Witcher 3 FAQ: Play Order, Expansions, & Length
This guide answers the most common questions about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: the recommended play order for the main game and its two expansions, and how long it takes to beat each part. In short, play the main game first, then Hearts of Stone, then Blood and Wine; a full playthrough of everything takes roughly 90–120 hours, with the main story alone around 50–60 hours.
Background: The Game and Its Expansions
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action RPG developed by CD Projekt Red, released in 2015. It is the third main installment in the series based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. The base game is set in the war-torn Northern Kingdoms, where you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter for hire, searching for his adopted daughter Ciri while fleeing the spectral Wild Hunt.
Two major expansions were released after launch:
- Hearts of Stone (2015): A story-driven expansion set in the region of Oxenfurt and the surrounding countryside. It focuses on Geralt’s contract with the mysterious Gaunter O’Dimm and the immortal Olgierd von Everec.
- Blood and Wine (2016): A larger expansion set in the new region of Toussaint, a sun-drenched duchy inspired by southern France and Italy. It introduces a new storyline, new enemies, and a new game mechanic (the mutation system).
How It Works: Play Order and Level Requirements
The game does not force a strict order, but the expansions have recommended levels that guide the natural progression. The main story of Wild Hunt takes you from level 1 to roughly level 30–35. Hearts of Stone is designed for characters around level 30–35, and Blood and Wine is meant for level 35–40+.
Because of this, the intended order is:
- Main game (Wild Hunt) – start here, complete the main quests and most side content.
- Hearts of Stone – can be played after the main story or during the late game, but it is balanced for level 30+.
- Blood and Wine – best played last, as it is the final chapter of Geralt’s story and has the highest level requirement.
Technically, you can start an expansion right after the opening tutorial area, but you will face high-level enemies and will likely be under-leveled. The game warns you when you enter an expansion area if your level is too low.
How Long to Beat: Main Story, Side Content, and Completionist Runs
Playtime varies greatly depending on how much you explore. Here are the typical ranges based on player reports (from sources like HowLongToBeat, which aggregates user-submitted times):
- Main story only: ~50–60 hours
- Main story + side quests: ~80–100 hours
- Completionist (all quests, collectibles, and DLC): ~150–170 hours
Breaking it down by expansion:
- Hearts of Stone: ~10–15 hours for the main questline, ~15–20 with all side content.
- Blood and Wine: ~15–20 hours for the main questline, ~25–30 with all side content (including the new region’s many contracts and activities).
So a full run of the base game plus both expansions, doing most side content, lands around 120–150 hours. If you rush only the critical paths, you can finish everything in roughly 80–90 hours.
How to Choose: Which Expansion to Play First
If you are playing the game for the first time, the choice is simple: play Hearts of Stone before Blood and Wine. Here’s why:
- Level curve: Hearts of Stone is tuned for lower levels (30–35) than Blood and Wine (35–40+). Playing them in order keeps the challenge balanced.
- Story continuity: Blood and Wine is widely considered the epilogue of Geralt’s journey. It references events from the main game and Hearts of Stone, and it offers a more definitive ending to the saga. Playing it last gives a more satisfying narrative conclusion.
- Gameplay features: Blood and Wine introduces the mutation system, which is a major power boost. If you play it first, you’ll be overpowered for Hearts of Stone and the late main game.
If you are replaying the game and want a different experience, you can play them in any order. But for a first playthrough, the intended order is main game → Hearts of Stone → Blood and Wine.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One frequent question is whether you can play the expansions after the main story ends. Yes, you can. After the final main quest, the game returns you to the open world with a “completed� state, and you can freely do any remaining quests, including the expansions. You are not locked out.
Another misconception is that Hearts of Stone is a short side quest. It is actually a full story expansion with multiple main quests, new characters, and a unique villain. It is not just a fetch quest.
Some players worry about level scaling. The game does not scale enemies to your level by default (though there is an option in the settings to enable enemy upscaling). If you over-level, the expansions become easier. If you under-level, you will see red skull icons on enemies, indicating they are too high for you.
Comparison: Base Game vs. Expansions
Here is a quick comparison of the three parts:
- Main Game (Wild Hunt): Huge open world (Velen, Novigrad, Skellige, Kaer Morhen), main quest about 50–60 hours, dozens of side quests, contracts, and points of interest.
- Hearts of Stone: Smaller but dense, set in a new area (Oxenfurt and the surrounding wilds). Main quest ~10–15 hours. Focuses on a personal, character-driven story with moral dilemmas.
- Blood and Wine: Adds a whole new region (Toussaint) that is almost as large as a full game’s area. Main quest ~15–20 hours. Adds new enemies, gear, and the mutation system. Often praised as one of the best expansions in RPG history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play the expansions before finishing the main story?
Yes, but it is not recommended for a first playthrough. The expansions are designed for higher levels, and playing them early will trivialize the main game’s challenges. You can start them at any time after the tutorial, but you will likely face enemies far above your level.
Do I need to play the previous Witcher games first?
No, The Witcher 3 is designed to be a standalone experience. You might miss some references to past events, but the main story is self-contained. If you want background, you can read the in-game glossary or watch a recap video, but it is not required.
What is the best order to play the expansions for story continuity?
Play Hearts of Stone first, then Blood and Wine. This follows the level curve and narrative tone. Blood and Wine is the true epilogue, and it acknowledges your choices from the main game and Hearts of Stone.
How long is the main story if I skip side quests?
If you only do the main quests, you can finish the base game in about 50–60 hours. The expansions add another 25–35 hours if you skip their side content.
Is there a New Game Plus mode?
Yes, after you finish the main story (and any expansion), you can start New Game Plus, which lets you carry over your level, gear, and some items into a new playthrough with scaled-up enemies. This can add many more hours if you want to replay with your end-game build.
Which expansion is bigger: Hearts of Stone or Blood and Wine?
Blood and Wine is significantly larger. It adds a whole new region with its own map, while Hearts of Stone uses a smaller area. In terms of playtime, Blood and Wine is roughly double the length of Hearts of Stone.
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