CD Projekt RED isn’t afraid to make The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt difficult

Some like it hot, and some sweat when the heat is on

If you’re planning on purchasing The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt you’re in for a tough journey. When developing the game, CD Projekt RED wanted to break the mold that action-RPGs have created lately with being too friendly, even on their hardest difficulty. Those used to Skyrim and the like might have a hard time adjusting if they’ve never played an entry of The Witcher series before.

Combat is fast-paced, especially for an RPG, so you’ll have to be on your toes even if you’re facing lower-level enemies. The series has a history of throwing you in the mix and letting you learn through trial and error. There’s no level scaling so if you wonder into the wrong place, don’t expect to come out.

When I played The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for the first time, about ten minutes in I kept dying during the part where you have to wind the ballista. I eventually figured out that I had to fight tactically, and attempt to pick enemies off one at a time instead of rushing in headlong as I was used to doing in similar games. That kind of tactical thinking is a hallmark of combat in the series and will continue into the third entry.

The journey promises to be difficult regardless of setting, with the lowest setting compared to the highest setting in Skyrim, and the hardest being around the toughest Dark Souls has to offer. Permadeath is also an option for the most masochistic among us, called “Dark Difficulty.” If you die here, that’s it. Your save is deleted and you’ll have to start all over, whether you’re 10 minutes into the game or 10 hours. 

I’m pumped for the return of Geralt on May 19, and knowing that I’m not gonna be able to waltz through it only heightens the anticipation.

Dark difficulty and permadeath: how hard is The Witcher 3? [VG247]