The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Are you ready to dive into one of the most immersive open-world RPGs ever made? Welcome to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt! Whether you’re a longtime gamer or just starting with this award-winning adventure, there’s a lot to discover. Witcher 3 isn’t just a game—it’s a world of deep stories, tough choices, and thrilling action. In this guide, we’ll share essential tips, strategies, and secrets to make your journey through the Continent fun and successful. Prepare to become the ultimate Witcher!

This guide is perfect for new players who want to avoid common mistakes and for experienced gamers looking to sharpen their skills. From combat basics to the best gear, you’ll find everything you need right here. Let’s get started!

Getting Started: First Steps in The Witcher 3

Understanding the World

The Witcher 3 is set in a massive, living world called the Continent. As Geralt of Rivia, you’ll complete quests, slay monsters, and make choices that shape your story. The main story is gripping, but don’t skip the side quests—they are packed with unique characters, rewards, and surprising plot twists.

Setting Up for Success

• Difficulty Levels: Choose from multiple difficulties. “Story and Sword” is perfect for beginners.
• Tutorials: Pay attention to tutorials—they teach everything from combat to alchemy. If in doubt, check the Glossary.
• Saving: The world is dangerous; save often! Manual saves can save you from tough situations.

Mastering Combat

Swordplay and Signs

Geralt uses two swords: a steel sword for humans and a silver sword for monsters. Learn to switch between them quickly. You’ll also use “Signs”—simple magic spells, like Igni (fire), Axii (charm/control), Quen (shield), Yrden (trap), and Aard (telekinetic blast).

• Dodge and Roll: Don’t just stand and attack. Learn to dodge, roll, and counter for real survival.
• Use Oils and Bombs: Before big fights, prepare by applying the right oil or equipping bombs to exploit enemy weaknesses.
• Upgrade Your Skills: As you level up, spend points on your favorite skills, like sword attacks, Signs, or Alchemy. Focus on one or two trees for best results early on.

Tactics for Boss Fights

• Observe: Watch enemy attack patterns. Patience can be more valuable than blind attacks.
• Prepare: Read bestiary entries for tips, then craft poisons, bombs, or potions perfect for the challenge.
• Use Quen Often: This magical shield can save your life in tough fights!

Exploring the World

Travel Tips

The open world is huge, so use your horse Roach for fast travel. Look for signposts to unlock new fast travel points. Don’t rush—explore villages, forests, and ruins for hidden treasures, monster nests, and side stories.

Important Early Locations

• White Orchard: The introduction area—great for learning basics and collecting early gear.
• Velen: Danger increases, but the rewards do too! Meet interesting characters, but stay prepared for powerful enemies.
• Novigrad & Skellige: Epic cities and wild islands offer different unique quests and treasures.

Side Quests and Witcher Contracts

• Do Secondary Quests: These quests offer interesting stories and important rewards.
• Witcher Contracts: Special tasks to hunt monsters—great for money, experience, and rare crafting materials.
• Treasure Hunts: Find maps and clues to legendary Witcher gear sets. These improve your survival and style!

Leveling Up and Skill Building

Gaining Experience

• Complete Quests: Main and side quests are the main source of XP.
• Defeat Monsters: Especially higher-level ones, for extra XP and loot.

Skill Trees Explained

You can invest skill points into three main branches:

• Combat: Increase your sword mastery—damage, defense, and special moves.
• Signs: Strengthen your magic for new effects and power.
• Alchemy: Create better potions, bombs, and oils. Crafting matters!

Early on, it’s smart to focus on one branch, then add a second as you level up. Many players start with Combat or Signs as their first focus.

Gear and Crafting

Armor and Weapons

• Upgrade Regularly: Monsters get stronger—so should your gear!
• Look for Witcher Gear: Legendary sets like Griffin, Cat, Bear, and Wolf improve your abilities and look awesome.
• Visit Blacksmiths: Repair your items and craft new weapons. Always check if there are better blueprints available.

Potions, Bombs, and Oils

• Potions: Swallow (healing) and Thunderbolt (attack) are must-haves. Keep an eye on toxicity levels.
• Bombs: Grapeshot and Northern Wind are very effective against monster nests or specific monsters.
• Oils: Use the best oil for the monster type (Necrophage, Specter, etc.). This boosts your damage significantly.

Money and Inventory Tips

• Loot Smart: Not every item is valuable. Sell junk to merchants, but keep crafting materials and rare loot.
• Inventory Space: Upgrade your saddle bags for more carrying space. Drop or sell low-value items often.
• Repair Often: Weapons and armor lose condition. Always keep a few repair kits handy.

Making Choices and Consequences

Your Choices Matter

The Witcher 3 is famous for tough, meaningful decisions. Some choices affect the world immediately; others may come back much later. Think about your options. Sometimes, there’s no perfect choice—but Geralt’s actions always have weight.

• Dialogue Options: Pay attention—sometimes, using Axii can resolve a situation peacefully.
• Multiple Endings: Your actions shape Geralt’s story and the fate of key characters. Play thoughtfully!

Tips for Surviving and Thriving

• Save before every major decision or fight.
• Keep exploring—you’ll find hidden quests and great loot everywhere.
• If stuck, use Witcher Sense to find clues and hidden objects.
• Try Gwent, the card mini-game, for fun and rewards! Win special cards from important NPCs.

Conclusion: Master the Path of the Witcher

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a legendary journey filled with danger, drama, and discovery. Each player’s adventure is unique, shaped by skill and choices. The game rewards smart combat, thoughtful exploration, and careful decisions. Don’t rush—enjoy every side quest, talk to villagers, and hunt down secrets.

Remember: equip the right gear, upgrade your favorite skills, use potions and oils, and always prepare for the next monster around the corner. Whether you’re uncovering ancient mysteries, fighting legendary monsters, or just enjoying the sun setting over Novigrad, The Witcher 3 will surprise you. Good luck, Witcher!

Quick Tips for Beginners

• Upgrade your swords and armor regularly.
• Read the bestiary before monster contracts.
• Use Quen often for defense in tough fights.
• Save your game before major quests and contracts.
• Don’t ignore side quests—they often offer the best rewards!