The Witcher 3 is one of the most popular role-playing games of all time. With a compelling story, breathtaking graphics, and dynamic gameplay, it’s no wonder that players worldwide are still flocking to this game years after its initial release.
However, one of the most important factors that gamers consider when deciding whether to invest in a game is how long it will take to complete. I remember spending over 50 hours in the game only to realize I was still looking for Yennefer!
The length of The Witcher 3 can make it seem like a task to complete the game, which is why I was reluctant to start the game initially, but I finally caved, and I found that the length of the game varies depending on your approach to completing the main quest only or getting engaged in side quests and the DLC.
Fear not, my fellow Witcher enthusiasts, for I have created a guide to help you navigate the game’s vast content and maximize your playtime. From the main quest to the DLCs, I’ve estimated the time it will take to complete everything in The Witcher 3, so you can plan your gaming schedule accordingly. Let’s explore just how long The Witcher 3 is by examining the length of the main quest, how long it takes to complete everything, and the length of the DLCs, let’s jump right in.
How long is the main quest of The Witcher 3?
I’ll never forget the time I spent playing The Witcher 3. I was fully immersed in the game, spending countless hours exploring the vast open world and interacting with the characters. At one point, I had been playing for so long that I lost track of time and didn’t realize it was already morning.
It was both hilarious and exhausting, but it’s a testament to just how engaging the game can be. It took me around 200 hours to complete the game, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The main quest of The Witcher 3 is the backbone of the game’s narrative. It follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia as he searches for his adopted daughter, Ciri, and gets involved in the political intrigues of the war-torn Northern Realms.
The length of the main quest is highly subjective and depends on how quickly you move through the story and your chosen difficulty level. On average, it takes between 50-60 hours to complete the main story. However, some players have been able to complete it in as little as 25 hours, while others have taken over 100 hours.
How long is The Witcher 3 if you complete everything?
When I first started playing The Witcher 3, I was blown away by the world-building and immersive storyline. I didn’t want to miss out on anything and was determined to complete the game 100%. I played at a leisurely pace, exploring every nook and cranny of the vast open world and completing all side quests and activities. It took me over 200 hours of gameplay to achieve 100% completion, but it was totally worth it!
In addition to the main quest, The Witcher 3 has a plethora of side quests, treasure hunts, and other activities that can keep players occupied for dozens of hours. These activities not only add to the game’s overall length but also provide valuable character development, world-building, and loot. It’s estimated that completing everything in the game, including side quests and treasure hunts, will take around 200 hours. This means that if you’re a completionist, you’ll be playing The Witcher 3 for a long time.
How long are the DLCs in The Witcher 3?
The Witcher 3 has two major DLCs: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine. Both expansions add new areas, quests, characters, and items to the game. Hearts of Stone is shorter than Blood and Wine, with an estimated playtime of around 10 hours. On the other hand, Blood and Wine is much larger and estimated to take between 20-30 hours to complete. Combined, the two DLCs add an additional 30-40 hours of gameplay to The Witcher 3.
Moreover, the Blood and Wine expansion increases the max level cap to 100 from the original 70; if you thought you’d reach the max level, you’ve 30 levels (and additional game hours) ahead of you. Check out this blog about reaching max level in The Witcher 3.
How long is The Witcher 3 when you put it all together?
When you put everything together, The Witcher 3 can take upwards of 80 hours to complete the main story and the DLCs. This makes it one of the longest open-world games on the market. However, it’s important to note that this is only an estimate, and your own playtime may vary. Additionally, it’s worth considering that The Witcher 3 is designed to be played over a long period of time. The game’s world is rich and immersive, and taking your time to explore it fully is part of the experience.
In addition to the estimated times, it’s worth noting that The Witcher 3 is a game that rewards exploration and taking your time. Rushing through the main story will certainly get you to the end credits faster, but you’ll miss out on the rich details and hidden gems that make the game so special. On the other hand, taking your time to explore the vast world and complete side quests can make for a more immersive and rewarding experience. It’s all up to personal preference, but I recommend taking your time to savor the game and appreciate all it has to offer.
Is 100% Completion Worth It?
Get your sword and get ready to fight because when it comes to The Witcher 3, we’re talking about a game that’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re one of those daring souls willing to take on the challenge of the main story and all its expansions, you’ll definitely want to know how long it’ll take to complete. I’ve got you covered with some estimated time investments for tackling every conceivable encounter in The Witcher 3, Heart of Stone, and Blood and Wine.
If you’re aiming for 100% completion, you’re looking at a rough minimum of 75 hours if you’re just blasting through the story content. But who are we kidding? With a game as immersive as The Witcher 3, side content is just as important as the main campaign, so the average player is looking at a staggering 147+ hours of gameplay.
And for those of us who prefer to take our time and truly savor the experience, you’re looking at an astonishing 291+ hours of playtime. And for the extraordinary fans out there, you can easily sink close to 700 hours into the game.
It’s no wonder The Witcher 3 has become a gaming legend. With so much content to explore, it’s a game that can keep you entertained for months. But one thing is for sure, if you’re going to take on this game, you better be ready for the long haul.
Summary
In the article, I discussed the estimated time it takes to complete the game’s main quest, side quests, and DLCs, and provides an overview of the game’s content.
The estimated time to complete the main story is 50-60 hours, while completing everything in the game, including side quests and treasure hunts, can take around 200 hours.
The two major DLCs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, add an additional 30-40 hours of gameplay to The Witcher 3.
The Witcher 3 is designed to be played over a long period of time, and taking your time to explore the vast world and complete side quests can make for a more immersive and rewarding experience.
Overall, the Witcher 3 is easily worth the time investment, but you should be prepared for a lengthy gaming experience.