Witcher 3 When to Do DLC: Best DLC Order for the Story
Navigating the vast world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can be an overwhelming experience, especially when deciding when to tackle its incredible expansions. Both Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine offer rich narratives that seamlessly blend into Geralt's journey, but playing them in the wrong sequence can disrupt narrative pacing. To get the most satisfying story flow and character arcs, understanding the ideal progression order is essential for new and returning players alike.
Completing the Main Campaign First
The core storyline surrounding Geralt's search for Ciri builds immense narrative momentum as you near the final chapters. Interrupting this urgent search to pursue large side adventures can make the central plot lose its emotional impact. Finishing the base game story first ensures that Geralt's primary personal quest reaches its natural conclusion before moving on to new chapters.
In addition to narrative logic, level requirements heavily dictate when you should start expansion content. The base game naturally levels Geralt up to the point where he can comfortably take on high-level contracts. Tackling the main campaign first provides the necessary experience, gear, and skill points required to survive tougher expansion foes.
Starting Hearts of Stone Next
Hearts of Stone is designed to fit neatly as the first post-campaign expansion for Geralt. Set primarily in the familiar regions of Novigrad and Velen, it acts as a grounded continuation of his witcher contracts. The narrative focuses on a self-contained story involving Olgierd von Everec and the enigmatic Gaunter O'Dimm.
Because Hearts of Stone takes place within the existing map, it feels like a natural extension of Geralt's everyday adventures. The recommended level for starting this expansion is around level 32, which aligns perfectly with a character who has recently finished the main storyline. Playing it before moving to completely new lands keeps the story's scale manageable and focused.
Saving Blood and Wine for the Final Journey
Blood and Wine takes Geralt to the sunny, fairytale-like region of Toussaint, offering a dramatic shift in tone and environment. This expansion introduces a massive new map filled with unique monster contracts, armor sets, and a captivating main mystery involving higher vampires. Because of its sheer size, it effectively serves as a full-fledged sequel to Geralt's story.
Most importantly, Blood and Wine was specifically crafted as Geralt's ultimate narrative send-off. The ending of this expansion provides a definitive conclusion to his long journey, complete with a heartwarming epilogue at his private vineyard. Starting this expansion around level 34 or 35 ensures you experience the true emotional ending of the entire saga.
Why Order Matters for Narrative Flow
Following a structured play order prevents awkward continuity issues and character interactions across quests. Certain dialogue options and references in the expansions subtly change depending on your progress in the main story. Playing in chronological order preserves the intended dramatic weight of these conversations.
Ultimately, experiencing the game in the sequence of Base Game, Hearts of Stone, and Blood and Wine offers the most satisfying pacing. It allows Geralt's story to build from a personal search to a dark mystery, ending finally in a peaceful retirement. Respecting this narrative arc ensures that your time in the Continent ends on the highest possible note.