The Witcher 3 Beginner's Guide
Starting The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt for the first time? How combat, signs and alchemy work, which difficulty to pick and the tips that make Velen much easier.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world RPG where you play the monster hunter Geralt of Rivia, searching war-torn lands for his adopted daughter Ciri. It's long, rich and occasionally overwhelming at first – this page covers what you need for a great start. With the free Remastered upgrade from September 2026, it's a good time to jump in.
Step 1: The basics
Two swordsSteel for humans and animals, silver for monsters and magical beings.
Read the BestiaryEvery monster has a weakness – the right oil, bomb or sign makes fights much easier.
MeditateMeditating refills your potions and bombs if you carry strong alcohol.
Witcher SensesHold the button to highlight clues, tracks and loot.
GwentThe in-game card game – optional, but you'll win great cards from innkeepers and quest givers.
Step 2: Learn the five signs
AardA telekinetic blast that knocks enemies down and breaks weak walls.
IgniA burst of fire – great against wraiths, drowners and anything flammable.
YrdenA magic trap that slows enemies and forces specters into physical form.
QuenA protective shield that absorbs hits – the beginner's best friend.
AxiiConfuses enemies and opens extra options in conversations.
Step 3: Tips for your first hours
Start on Story and SwordPick Just the Story or Story and Sword for a relaxed first run; Blood and Broken Bones is the 'real' challenge.
Watch quest levelsQuests far above your level are much harder – come back later.
Do side questsMany of the best stories are side quests and contracts, and you'll need the XP.
Skip the question marksNot every '?' on the map is worth it – especially the many smuggler's caches around Skellige.
Hunt witcher gearWitcher school sets are some of the best armour in the game.
Expansions laterSave Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine for the end.
Want to know who's who? See the characters overview.
Our The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt articles on this
Sources
Reference page written by AI (Claude) and checked against the sources above. Games change with every patch – the patch this page was last checked for is shown at the top.