The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For a first playthrough, follow the main story until a region opens up, then take time to explore and try nearby side quests before moving into the next story phase. Check each quest’s suggested level, and leave encounters that feel out of reach for later. There is no established mandatory order for every quest; a flexible, low-spoiler route is more useful than treating the game like a checklist.
A flexible quest order for your first playthrough
Use the main story to orient yourself, then explore at your own pace. Xbox Wire’s 2015 beginner guide recommends exploring before each new phase of the plot and using the game’s suggested quest levels as a warning when Geralt may be getting in over his head. That is practical general advice, not a current difficulty audit or a claim that every quest has one ideal sequence.
- Follow the main story until it opens a region and introduces its local situation.
- Before moving into the next main-story phase, check the suggested levels on nearby quests. Try side quests, contracts, or points of interest that interest you.
- If a quest is substantially above Geralt’s level, or a fight feels punishing, set it aside and do other nearby content. You do not need to grind solely to force your way through it.
- Use the map to pick your next activity. In Remastered, untracked quests have a distinct marker and can be selected to track, making it easier to browse optional content without accepting a completionist checklist.
Exploring away from roads can pay off. In its White Orchard example, Xbox Wire describes finding a settlement and a grindstone off the road; it also points to Places of Power as a way to improve a Sign and gain an ability point. Treat this as an illustration of what exploration can uncover, not as an exhaustive route or reward guide.
Discovery or completionist tracking?
Choose based on how you want to play. Wandering and following interesting markers leaves room for discovery and limits the amount of optional content you need to track. A checklist may help if you want to see more side content, but it can reveal more than you want to know. The cited sources support exploring and using the tracking tools; they do not establish a universal missables-safe sequence. Community routes should not be mistaken for an official or required order.
#1 Best Overall
How to approach combat
Combat is real-time and rewards observation more than button-mashing. Xbox Wire’s May 2015 beginner guide advises watching enemy attack patterns to learn when to block or parry, trying different Signs to find what an enemy is susceptible to, and moving to improve your position. It also cautions that fights can move quickly and call for timing and care even on normal difficulty.
- Watch first. Notice when an enemy commits to an attack, then time your defense rather than reacting at random.
- Experiment with Signs. If one approach is ineffective, try another Sign and see how the enemy responds.
- Reposition. Move for a better angle or distance instead of staying in a dangerous spot.
- Disengage when needed. Remastered adds a quick way to break off: hold the dodge button to unlock from a target, then press sprint to run away. The control labels vary by platform, so check the controls shown in your game.
Remastered also includes polished behavior for many non-boss monsters, a dynamic combat camera, and improved target-lock switching. These changes may affect how combat feels compared with older guides and gameplay footage.
Essential tips for getting started
Explore in manageable bursts
When the main story points you onward, check the suggested level and look around before leaving the region. You can take on nearby content that appeals to you without trying to clear every marker.
Use meditation thoughtfully
Xbox Wire’s 2015 guide says meditation can replenish vitality and prepared potions when Strong Alcohol is available. Because this advice predates Remastered, follow your game’s current tutorial and settings if the behavior differs in your version.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Review skills before copying an old build
Remastered reorganizes skills into a tree with three ranks per skill and prerequisites, and CD PROJEKT RED says the changes reset skill points. Recheck the current skill layout before following an older build recommendation; it may not map cleanly to the updated system.
Use control help when an action is unclear
The PS4 manual describes contextual Controls Help for combat, exploration, swimming, and horseback riding, but it is a legacy manual rather than a definitive control map for every platform. Use the help available in your game for the current platform’s actions and labels.
Rank #4
Consider the accessibility preset if it helps
Remastered’s optional Bard’s Ballad preset is designed to reduce cognitive load by simplifying some mechanics and disabling selected features. Listed options include a vitality regeneration boost, infinite breath, unlimited item and boat durability, and ignoring item weight. It is configurable assistance, not a required beginner mode or a measure of player ability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version of The Witcher 3 are you playing?
Edition and platform matter when following advice. As of October 7, 2026, CD PROJEKT RED says The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is available and was released on September 29, 2026. Its release notice says the Remastered update includes Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine for owners on the listed platforms. Check the notice and your platform’s edition details before making an upgrade or purchase decision.
Best Value
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to work properly. The product will have minor blemishes and/or light scratches. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, and may arrive in a generic box.
The game has also received live fixes. CD PROJEKT RED’s October 1, 2026 PC hotfix 5.00c notes include a save/load fix for cases where the Documents folder path contains special characters, audio and visual adjustments, and restoration of the ability to launch the Classic (1.32) version. The notice covers PC distribution through Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and Xbox Play Anywhere PC; it does not establish identical patch status across every platform. If you encounter a technical issue, check your platform’s current update and the official support page.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
