I don’t believe in Melitele, don’t believe in the existence of other gods either. […]
I believe in the sword. As you can see, I carry two. Every Witcher does.
– Geralt of Rivia

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a renowned video game sensation developed by CD Projekt RED. Released in May 2015, it met with acclaim and has sold over 50 million copies since then, also thanks to the homonymous 2019 Netflix series. However, popularity does not equal perfection, and this title is not free of flaws. Nonetheless, it maintains its place in collective memory thanks to its core element: the narrative.

Pursuing the Hunt

Witchers are monster hunters who, due to their superhuman abilities, are often seen as monstrous themselves. Men whose training has left them void of emotions, or so the rumor goes. Yet Geralt of Rivia has all but lost his humanity, in particular regarding those he holds dear. For this reason, he embarks on a quest to find his adoptive daughter, Ciri, who the infamous Wild Hunt pursues. A pursuit that will take him through the Continent and its tumultuous events.

A land where the Nilfgaardian Empire aims to expand its control, leaving deep marks in its wake. Battlefields riddled with corpses and abandoned villages show in no uncertain terms the forces at play. A climate of tension that leads to the persecution of mages and non-human races, to which Geralt bears direct witness. Armed with his silver and iron swords, the White Wolf must face monsters and men alike to prevent a cataclysm greater than any conflict.

Morality and dilemmas in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is set in a world at war, one where the grayscale of humanity shows in all its complexity. A direct inspiration from the original book series by author Andrzej Sapkowski, known for its dark fantasy imbued with Slavic folklore. As such, the situations that Geralt faces – and even more so, the decisions he has to make – reflect this state. There is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” outcome because the real world seldom works in absolutes. Instead, each action will bear consequences, many out of the player’s control. For example, freeing an ancient spirit might mean to spare innocent children from a terrible faith. But at the same time, it could also condemn a village to its cruel end.

This theme is present in AA games like Life is Strange or indie titles like Undertale. But that can be found in other media as well. A prominent example is the manga Trigun, which exposes the harsh reality that not everyone can be saved. This dynamic poses a direct challenge to the audience’s sense of morality. Geralt’s character pushes the players to accept the weight of their actions and the long-term repercussions. Players appreciate this gameplay and find further engagement in approaching these dilemmas. Which, in turn, confirmed it as one of the game’s more fascinating aspects.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a flawed success

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a renowned video game sensation. However, it is far from perfect. It is ambitious, introducing many aspects to the series, but not all reach their full potential.

First and foremost, the open world dynamic. On one hand, the in-game world of the Continent manages to feel genuinely vast, stretching from fields to sea-swept islands. Conversely, what it achieves in immersion does not translate into gameplay. While technically open to explore, many areas feature enemies too strong to face, limiting the player’s freedom. And despite countless points of interest on the map, few prove to be rewarding. The result is a massive world in which many elements are lost. A feature that CD Projekt RED was able to improve in its following project Cyberpunk 2077.

Another issue regards the limited role-playing aspect. While the talent tree offers a range of skills, the players do not get to choose the kind of character they want to play. Contrary to Dragon Age: Origins and Baldur’s Gate 3, where everything from race to class and alignment can be customized. That is because Geralt is a pre-established protagonist with a set backstory and personality, which determines how he acts. The player has a say in his choices but still within his set role. This does not represent a negative trait, as the series’ appeal involves playing the witcher himself. However, it differs from the standard experience of RPGs, which can sometimes make The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt feel linear and restrictive.

An immersive experience: environment and monsters

If some aspects of the game do not fully deliver, others not only meet expectations but surpass them. The developers were able to craft an immersive experience by breathing life into their world, which holds up even over a decade later.

The villagers’ houses are full of all manners of mundane objects. The woods are luscious and wild, inhabited by wild fauna, and in turn, the cities are imposing and bustling with activity. From crowded markets to lively taverns, passersby reunited around the preachers of the Eternal Fire. Much like the Wild West setting of Red Dead Redemption 2, each part of this world feels alive and tells its own story. The atmosphere is curated in every detail, and sound is included, thanks to an epic soundtrack.

Then there are the monsters of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, as iconic as its protagonist. Witcher contracts give the chance to face the variety of beasts that Geralt has trained to slay. Much like the cursed beings that populate Yharnam in Bloodborne or the mechanical fauna of Horizon Zero Dawn, they have their characteristics and weaknesses.

The player will encounter all manners of supernatural creatures during their travels: Drowners lurking in murky waters and cunning Crones with their powerful ancient magic. But also Wraiths born of vengeful spirits and Vampires hiding among humans. Each encounter enriches the Bestiary with new entries, provides ingredients for potions and oils – and fills the bag with hard-earned coins.

What makes a video game memorable: the characters

The Witcher’s 3: Wild Hunt main storyline is not original per se, but the characters make it memorable. For example, while mostly impersonating Geralt, the player also has the chance to play as Ciri. During these flashbacks, it is possible to witness her escape and the powers she is developing. The story expands on their father-daughter bond even if they are apart for most of the game. In particular, to what lengths will Geralt go to save her?

The main cast of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt features many more characters, including familiar faces from the previous titles. From love interests like Triss and Yennefer to fellow Witchers and the narrator himself, the bard Dandelion. Like in the Mass Effect series, the narrative dedicates time to each of them, allowing the player to discover their side of the story – giving a sense of continuity.

In addition, how the player’s choices fall into the narrative’s rhythm represents another main focus. As mentioned, the decisions made through the game all have ramifications and directly impact the narrative. Which goes from main encounters to the seemingly less critical side quests. Someone Geralt has helped might return to his aid later in the game. Or the player might discover the effects of a choice only by returning to a location after many hours of gameplay. This plays a primary role in the player’s agency, which enriches the experience. All these narrative elements proved well crafted to overshadow the less practical gameplay aspects, committing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt to its place in video game history.

What’s next? The Witcher expansions

The title also presents two DLCs, Heart of Stone and Blood and Wine, released in the following years. These downloadable expansions provide a wide array of new content and lore. New missions, characters, weapons, and the map of Touissant for the player to explore. Last but not least, there is a satisfying ending to the story of Geralt of Rivia. In conclusion, the Witcher saga is an ever-growing universe, soon to be enriched by a new chapter featuring Ciri herself, announced during the 2024 Game Awards.