The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely regarded as one of the best games of all time, and for good reason. Its engaging story, memorable characters, and deep combat mechanics make it a must-play for any gamer. However, one of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting the game is choosing the right difficulty level. With four options to choose from, it can be overwhelming for new players, especially those who are new to the action RPG genre.
Understanding the Difficulty Levels
Before we dive into which difficulty level is right for you, let’s take a look at what each level entails.
Story Mode
Story Mode is the easiest difficulty level in the game, designed for players who want to focus on the story and characters without worrying too much about the combat. Enemies are relatively weak, and Geralt’s abilities are amplified to make fights easier. This mode is perfect for those who are new to action RPGs or want to experience the game’s story without the challenge of tough combat.
Easy Mode
Easy Mode is a step up from Story Mode, but still provides a relatively easy experience. Enemies are slightly tougher, and Geralt’s abilities are more balanced. This mode is suitable for players who want a bit of a challenge but still want to focus on the story.
Normal Mode
Normal Mode is the default difficulty level, and it’s where the game’s challenge really begins. Enemies are aggressive and require strategy to defeat, and Geralt’s abilities are more balanced. This mode is recommended for players who have some experience with action RPGs and want a balanced challenge.
Death March Mode
Death March Mode is the hardest difficulty level in the game, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Enemies are extremely aggressive, and even the smallest mistake can be fatal. This mode is designed for experienced players who want a true challenge and are willing to die (a lot) to succeed.
Finding the Right Difficulty Level for You
Now that we’ve covered the different difficulty levels, let’s talk about how to find the right one for you.
Consider Your Gaming Experience
If you’re new to action RPGs, it’s recommended to start with Story Mode or Easy Mode. These levels will allow you to get familiar with the game’s mechanics and combat system without feeling overwhelmed.
On the other hand, if you have experience with action RPGs, you may want to start with Normal Mode or Death March Mode, depending on your skill level.
Consider Your Playstyle
Do you like to take your time and strategize, or do you prefer to dive headfirst into battle? If you’re a more cautious player, you may prefer a lower difficulty level to give you time to think and react. If you’re a more aggressive player, you may prefer a higher difficulty level to challenge yourself.
Consider the Story
If you’re interested in the game’s story and characters, you may want to choose a lower difficulty level to focus on the narrative. If you’re more interested in the combat and challenge, you may want to choose a higher difficulty level.
When to Switch Difficulty Levels
It’s possible that you may start the game on one difficulty level and find that it’s too easy or too hard. Don’t worry – you can switch difficulty levels at any time! Here are some scenarios where you might want to consider switching:
You’re Finding it Too Easy
If you’re finding that you’re completing quests and defeating enemies with ease, you may want to consider switching to a higher difficulty level. This will challenge you more and provide a sense of accomplishment when you succeed.
You’re Finding it Too Hard
On the other hand, if you’re finding that you’re dying repeatedly or struggling to complete quests, you may want to consider switching to a lower difficulty level. This will give you a break and allow you to progress through the game without getting frustrated.
You Want a New Challenge
If you’ve completed the game on one difficulty level and want a new challenge, you can try playing on a higher difficulty level. This will require you to adapt your strategy and tactics to succeed.
Tips for Playing on Higher Difficulty Levels
If you do decide to play on a higher difficulty level, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Upgrade Your Gear
Make sure you’re regularly upgrading your gear, including your weapons, armor, and potions. This will give you an edge in combat and help you survive.
Use Your Abilities Wisely
Use your signs (magical abilities) and potions strategically to take down enemies. Don’t waste them, as they can be expensive to craft or purchase.
Dodge and Roll
Dodge and roll are essential skills on higher difficulty levels. Use them to avoid taking damage and create openings to attack enemies.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into battle. Take your time to observe your enemies, plan your strategy, and execute it carefully.
Learn from Your Mistakes
When you die (and you will die), take the time to analyze what went wrong and how you can improve. This will help you learn from your mistakes and become a better player.
Conclusion
Choosing the right difficulty level in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is crucial to enjoying the game. By considering your gaming experience, playstyle, and interest in the story, you can find the perfect challenge for yourself. And remember, it’s okay to switch difficulty levels if you find it’s too easy or too hard. With these tips and a bit of practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Witcher master.
| Difficulty Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Story Mode | Easiest difficulty level, designed for players who want to focus on the story and characters. |
| Easy Mode | A step up from Story Mode, with slightly tougher enemies and more balanced abilities. |
| Normal Mode | Default difficulty level, with aggressive enemies and more balanced abilities. |
| Death March Mode | Hardest difficulty level, with extremely aggressive enemies and a high risk of death. |
By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to find the perfect difficulty level for your playstyle and enjoy one of the best games of all time. Happy gaming!
What is the easiest difficulty level in The Witcher 3?
The easiest difficulty level in The Witcher 3 is Story Mode. This mode is designed for players who want to focus on the game’s story and characters without worrying too much about combat and exploration challenges. In Story Mode, enemies are less aggressive, and Geralt’s damage output is increased, making it easier to defeat them. Additionally, the game’s puzzles and mini-games are also simplified, allowing players to progress through the story more quickly.
However, it’s worth noting that even in Story Mode, The Witcher 3 can still be a challenging game, especially for players who are new to action RPGs or the Witcher series. The game’s combat mechanics are complex, and mastering them takes time and practice. Additionally, some of the game’s boss battles can still be difficult, even on the easiest difficulty level. But overall, Story Mode is a great option for players who want to experience the game’s story without getting frustrated by the combat.
What is the most popular difficulty level in The Witcher 3?
The most popular difficulty level in The Witcher 3 is Normal Mode. This mode offers a balanced experience, with enemies that are challenging but not overwhelming, and Geralt’s damage output that is reasonable but still requires strategy to take down tougher foes. In Normal Mode, players need to use their skills and abilities wisely, as well as pay attention to their surroundings and Use their potions and signs strategically.
Normal Mode is a great option for players who want to experience the full range of the game’s combat mechanics and exploration challenges without getting frustrated or bored. It’s also a good option for players who are new to the Witcher series but have some experience with action RPGs. However, some players may find Normal Mode too easy or too hard, depending on their skills and playstyle. In that case, they can try adjusting the difficulty level up or down to find the perfect challenge.
How do I unlock New Game Plus in The Witcher 3?
To unlock New Game Plus in The Witcher 3, you need to complete the game’s main story on any difficulty level. Once you’ve finished the main story, you’ll be able to start a New Game Plus, which allows you to replay the game with your existing character and all their skills and abilities. In New Game Plus, enemies are stronger and more aggressive, and Geralt’s damage output is reduced, making the game even more challenging.
New Game Plus also introduces new challenges and features, such as higher-level enemies, new quests, and new items to craft. Additionally, players can choose to carry over some of their progress from their previous playthrough, such as their skills, signs, and potions. However, some aspects of the game, such as Gwent cards and horse racing rewards, are reset. Overall, New Game Plus is a great way to experience The Witcher 3 in a new and challenging way.
What is Death March difficulty level in The Witcher 3?
Death March is the highest difficulty level in The Witcher 3, and it’s not for the faint of heart. In Death March, enemies are extremely aggressive and powerful, and Geralt’s damage output is severely reduced. Even the weakest enemies can be deadly, and players need to use all their skills and abilities to survive. Additionally, the game’s AI is more aggressive, and enemies will gang up on Geralt more often.
Death March is a great option for experienced players who want a true challenge. However, it’s not recommended for new players, as it can be frustratingly difficult. To succeed in Death March, players need to have a deep understanding of the game’s combat mechanics, as well as a good grasp of Geralt’s skills and abilities. They also need to be prepared to die a lot, as even the smallest mistake can be fatal.
Can I change the difficulty level in The Witcher 3 mid-game?
Yes, you can change the difficulty level in The Witcher 3 at any time during the game. To do this, simply pause the game and go to the Options menu, where you can adjust the difficulty level up or down. You can also change the difficulty level from the game’s main menu, before starting a new game or loading a saved game.
However, it’s worth noting that changing the difficulty level mid-game can affect your experience. For example, if you lower the difficulty level, you may find that the game becomes too easy, and you may miss out on some of the challenges and rewards that come with playing on a higher difficulty level. On the other hand, if you raise the difficulty level, you may find that the game becomes too hard, and you may need to restart from a previous save.
Are there any benefits to playing The Witcher 3 on higher difficulty levels?
Yes, there are several benefits to playing The Witcher 3 on higher difficulty levels. One of the main benefits is increased experience points and loot. Enemies drop more experience points and better loot on higher difficulty levels, which can help you level up faster and acquire better gear. Additionally, playing on higher difficulty levels can also improve your skills and abilities, as you’ll need to use them more strategically to survive.
Another benefit of playing on higher difficulty levels is a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Defeating tough enemies and overcoming challenging quests can be incredibly rewarding, especially on Death March difficulty level. Additionally, playing on higher difficulty levels can also increase the game’s replay value, as you’ll need to experiment with different strategies and tactics to succeed.
Are there any mods that can make The Witcher 3 more challenging?
Yes, there are several mods that can make The Witcher 3 more challenging. One of the most popular mods is the “Increased Difficulty” mod, which increases the damage output of enemies and reduces Geralt’s damage output. Another popular mod is the “Tougher Enemies” mod, which adds new and more aggressive enemies to the game. There are also mods that increase the difficulty of certain quests or add new challenges to the game.
It’s worth noting that installing mods can affect the game’s stability and balance, so players should be careful when installing mods and make sure they are compatible with the game’s latest patch. Additionally, mods can also affect the game’s achievements and trophies, so players should be aware of that when installing mods.