The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an absolutely massive game. CD Projekt Red has done an amazing job of creating a virtual world that isn't just big, but feels real. The inhabitants don't just meander about; they all have something to do. Quests don't just end when you've killed all the bad guys; there are major consequences for each outcome. Monsters aren't just roaming piles of experience points; instead, they're vicious, dangerous animals that always pose a threat.
While all of that manages to evoke the feeling of a beautiful, breathing world, it also makes The Witcher 3 infinitely more complex. The game does a good job of explaining itself most of the time, but some of the finer points can get lost in the shuffle. It's definitely worth it, as the game wouldn't be nearly as fun without its epic scale, but beginners may have a bit more trouble getting into it than usual.
That's why we've put together this beginners guide: there's a lot to see and do in the world of The Witcher 3, and it can be a bit overwhelming. If you're having trouble dealing with packs of Drowners or can't figure out why a quest won't start, this guide is for you.
Don't Play On The 'Blood And Broken Bones' Difficulty
There's a lot of ground to cover in The Witcher 3, and it might be tempting to ignore all of the side areas and blaze through the main story quests. Don't do that.
Why?
Remember how we said that some side-quests can't be started without reading documents? Well, that was only the tip of the iceberg: if you don't venture off the beaten path, you're likely to miss a lot of what the game has to offer...and there is a lot to miss.
A good place to start is each town's message board: collecting notices will generate Points of Interest on your map, and each of these locations has something for Geralt to do. Sometimes, these points are nothing more than a small bandit camp or a monster nest: other times, however, they're far more interesting. You may stumble upon the remains of a royal spy, or find an abandoned village, or walk right into a trap - either way, the rewards are always worth it.
Again, these side-quests can vastly change both how you play through the game and how the world reacts to you - without exploring, you'll miss the vast majority of what the game has to offer. So, if there's a blank spot on your map, go explore. You never know, there might be something out there waiting for you.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an absolute beast of a game, and one that can be daunting for those who've never played anything like it. That's not to say the game's not worth playing - to pass it up would mean missing out on one of the most immersive RPGs in recent memory - but it might take a little getting used to.
Now, get out there and get exploring: The Witcher 3 isn't going to finish itself!
For more on The Witcher 3, check out our Alchemy Guide.
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