Why Can’t I Start New Game Plus in The Witcher 3? Troubleshooting and Solutions
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’ve conquered the Wild Hunt, navigated the intricacies of Skellige, and maybe even indulged in the delights of Toussaint. You’re itching to dive back into the world of Geralt of Rivia with all your hard-earned gear and levels, but the New Game Plus (NG+) option is stubbornly refusing to appear. What gives?
The most common reason The Witcher 3 won’t let you start NG+ is because the game doesn’t recognize that you’ve actually finished the main storyline. The system requires a completed game save file to unlock this mode. Let’s dive into the potential culprits and how to fix them.
Common Reasons NG+ is Locked and How to Fix Them
Here’s a breakdown of why you might be encountering this frustrating issue:
-
Game Not Fully Completed: This is the big one. NG+ doesn’t unlock until you’ve seen the end credits and the game considers the main story finished. Simply reaching the end of a final battle is often not enough; you have to witness the epilogue.
- Solution: Double-check your save files. Load a save from AFTER the final boss fight and play through until the credits roll and the game specifically prompts you that New Game Plus is available.
-
Loading an Incorrect Save File: Are you loading a save from before the final quest, or from partway through a DLC? NG+ requires a save file created after the main storyline conclusion.
- Solution: Search for the most recent save file that clearly states it’s from after the main story’s ending. It might be labeled as “Epilogue” or something similar.
-
Game Version Incompatibility: This is more likely if you’ve recently upgraded to the Next-Gen version of the game. Save files from older versions may not always be compatible.
- Solution: Ensure your game is fully updated to the latest patch. If you’ve upgraded to the Next-Gen version on PC, ensure you’re properly importing your save file. The game should prompt you to do this, but you might need to manually locate and transfer the saves to the correct folder.
-
Corrupted Save Files: In rare cases, your save file itself might be corrupted, preventing the game from recognizing the completion status.
- Solution: Try loading older save files to see if any of them trigger the NG+ option. As a last resort, you might need to replay the final quests.
-
GOG/Steam Cloud Issues (PC): Sometimes, cloud save synchronization can cause problems. The game might not be properly recognizing your completed save because of cloud issues.
- Solution: Disable cloud saves temporarily, load your completed save file, and then re-enable cloud saves. This can force the game to recognize the completion.
-
Mod Conflicts (PC): Mods can sometimes interfere with game mechanics. If you’re using mods, one of them might be preventing NG+ from unlocking.
- Solution: Temporarily disable all mods and load your completed save file to see if NG+ becomes available. If it does, re-enable your mods one by one to identify the culprit.
-
Playing on a Different Platform: Saves may not be transferable between platforms (e.g., from PC to PlayStation).
- Solution: Unfortunately, there is no solution for this besides starting a new game on the new platform.
Delving Deeper into the World of The Witcher 3
Now that we’ve addressed the core issue, let’s explore some related aspects of NG+ and other common questions about The Witcher 3. Games can be powerful teaching tools, creating immersive experiences that deepen our understanding of complex narratives. Research from organizations like the Games Learning Society shows how engaging with games can foster problem-solving skills and critical thinking. You can visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Witcher 3 and New Game Plus
1. How many times can I start New Game Plus in The Witcher 3?
You can start as many NG+ games as you like from a base game post-ending save. However, you cannot start an NG+ directly from an NG+ save. You will need to load a base game (non-NG+) save to kick off a new NG+ playthrough.
2. What level should I be before starting New Game Plus in The Witcher 3?
While there isn’t a strict minimum level, it’s generally recommended to be at least level 30. The NG+ mode increases all suggested quest levels, so a higher level will provide a more balanced experience. If you’ve completed the main game and both expansions, you’ll likely be significantly higher than level 30.
3. What carries over into New Game Plus?
A ton carries over! Here’s the breakdown:
- Character Level: Geralt’s current level.
- Experience Points: All accumulated XP.
- Skills and Abilities: All unlocked skills and mutagens.
- Inventory: Weapons, armor, potions, bombs, crafting materials, diagrams, recipes, food, and most quest items.
- Money: All your crowns.
- Horse Equipment: Saddlebags, saddles, and blinders.
4. What doesn’t carry over into New Game Plus?
Certain quest-related items and Gwent cards don’t carry over. You’ll need to collect Gwent cards again if you’re aiming for a complete collection in NG+. Also, any items specifically tied to a quest that would break the narrative progression if carried over will be removed.
5. What is the level cap in Witcher 3 NG+?
The absolute level cap in NG+ is 100. This allows for significant character progression and ensures that you can continue to improve Geralt throughout your second playthrough.
6. Does the difficulty change in New Game Plus?
Enemies and quests are scaled to a higher level, but the actual difficulty setting remains the same as what you chose in your first playthrough (e.g., Story and Sword, Blood and Broken Bones, Death March!). So, NG+ can be harder if you stick with the same difficulty, but it will be harder if you increase the difficulty level from your previous save.
7. Can I change the difficulty level when starting New Game Plus?
Yes! When starting a NG+ game, you can choose any of the difficulty settings, regardless of what you chose in your first playthrough. This allows you to tailor the challenge to your liking.
8. Are there new items in New Game Plus?
Yes! New Witcher gear diagrams (Grandmaster Legendary versions) are introduced in NG+, allowing you to craft even more powerful equipment. These items are scaled to your level, ensuring they remain relevant throughout your playthrough.
9. Can I use Aerondight in New Game Plus?
Absolutely! Aerondight is one of the best weapons to bring into NG+, as its damage scales with your level. Remember to keep leveling it up by hitting enemies without taking damage to maximize its effectiveness.
10. Can I complete all quests and side quests in New Game Plus?
Yes! You can re-experience all the quests and side quests from the base game and expansions in NG+. This is a great opportunity to make different choices and see alternative outcomes.
11. What’s the best armor to use in New Game Plus?
The best armor depends on your playstyle, but the Grandmaster Wolven Armor and the Grandmaster Legendary Forgotten Wolven Gear are often considered top-tier options. They offer a balanced combination of defense, offense, and sign intensity.
12. I’m having performance issues with the Next-Gen update, what can I do?
The Next-Gen update for Witcher 3 has had its share of performance hiccups. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:
- Update Drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date.
- Adjust Graphics Settings: Experiment with lowering graphics settings, especially resolution and foliage density.
- Disable Ray Tracing: Ray tracing can be demanding. Try disabling it to see if it improves performance.
- Verify Game Files: Use the game launcher (GOG or Steam) to verify the integrity of the game files.
13. What are the best swords in Witcher 3?
Aerondight (Silver) is a fan favorite for its scaling damage. Other strong contenders include Gesheft (Silver), Bloodsword (Silver), and the Toussaint Steel Sword.
14. Will there be a Witcher 4?
Yes! CD Projekt RED has confirmed that The Witcher 4 is in development and will kick off a new saga. While details are still scarce, it’s safe to say that fans are eagerly anticipating Geralt’s next adventure (or perhaps the adventure of a new Witcher).
15. Is it worth playing The Witcher 3 multiple times?
Absolutely! With multiple endings, different character builds, and a wealth of quests and side quests, The Witcher 3 offers incredible replay value. NG+ provides a fresh way to experience the game with all your hard-earned gear and skills. The narrative complexity allows for different interpretations and decision-making each time you play.
By following these troubleshooting steps and understanding the nuances of New Game Plus, you should be back on the Path in no time, ready to face the dangers (and reap the rewards) of the Continent once again. Good luck, Witcher!