, there’s no truly “wrong” way to play – as long as you’re enjoying the ride! Dive in when you feel ready and embrace the compelling story and challenging gameplay that Hearts of Stone has to offer.