The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt walkthrough guide — quests and endings (2026)

Information is current as of August 2026.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a legendary RPG from CD Projekt RED, which, after a next-gen update, looks modern even today. Hundreds of hours of quests, two major expansions, and one of the best stories in gaming history. This guide will help you take the optimal route through the game: from the White Garden to the finale, including “Hearts of Stone” and “Blood and Wine.”

White Garden: learning without haste

The starting location teaches the basics: witcher sense, signs and alchemy. There are only six places of power and a couple of contracts, but it is important:

Collect all places of power - each gives a skill point.
Don't buy weapons from merchants - loot and crafting are always better.
Complete the griffin contract before leaving - this is good training for Velen.
Talk to all the NPCs in the village: a couple of short errands will return later in the story.

Velen: the heart of the game

Velen is a huge, gloomy province and the most memorable part of the game. Main storylines: the search for Ciri and the story of the Bloody Baron.

Baron Quests(“Family Matters,” “Return to Crooked-Ear Marsh”) is the best side story in the game. Read the diaries carefully: the fate of the entire village and the baron himself depends on your decisions.
Help the witch Keira Metz - her quest chain is important for the finale and opens access to rare goods.
Complete contracts for witchers in each village - this is the main source of money and mutagens.

Novigrad and Novigrad affairs

The Free City of Novigrad is the second chapter of the search. Here are the key lines: Triss Merigold and the rescue of the magicians, as well as meeting Dijkstra and Roche. Important: do not start the quest “Challenge to Duel” and the final steps of Novigrad until you have completed the side stories of the city - after them, some of the characters leave the game. The shops of Novigrad have the best artisans of the first half of the game: look for the master gunsmith at the fish market.

Skellige and the ending of the main game

The Skellige Islands are the final chapter of Ciri's quest. We recommend sailing here at level 25+. After gathering allies and the battle for Kaer Morhen (don't forget to invite Leto and Roche - they will help in the battle), the point of no return begins. Before the final:

Complete all important side quests - many will close after the ending.
Collect a full set of school witcher equipment (Griffin, Cat or Bear) and upgrade it to master level.
Key choices with Ciri in dialogues (support and faith in her) determine the ending - be her friend, not her overseer.

Addition “Hearts of Stone”

Designed for level 30+. One of the best expansion stories in the history of the genre: Olgierd von Everec and Gunther o'Dimm. The bosses are noticeably more difficult than the main game - be sure to upgrade your equipment from the master from the farm in the north of Velen. Don't miss the ghost wedding quest - it's optional but great.

Addition "Blood and Wine"

Toussaint is a sunny country of wine and knights, the final adventure of Geralt (level 35+). A mutation system has been introduced here: open it in Professor Moreau's laboratory as early as possible. Main advice: in a conflict with Sianna and Dettlaff, choose diplomacy - three endings of the add-on depend on it, and the worst one ends in tragedy.

Tips for leveling up and combat

Specialize: alchemy + signs (magic build) or fencing + armor category (classic). Spraying glasses is not beneficial.
Oils and decoctions are not cheat codes, but the basis of the witcher's craft - prepare them before each contract.
The Yrden sign against ghosts and Quen for every battle is a habit that will save you hundreds of times.
Sell junk to merchants with the most money: gunsmiths - weapons, merchants of Novigrad - everything else.