The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →No. You can start with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt without playing The Witcher or The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings first. The third game introduces the context needed for its own story; the earlier games mainly add continuity and extra weight to familiar characters and callbacks.
Can you understand The Witcher 3 as a newcomer?
Yes. The central story follows Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his adopted daughter, Ciri, while the spectral Wild Hunt pursues her. The game gives newcomers an opening and supplies background through dialogue, introductory cutscenes, and its in-game codex. PC Gamer’s guide to entering the series says the first two games are not prerequisites: How to get into The Witcher games. For the official premise and product details, see CD PROJEKT RED’s Witcher 3 page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - PC | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PC-DVD) | $18.52 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Namco Bandai The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game Of The Year Edition | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
That does not mean every returning character or reference will land with the same emotional force. The distinction is comprehension versus continuity: the main premise is accessible on its own, while earlier games let you experience more of Geralt’s game-world history.
Which route suits you?
| Start with The Witcher 3 | Play The Witcher 1 and 2 first |
|---|---|
| Gets you into the third game sooner. Its dialogue, scenes, and codex provide orientation. | Provides more game-series continuity and familiarity with callbacks. |
| A good fit if you mainly want to play the third game or have limited time. | A good fit if you enjoy following a series chronologically and are willing to play older RPGs. |
| You can return to the earlier games later if you want more context. | They are optional preparation, not a condition for understanding the central premise of The Witcher 3. |
PC Gamer’s guide considers The Witcher 2 worth visiting and describes the first game as having aged less well. Those are subjective recommendations, not reasons a new player must complete either game before starting the third.
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- Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire.
- Built for endless adventure, the massive open world of The Witcher sets new standards in terms of size, depth and complexity.
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Game of the Year edition brings together the base game and all the additional content released to date.
Do you need to read The Witcher books first?
No. The same PC Gamer guide says you can get up to speed without reading the novels. The books are an optional way to explore more background, not required homework for following The Witcher 3.
What is the current version of The Witcher 3?
CD PROJEKT RED announced on September 29, 2026 that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered was available. The announcement says it includes Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. It lists free upgrades for existing owners on GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, and for Switch 2 players who own the original Switch version. The announcement also lists the game as purchasable on Battle.net and the Microsoft Store: CD PROJEKT RED’s Remastered announcement.
Availability and upgrade eligibility can vary by platform and region, so check the current listing for the platform you use. The edition details do not change the story recommendation: you do not need to play games 1 and 2 first.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do choices from The Witcher 2 carry over?
Earlier-game choices may be relevant to The Witcher 3, but the exact import or in-game simulation steps and current platform behavior are not established here. You can begin without resolving that question; avoid relying on a specific save-transfer procedure unless you confirm the instructions for your edition and platform.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Italian edition.
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.
