The universe of The Witcher 3 is both vast and captivating, brimming with intricate details and stories that could easily be overlooked during your initial gameplay. However, your adventure is malleable—transformed by the decisions you make, allowing for a totally different experience on a subsequent playthrough.
Every quest you embark on weaves layers of lore, and the personalities you encounter often have unexpected depths. This means you don’t need to retrace the same steps as before to experience new narratives.
By altering certain decisions, you can create a fresh, intriguing storyline. From the choices Geralt makes in his interactions with the world to the companions he chooses to be with, each decision can pivot the narrative in unexpected directions.
Having played through The Witcher 3 numerous times, I have come to appreciate how every choice yields unique rewards—ranging from hidden dialogue to alternate outcomes for quests. This richness makes the game a masterpiece worthy of a second, or even third, playthrough.
9 Roleplaying As Different Versions Of Geralt
Your Game, Your Choices
In The Witcher 3, there are numerous paths open for exploration, allowing you to mold Geralt’s identity according to your preferences. He can embody the role of a noble hero or embrace the more mercenary reputation that often accompanies witchers.
As you embark on your second journey, consider altering your dialogue choices and branching out from your initial decisions—save characters who once met their demise or take a more ruthless approach by eliminating those who survived. Each modification reveals elements of the story that you may have glossed over the first time.
While I often find myself playing the morally upright version of Geralt, the game rewards every playstyle with unique insights and experiences.
8 Romantic Choices
A Man Of Love
Even the most stoic monster hunter, Geralt, craves companionship. The game offers seven romance options, with two primary ones—Yennefer and Triss—pivotal to the storyline. Your choice here resonates throughout your adventure.
Additionally, exploring secondary romance options scattered throughout the game presents unique challenges and narratives.
While I typically shy away from romance quests, I found the love arcs in The Witcher to be engaging, especially Geralt’s heartwarming conclusion with Yennefer on Skellige.
7 Install Mods
Change The Game
While The Witcher 3 offers a fantastic narrative experience, introducing mods can significantly enrich your gameplay during a second run. These modifications need not dramatically alter the game; even subtle tweaks can refresh the experience.
For example, the Brothers In Arms mod addresses numerous game bugs and restores cut content, reigniting excitement by reintroducing removed scenes and dialogues. Additionally, the DLC Event Next-Gen marker helps you locate previously missed side quests or cutscenes.
Other mods, like HD texture enhancements, elevate the visual quality, amplifying the immersive experience. I cherish The Witcher 3 without mods, but integrating select cosmetic enhancements truly unlocks new dimensions of the game.
6 Play Without The Mini-Map Or HUD
Trust Your Instincts
The expansive and visually stunning world of The Witcher 3 can be even more engaging when you disable the HUD, mini-map, and quest markers.
This approach encourages you to rely on your wits and memories, transforming your second playthrough into an exhilarating exploration filled with undiscovered secrets. I’ve stumbled upon hundreds of hidden tales without the guidance of a mini-map, deepening my appreciation for the game’s intricate landscape.
5 Choose A Different Ending For The Characters
Who Lives And Who Dies?
To unlock new pathways during your next adventure, consider altering the endings of key quests and character arcs. The Witcher 3 adeptly tests your morality, putting the fates of characters squarely in your hands.
Decisions abound, such as whether to assist Dijkstra in ruling or betray him, save Keira or condemn her, and determine Ciri’s fate. Every choice affects the overarching narrative, producing consequences that resonate throughout the realm.
Experiencing the various character endings, especially the poignant storyline of the Bloody Baron, has been deeply impactful for me, drawing upon the game’s emotional depth.
4 Self-Imposed Challenges
Test Your Limits
If you’re eager to test your skills on your second journey, consider administering personal challenges. These can range from enjoyable to difficult, ensuring a rewarding experience.
Form a deeper bond with Roach by opting for a No Fast Travel run or strip the health bars from both enemies and allies for heightened tension. Alternatively, challenge yourself with a no-melee run, relying solely on your crossbow.
Combining several of these self-imposed challenges will elevate your sense of accomplishment and transform your playthrough into a memorable adventure.
3 Try A Different Combat Build
Pick Your Steel
The vast array of armor and weaponry in The Witcher 3 allows for diverse combat strategies. Combining different elements can create a build to suit every playstyle.
On your next trek, explore a different combat style. If you previously favored agility, consider a tank build, or focus on alchemy or sign-heavy strategies, each requiring specific skills and mutagens for optimization. For the adventurous, attempt a no-melee challenge using only a crossbow.
I’ve tested numerous combat styles, but my favorite remains the Ursine Armor build; its tanking capabilities make every confrontation exhilarating.
2 Play And Collect Gwent Cards
Embrace Gwent
Gwent, the riveting card game embedded within The Witcher 3, often goes unnoticed. However, if you’ve overlooked this aspect, you’re missing a rich and rewarding experience.
In your second playthrough, aim to make Geralt the greatest Gwent player in the Continent. Take advantage of the extensive game mechanics involving card hunting, tournament participation, and strategic gameplay. Gwent not only adds new content but also redefines competitive strategy in your gameplay.
Initially, I dismissed Gwent, fearing it would detract from the main journey. Yet, once I finally engaged, the game opened up in ways I never anticipated.
1 Playing On The Highest Difficulty
Ultimate Witcher
For a true test of your skills, attempt to complete the game on Death March, the highest difficulty setting. This mode heightens tension in every encounter, pushing your abilities to the brink.
Your health won’t regenerate until battles are finished, opponents become more formidable and gear deteriorates faster. Although challenging, mastering your combat skills in this mode is deeply rewarding.
Midway through my last journey, I realized I was experiencing significantly more difficulty than in previous runs. It turned out I had inadvertently set the game to the highest difficulty. Yet after countless restarts, I’ve come to revel in the challenges of Death March.
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