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No. You can start with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt without playing the first two games. Its opening, character dialogue and in-game codex provide context for the main story. Playing earlier games adds continuity and makes some returning characters and callbacks more meaningful, but it is not a prerequisite for following the third game.
What you need to know before starting The Witcher 3
The official premise is straightforward: Geralt of Rivia searches for his adopted daughter, Ciri, while the spectral Wild Hunt pursues her. The game introduces the situation as it unfolds and offers background through introductory scenes, dialogue and its codex, according to PC Gamer’s guide to the series. You can follow the central story without already knowing the events of the first two games.
| # | 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 |
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You may encounter familiar people, relationships and references whose significance is clearer if you have played the earlier entries. That is a difference in emotional context and continuity, not a barrier to understanding the basic premise. The official Witcher 3 product page also describes the game’s choices as affecting allies, enemies and the wider world; those choices are part of this game’s own experience.
Which route should you take?
| Start with The Witcher 3 | Play The Witcher 1 and 2 first |
|---|---|
| Get to the third game sooner; its scenes, dialogue and codex help orient newcomers. | Experience more of Geralt’s game-series history and recognize more callbacks. |
| A good fit if the third game is your main interest or you have limited time. | A good fit if you enjoy playing a series in order and are willing to spend time with older RPGs. |
| You can return to the earlier games later if the world interests you. | Still optional: the earlier games are not required to understand The Witcher 3’s main premise. |
PC Gamer’s guide considers The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings worth visiting and says the first game has aged less well. Those are editorial judgments about the experience of playing them, not reasons you must complete either game before starting the third.
#1 Best Overall
- 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 books?
No. The novels are another optional way to explore the wider setting and characters, but they are not necessary preparation for The Witcher 3. PC Gamer’s guide says newcomers can get up to speed without reading them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version of The Witcher 3 should you start?
As of September 29, 2026, CD PROJEKT RED says The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered is available and includes the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions. Its announcement 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. It also lists the game for purchase on Battle.net and the Microsoft Store. Availability can differ by platform and region, so check the current listing for the edition and storefront you intend to use: CD PROJEKT RED’s announcement page.
The Remastered edition and expansions do not change the answer about the earlier games: you can begin with The Witcher 3. If you want to play in order, the first two games remain an optional route into more of the series’ history.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Italian edition.
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