Welcome, dear gamer, to the world of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where the choices you make will determine the fate of the land. One of the most debated topics among players is whether to tackle side quests before main quests or vice versa. The decision you make can have a significant impact on your gaming experience. So, in this comprehensive guide, we will weigh the pros and cons of each approach and help you make an informed decision. Get ready to embark on an adventure like no other and make choices that will shape the outcome of your journey.
What are side quests and main quests in The Witcher 3?
Side quests
In The Witcher 3, side quests are optional tasks that players can undertake to gain additional experience, loot, and other rewards. These quests often provide interesting narratives and characters that enrich the game’s world and lore. While completing the main questline is essential to progress the game’s story, taking the time to explore and complete side quests can greatly enhance the overall gaming experience.
- Definition
Side quests are secondary missions that can be completed independently of the main storyline. They are not mandatory to complete the game, but they offer valuable rewards and can provide interesting insights into the game’s world and characters. - Purpose
The purpose of side quests is to provide players with additional content to explore and enjoy. They often offer unique stories, characters, and challenges that are not present in the main questline. Side quests can also help players level up, earn new gear, and acquire valuable resources. - Benefits
Completing side quests can provide several benefits to players, including:- Experience points: Many side quests reward players with XP, which can help them level up faster and unlock new abilities and skills.
- Loot and treasure: Side quests often involve exploring new areas and defeating enemies, which can result in valuable loot and treasure drops.
- Character development: Side quests often feature unique characters and storylines that can help players better understand the game’s world and lore.
- Skill points: Some side quests award skill points, which can be used to unlock new abilities and enhance existing ones.
- Crafting materials: Many side quests involve gathering resources and materials that can be used to craft new weapons and armor.
Overall, side quests are an essential part of The Witcher 3 experience, providing players with a wealth of content to explore and enjoy. Whether players choose to complete them before or after the main questline is a matter of personal preference, but it is worth taking the time to experience all that the game has to offer.
Main quests
Main quests are the primary storyline of The Witcher 3, and they serve as the backbone of the game’s narrative. These quests are designed to drive the player through the game’s plot, introducing new characters, locations, and plot points along the way. The primary purpose of main quests is to provide a sense of direction and purpose to the player, and they are typically the most rewarding quests in terms of story and character development.
Definition
Main quests are typically identified by their distinctive purple color on the game’s map, and they are often represented by an exclamation mark, indicating that they are interactive. These quests are typically given to the player by non-playable characters (NPCs), and they are designed to be completed in a specific order to progress the game’s story.
Purpose
The primary purpose of main quests is to advance the game’s story and provide the player with a sense of direction and purpose. These quests are designed to be completed in a specific order to ensure that the player experiences the game’s narrative in the intended manner. They are also designed to introduce new characters, locations, and plot points, which help to flesh out the game’s world and provide context for the player’s actions.
Benefits
Completing main quests in The Witcher 3 offers a number of benefits to the player. First and foremost, main quests are typically the most rewarding quests in terms of story and character development. By completing these quests, the player will unlock new abilities, gain access to new gear, and uncover new plot points that help to deepen their understanding of the game’s world. Additionally, completing main quests is often necessary to progress through the game’s story, and they often provide the player with new objectives and goals to work towards.
Is it better to do side quests before main quests in The Witcher 3?
Advantages of doing side quests first
- Exploration and immersion: The Witcher 3 has a vast open-world filled with intriguing locations, each with its own story to tell. By completing side quests first, players can gradually explore the world and immerse themselves in its rich lore. This approach allows for a more organic and immersive experience, as players can discover the main story’s context by exploring the various regions and meeting their inhabitants.
- Leveling up and character development: Side quests often provide opportunities for players to level up their characters and improve their skills. By completing these quests first, players can ensure that their characters are adequately prepared for the challenges of the main storyline. This approach also allows for greater flexibility in character development, as players can allocate skill points and choose equipment based on their individual playstyle.
- Monetary and equipment rewards: Many side quests in The Witcher 3 offer valuable rewards in terms of money, equipment, and items. By completing these quests first, players can accumulate resources that can be used to purchase better gear and improve their characters’ abilities. This approach can provide a significant advantage in the main storyline, as players will have access to better equipment and more financial resources to upgrade their characters.
Disadvantages of doing side quests first
Story progression and pacing
One potential disadvantage of tackling side quests before main quests in The Witcher 3 is that it may impact the overall story progression and pacing of the game. While side quests can provide additional background information and character development, they may also distract from the main storyline and detract from the overall experience. Players who focus solely on side quests may find themselves lost in a maze of side stories, with little direction or purpose in their journey.
Time management and efficiency
Another potential downside of focusing on side quests before main quests is that it can be inefficient in terms of time management. While some side quests may offer valuable rewards and experience points, others may not be worth the time investment. Players who spend too much time on side quests may find themselves behind in the main storyline, which can be frustrating and detract from the overall experience.
Prioritizing important main quests
Finally, focusing on side quests before main quests may also lead to a lack of prioritization when it comes to important main quests. Some main quests in The Witcher 3 are crucial to the overall storyline and provide significant rewards and benefits. Players who ignore these quests in favor of side quests may miss out on valuable content and experiences. It is important to balance side quests with main quests to ensure that players are making progress in the main storyline while still enjoying the rich world of The Witcher 3.
How to balance side quests and main quests in The Witcher 3?
Prioritizing main quests
- Importance and impact on the story
The main quests in The Witcher 3 are essential to the overall storyline and progression of the game. These quests often have significant consequences on the game’s narrative and provide players with critical information about the world, characters, and plot. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize main quests to ensure that players fully understand the story and its developments. - Progression and pacing of the game
Prioritizing main quests also helps players to progress through the game at a steady pace. By completing the main quests, players can unlock new areas, meet new characters, and discover new plot points. Additionally, main quests often have more significant rewards, such as new abilities, weapons, and gear, which can help players to overcome challenges later in the game. - Character development and plot twists
Completing main quests can also lead to character development and plot twists that can significantly impact the player’s experience. These quests often provide players with insights into the motivations, personalities, and backstories of the game’s characters, which can make them more relatable and interesting. Additionally, the plot twists that occur in main quests can be surprising and engaging, making them a must-complete for players who want to fully experience the game’s story.
Integrating side quests
Side quests can be integrated into the game in a way that they complement the main storyline without detracting from it. Here are some ways that side quests can be integrated into The Witcher 3:
- Exploration and discovery of the game world: Side quests can be used to encourage players to explore different areas of the game world. This can be achieved by placing side quests in lesser-known locations or by offering rewards for discovering hidden areas. This approach can help players to fully immerse themselves in the game world and to discover new and interesting locations.
- Side quests that enhance the main story: Some side quests can be designed to enhance the main storyline by providing additional context or background information. For example, a side quest may involve a character who is mentioned in the main story but not fully fleshed out. By completing this side quest, players can gain a better understanding of this character and their motivations, which can add depth to the main story.
- Filling in gaps and breaks in the main quests: Side quests can also be used to fill in gaps or breaks in the main storyline. For example, if there is a period of time between two main quests where the player is left with nothing to do, a side quest can be added to provide some activity during this time. This approach can help to keep the player engaged and invested in the main story.
Overall, integrating side quests into The Witcher 3 can help to create a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience. By balancing the main and side quests, players can have a more well-rounded experience that includes both the main story and the exploration of the game world.
Tips for tackling side quests and main quests in The Witcher 3
General tips
- Managing time and resources: The Witcher 3 is a vast game with numerous quests, characters, and activities. It’s crucial to manage your time and resources effectively to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Plan your routes, prioritize tasks, and avoid overcommitting to tasks that may not contribute to your primary objectives.
- Balancing exploration and story progression: The Witcher 3 offers a vast open-world to explore, with numerous hidden treasures, points of interest, and secrets. While it’s tempting to get lost in exploration, it’s important to balance it with story progression. Completing main quests will provide you with important narrative elements, character development, and gameplay mechanics, while side quests can be tackled at your leisure.
- Making informed decisions: Throughout your journey in The Witcher 3, you’ll encounter numerous choices and decisions that will impact the story and its outcome. Take the time to consider the consequences of your actions, and make informed decisions based on your personal preferences and playstyle. Keep in mind that your choices will have a lasting impact on the game’s narrative and characters.
Specific tips for side quests
Identifying which side quests to prioritize
When deciding which side quests to tackle first, it’s important to consider the impact they may have on the main storyline. Some side quests provide valuable information or help unlock new areas, while others may have a direct impact on the plot. It’s a good idea to prioritize side quests that offer unique rewards or provide additional insight into the game’s lore.
Maximizing rewards and benefits from side quests
Completing side quests can provide a variety of rewards, including experience points, new weapons, and valuable items. It’s important to take the time to explore each quest and complete it to the best of your ability. Some side quests may also unlock new merchants or crafting materials, so it’s worth considering the long-term benefits of each quest before moving on.
Dealing with quest-related bugs and glitches
Like any game, The Witcher 3 is not immune to bugs and glitches. When encountering issues with a side quest, it’s important to take a step back and try to find a solution. This may involve restarting the game, loading an earlier save, or seeking help from the game’s community forums. In some cases, it may be necessary to complete a quest at a later time, so it’s important to be patient and persistent in finding a solution.
Specific tips for main quests
- Staying focused on the main storyline: It is essential to prioritize the main storyline in The Witcher 3, as it is the driving force behind the game’s narrative. To stay focused, it is recommended to follow the suggested order of main quests, which are chronologically arranged. However, it is also crucial to take breaks from the main story to complete side quests, as they offer valuable experience points and character development opportunities.
- Choosing the right path and making crucial decisions: Throughout the game, players will encounter multiple paths and choices that will significantly impact the story’s outcome. To ensure the best possible outcome, it is crucial to consider the consequences of each decision carefully. It is advisable to read the descriptions of each choice and seek guidance from the community before making a decision.
- Overcoming challenges and boss fights: The Witcher 3 features numerous challenging boss fights and mini-bosses that require strategic planning and preparation. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to level up, upgrade equipment, and utilize Geralt’s abilities effectively. Additionally, players should consider using potions and oils to enhance their combat abilities and gain an advantage over their opponents.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between side quests and main quests in The Witcher 3?
Side quests are optional quests that offer additional storylines, characters, and rewards. Main quests, on the other hand, are the primary storyline of the game that progresses the overall plot.
2. Should I do side quests before main quests in The Witcher 3?
It depends on your playstyle and preferences. If you prefer to explore the world and get to know the characters and lore before diving into the main story, then side quests can be a great way to do that. However, if you want to focus on the main story and progress through it as quickly as possible, then it’s best to complete the main quests first.
3. How does doing side quests before main quests affect the game’s story?
Doing side quests before main quests can affect the game’s story in a few ways. For example, some side quests may provide important information or background that can enhance your understanding of the main story. On the other hand, completing certain main quests may unlock new side quests or areas of the game. Ultimately, the order in which you complete quests is up to you, but it’s important to keep in mind that some quests may have dependencies on others.
4. What are the benefits of doing side quests in The Witcher 3?
There are many benefits to doing side quests in The Witcher 3. For one, they offer a chance to explore the game’s world and get to know its characters and lore. They also provide an opportunity to earn experience points, gold, and other rewards that can help you level up and purchase new equipment. Additionally, some side quests may offer unique items or achievements that can add to your overall progress in the game.
5. What are the risks of doing side quests before main quests in The Witcher 3?
One risk of doing side quests before main quests is that you may miss important information or context that is necessary for understanding the main story. Additionally, some side quests may have dependencies on main quests, so completing them out of order can lead to confusion or dead ends. Finally, doing too many side quests can distract from the main story and slow down your progress. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and your playstyle.