Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversHalloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
FREEDOM251

Freedom251 › Blog › beginner guide

The Witcher 3 Beginner’s Guide: What to Do First and How to Prepare for the Main Story

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Start by completing the opening tutorial, then use White Orchard to practise the game’s essential tools: Witcher Senses, the map, conversations, looting and basic combat. Keep the main quest selected when you want a clear next step, but treat nearby side activities as optional—not a checklist you must finish before the story can continue.

What should you do first in The Witcher 3?

Finish the opening tutorial

Follow the movement and combat prompts rather than rushing through them. The tutorial introduces controls you will rely on throughout the adventure.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Use White Orchard to learn the basics

As you explore, practise switching to the map, using Witcher Senses to examine your surroundings, interacting with people and objects, and collecting loot. These systems are easier to learn in the opening area than during a demanding encounter. The Prima Games getting-started overview identifies movement, mapping, Witcher Senses, interactions and loot among the guide’s beginner topics.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Follow the main quest when you want direction

Select the main quest to keep its objective visible and give yourself a straightforward next step. If a nearby side activity catches your interest, take it; there is no need to clear every map marker before progressing. The available guidance does not establish one mandatory quest order, and exploration is part of the game’s open-ended appeal.

How should you approach combat?

Learn the basic rhythm before tougher fights: attack, then use a dodge or block when an enemy threatens you. Try the Signs as you encounter them and notice how they fit your approach. You do not need to master every combat option at once; the aim early on is to understand the controls and experiment safely.

Difficulty and HUD are also topics covered in the Prima Games guide overview, but it does not establish a single best setting. Choose a challenge and amount of on-screen information that feel comfortable, and adjust if the experience is not working for you.

What should you know before the main story gets going?

Learn preparation systems gradually

The game introduces alchemy, oils, bombs, equipment, repairs, crafting and meditation as tools for preparation and survival. You can learn them as situations make them relevant rather than treating them as a shopping list to complete before the main story. The guide overview lists these systems among its gameplay topics.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Try optional activities when they appeal

Gwent is one example of an activity available alongside the adventure. You can give it a try if it interests you; it is not a prerequisite for learning the core controls or following the main quest.

Rank #2
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One
  • If you buy this game, you will receive a free next-gen update on December 14th!
  • 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.

Expect a substantial adventure, not a fixed timetable

Bandai Namco describes the open-world adventure as lasting “over 100 hours” on its official game page. That is the publisher’s scope estimate, not a promise that every player will need—or spend—exactly that long. Your pace depends on how much optional content and exploration you choose.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which edition or version should a new player check?

Before buying or launching, check the listing for your platform and storefront rather than assuming every version has identical contents or features. The official CD PROJEKT RED game page describes the game and current Remastered material. The Bandai Namco Complete Edition page describes that package as the base game plus the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine story expansions; verify the exact name and inclusions on the store where you plan to play.

CD PROJEKT RED announced that a Remastered Upgrade released on September 29, 2026, for the PC stores, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 listed in its announcement. The post describes gameplay and UI changes and says certain features can be enabled when starting a new game on Just the Story difficulty or through Accessibility. Because availability and features depend on platform and edition, use the announcement and your platform’s listing to check what applies to your copy.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Do you need a manual or extra equipment to get started?

No additional physical accessory is established as necessary to begin; the preparation systems described here are in-game. If you prefer a reference, Prima Games has an eGuide overview covering getting started and gameplay topics such as combat, Signs, alchemy, preparation and Gwent. CD PROJEKT RED also provides an English PS4 manual; its platform-specific edition may not match the controls or features of another version.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition - Xbox One
If you buy this game, you will receive a free next-gen update on December 14th!; Play as a highly trained monster slayer for hire.
$27.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

beginner guideGaming TipsThe Witcher 3Video Games

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.