Conquering the Continent: How Long is Witcher 3 Wild Hunt Really?

28 Apr 2024

So, you're ready to lose yourself in the sprawling world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt? It's a question on every aspiring witcher's lips: just how long will it take to conquer this beast of a game? Brace yourselves, adventurers, because we're about to dive into the depths of this open-world behemoth and uncover the truth behind its playtime.

Before you even ask, the answer is not simple. Like a fabled White Frost, the amount of time you spend in Geralt's boots varies wildly. Are you a completionist, determined to uncover every hidden treasure and conquer every monster nest? Or are you more of a main story enthusiast, eager to experience the epic narrative? Depending on your playstyle, your journey through the Northern Realms can be a thrilling sprint or an epic odyssey spanning hundreds of hours.

On average, players can expect to spend around 50-60 hours on the main story alone. This, of course, depends on your difficulty level and how much you let yourself get sidetracked by the compelling stories and characters that populate the world.

However, to truly experience everything The Witcher 3 has to offer, prepare to significantly extend your stay. We're talking hundreds of hours – potentially even over 200 – if you're aiming for 100% completion. This includes tackling all side quests, contracts, treasure hunts, Gwent card matches (because who can resist a good round of Gwent?), and exploring every nook and cranny of its richly detailed world.

Then there's the matter of the expansions. Both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine offer substantial additions to the base game, each potentially adding another 10-30 hours of gameplay, depending on your completionist tendencies. Hearts of Stone delves into a captivating tale of love, loss, and monstrous contracts, while Blood and Wine transports you to the vibrant and sun-drenched region of Toussaint, complete with its own set of quests, characters, and secrets to uncover.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Lengthy Game

The sheer scale of The Witcher 3 can be both a blessing and a curse. Let's break down the pros and cons:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Exceptional value for your money Deeply immersive world to explore Compelling characters and storylines Endless replayability	Can be overwhelming for some players Requires a significant time commitment Potential for burnout if not paced properly

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Let's tackle some common questions about the game's length:

Q: How long is the main story without side quests?

A: Roughly 50-60 hours, but expect variations based on difficulty and playstyle.

Q: What about the expansions? How much time do they add?

A: Each expansion offers another 10-30 hours of gameplay, depending on your completionism.

Q: Is The Witcher 3 worth it if I don't have a lot of free time?

A: While the game's size is daunting, even experiencing the main narrative offers a fulfilling experience. You can always revisit and explore the rest later!

Q: Can I just focus on the main story and ignore side content?

A: You can, but The Witcher 3 truly shines in its side quests. Many offer captivating narratives and meaningful choices that impact the world.

Q: How long to beat The Witcher 3 if I just want to see the ending?

A: Speedrunners have managed to complete the game in under 30 hours, but this requires expert knowledge and strategic play.

Q: Any tips for managing my time in such a vast game?

A: Set realistic goals, prioritize quests that interest you, and don't be afraid to step away and return later if needed.

Q: Is The Witcher 3's world bigger than other open-world games?

A: It's considered one of the largest and densest open worlds, offering significant landmass and meaningful content throughout.

Embark on Your Own Witcher Journey

So there you have it. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game of epic proportions, offering a world brimming with adventure and countless hours of gameplay. Whether you choose to race through the main story or lose yourself in every side quest and Gwent tournament, one thing's for certain: your journey through the Continent will be unforgettable. Now, grab your silver sword, brew some potions, and prepare for an adventure that's as long or as short as you make it. The path is yours to choose, witcher.