For a first playthrough, a sensible story sequence is the main story, then Hearts of Stone, then Blood and Wine. That is a recommendation, not a required order: CD PROJEKT RED says either expansion can also be started separately from the main menu. To move a save between supported platforms, update the game, link both versions to the same CD PROJEKT RED account, create a new save to upload, and load it on the destination platform.
What order should you play The Witcher 3 and its expansions?
Suggested sequence for a first playthrough
- Complete the main story.
- Play Hearts of Stone.
- Finish with Blood and Wine.
This is a narrative recommendation, not an official requirement. CD PROJEKT RED’s expansion FAQ says the two expansions can be started separately from the main menu; it does not require a particular order.
Do you need to play The Witcher 1 or 2 first?
The official product information presents The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as Geralt’s adventure and describes its two major expansions, but it does not establish that either earlier game is required to start or understand this one. It also does not provide a complete franchise chronology. If you want to know whether a The Witcher 2 save can be imported, or which choices that import affects on your platform, check platform-specific official instructions rather than assuming the process is available.
How does cross-progression work?
CD PROJEKT RED’s cross-progression instructions describe an account-linked process. The platform versions must support the route you are using, and both games must be connected to the same CD PROJEKT RED account.
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- Update the game. Use the patch shown on the title screen as the version check.
- Open Load Game and choose Cross Progression to connect the game to your CD PROJEKT RED account.
- Make sure cross-progression is enabled. The setting is at Options → Gameplay → Cross Progression.
- Create a new save. The documented process uploads a newly created save; an uploaded save is marked with a cloud icon.
- On the destination platform, connect to the same CD PROJEKT RED account, open Load Game, and select the uploaded save.
The Xbox support instructions say the latest saves upload automatically and cross-progression covers the latest save for each save type. The Nintendo Switch instructions describe the same account-linked method. They also note that players who used the Switch version’s GOG or Steam cloud-save integration need cross-progression, introduced in update 4.04, to carry saves over through this process.
How do you transfer a PS4 save to the PS5 Next-Gen version?
This is the cross-progression route for moving a save into the PS5 Next-Gen version, not the same as playing a PS4 version on PS5 through backward compatibility. CD PROJEKT RED’s PS4-to-PS5 Next-Gen instructions specify PS4 patch 4.04.
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- Update the PS4 game to patch 4.04.
- On PS4, connect the game to your CD PROJEKT RED account through My Rewards.
- Create a new save to upload it. Look for the cloud icon beside the uploaded save.
- Launch the PS5 Next-Gen version and connect it to the same CD PROJEKT RED account.
- Open Load Game on PS5 and load the uploaded save.
For ordinary PS4 backward compatibility on PS5, CD PROJEKT RED documents a different path: use the same PlayStation account and transfer the PS4 save through PlayStation Plus cloud storage, local network transfer, or compatible storage. Its separate backward-compatibility instructions cover that method. Choose the procedure for the version you intend to play; a PS4 save transfer for backward compatibility is not the Next-Gen cross-progression process.
Why won’t a cross-progression save load?
Check the destination’s installed content first. CD PROJEKT RED says the same game content needs to be present for the destination to load the save. Its example: a base-game save made without expansions can load in Complete Edition, but a Complete Edition save will not load in a base game that lacks the expansions and DLC used by that save. Cross-progression does not bypass that content requirement.
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- Confirm the account link: the source and destination versions should use the same CD PROJEKT RED account.
- Check the save’s content: install the expansions or DLC required by that save on the destination.
- Check the version and route: make sure both versions support the relevant cross-progression method and that you followed its patch requirements.
- Confirm the upload: the cloud icon indicates an uploaded save in the documented process.
CD PROJEKT RED’s packaging FAQ says existing saves remain compatible after its packaging change. That does not remove the need for the destination to include the content a particular save requires.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is included with The Witcher 3 editions now?
In the FAQ checked on October 4, 2026, CD PROJEKT RED says Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are included in the updated Base Game at no extra cost. Its stated storefront arrangements differ by platform:
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| Platform or storefront arrangement | What CD PROJEKT RED says |
|---|---|
| Digital storefronts | The Base Game is replaced with the Complete Edition. |
| PlayStation 4 and Xbox One | The two expansions are available to download for free. |
CD PROJEKT RED also says existing owners keep their content, save files remain compatible, achievements and trophies are unaffected, and each expansion can still be launched separately from the main menu. Because packaging varies by platform and storefront, check your store listing and installed game rather than assuming every account shows the same edition label or download state.
What about New Game+?
CD PROJEKT RED says New Game+ can be started from the main menu after completing the main storyline. Base Game owners may need to download the New Game Plus DLC; Complete Edition and Game of the Year already include it. An existing New Game+ save cannot be used to start another New Game+ run, according to the New Game+ support page.
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