INTRODUCTION
Welcome! If you’re new to the intricate world of gaming or coming back after a long break and looking for a game that offers an immersive universe with deep storylines, captivating characters, and exciting gameplay, you’re in the right place! We’ll be exploring one of the most popular titles in the gaming world, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This beginner-friendly guide is intended to help you understand the game, its lore and mechanics, and how to get the most out of your Witcher 3 journey. We’re diving in together, step by step!
WHAT IS THE WITCHER 3: WILD HUNT?
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an immersive action role-playing game (RPG) developed and published by CD Projekt Red. It’s the third installment of the series based on “The Witcher” novels by Andrzej Sapkowski. In this game, you’re put in the boots of Geralt of Rivia, a skilled professional monster slayer —a Witcher— in a vast open-world setting.
The Witcher 3 is set in a visually stunning universe, with detailed and diverse landscapes ranging from war-ravaged territories to peaceful pastoral countryside, and from dense, eerie forests to dark dungeons and opulent cities. Its rich character-driven narrative is praised for its depth and moral complexity. Players are often faced with making choices that can significantly influence the game’s outcomes, making it a unique experience for each player.
HOW IT WORKS AND GETTING STARTED
To embark on this fantastical journey, you’ll play as Geralt, a hardened monster hunter, with a host of powers and skills at your disposal. You’ll have to track down beasts, negotiate with the locals, and follow leads to your objectives. A helpful tutorial sequence at the beginning of the game will walk you through the combat system, using witcher signs (magic), crafting potions, and more.
Battles in The Witcher 3 involves melee combat with a mix of fast or strong attacks, dodges, parries, and counterattacks. It also includes the use of five magical signs, each with a unique effect from crowd control to protective shields.
The game is primarily single-player and driven by its story. However, players can also venture off the beaten path to partake in side quests and “contracts” that often uncover more about the world and its characters, enhancing the overall experience.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To begin playing, you will need a PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or a Nintendo Switch since the game is available on all these platforms. Having a decent gaming headset would enhance the sound quality, allowing you to fully appreciate the game’s stunning soundtrack. Do ensure your gaming machine meets the minimum requirements to run the game for a smooth experience.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Take Your Time: The Witcher 3 is a vast game. Don’t rush through the main storyline. Take time to explore, partake in side quests, and fully immerse yourself into the world.
2. Learn to Dodge: Combat can seem overwhelming to new players, but mastering dodging will be vital to your survival against powerful foes.
3. Potion Preparation: Witchers use potions to enhance their abilities. Learn to craft them and use them strategically in your battles.
4. Save Often: The game is filled with choices, some have far-reaching consequences you might not foresee. It’s a good idea to save your game frequently so you can return to an earlier state if you need to.
5. Use Your Witcher Senses: Geralt has enhanced senses due to his Witcher mutations, enabling him to track monsters or find hidden items more comfortably.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
There are many online resources available to aid your journey in The Witcher 3. Websites like the Witcher Fandom Wiki or IGN’s Witcher 3 Guide offer tons of information and guides. YouTube channels like ‘FightinCowboy’ provide detailed walkthroughs, and Reddit communities like r/witcher offer community advice and discussions.
GLOSSARY
Witcher: A specially trained and mutated individual with supernatural abilities used for hunting monsters.
Signs: Spells Witchers cast; not as powerful as those cast by mages, but they can be cast quickly and with little energy.
Alchemy: The practice of crafting potions, oils, bombs, and mutagens.
Gwent: A popular card game in the world of Witcher 3.
Quests: Tasks that Geralt can undertake. There are main quests, secondary quests, and Witcher contracts.
NEXT STEPS
Congratulations! You should now have a basic understanding of what the Witcher 3 is like and how to get started. Why not give it a go? Pop the game into your PC or console and begin your adventure! And remember, your Witcher journey gets more fun and addictive as you delve deeper into the game. So, saddle up on your horse, Roach- your hunt begins now!
