
Cheats & Secrets
Cheats & Secrets for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Introduction
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt does not have traditional built-in cheat codes like older games. However, PC players can access a powerful developer console, while all platforms feature numerous Easter eggs, hidden secrets, and developer-intended content. This guide covers everything from console commands to secret quests and obscure references.
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PC Developer Console
Enabling the Console
On PC (Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store), you must manually enable the console:
1. Navigate to your game installation folder (usually `The Witcher 3\bin\config\base`).
2. Open the file general.ini with a text editor.
3. Add this line under the `[General]` section:
```
DBGConsoleOn=true
```
4. Save the file. If the `[General]` section doesn't exist, create it.
5. Launch the game. Press the tilde (`~`) key (or `F2` on some keyboard layouts) to open the console.
Alternatively, for the GOG version, you can use a command line argument: `-debugconsole`.
Important Notes
- Using console commands may disable achievements if you have mods that alter gameplay. Vanilla commands generally do not affect achievements, but be cautious.
- The console is not case-sensitive for most commands.
- Commands that spawn items or teleport might cause instability; save before using.
Essential Console Commands
| Command | Effect | Example |
|---|---|---|
| `addmoney(X)` | Adds X crowns (gold). | `addmoney(999999)` |
| `addskillpoints(X)` | Adds X ability points. | `addskillpoints(100)` |
| `levelup` | Levels up Geralt once. | `levelup` |
| `spawn('item_id', X)` | Spawns X copies of an item. | `spawn('gwint_card_monster_nekkrer', 1)` (Nekker Warrior Gwent card) |
| `spawn('npc_id')` | Spawns a character e.g., `spawn('wolf3')` for a wolf. | Not recommended for NPCs; may crash. |
| `cleardevelop` | Removes all Perks, Skills, and mutations; resets ability points. | `cleardevelop` (use with caution) |
| `discoverall` | Reveals all points of interest on the world map (including ? markers). | `discoverall` |
| `showmapall` | Reveals the full map (all regions). | `showmapall` |
| `additem('item_id')` | Adds one item to inventory. | `additem('sq202_letter_mh')` (letter item) |
| `removeitem('item_id')` | Removes an item from inventory. | `removeitem('gwint_card_001')` |
| `setlevel(X)` | Sets Geralt's level to X (useful for scaling). | `setlevel(100)` |
| `god` | Toggles god mode (invulnerable, infinite stamina). | `god` |
| `wtf` | Toggles infinite weight capacity. | `wtf` |
| `killall` | Kills all enemies in the current area. | `killall` (may break quests) |
| `teleport(X,Y,Z)` | Teleports to specific coordinates (rarely used; use `teleport` with location names instead). | `teleport(100,200,300)` |
| `teleport('location_name')` | Teleports to a named location (e.g., `'novigrad'`, `'skellige'`). | `teleport('kaer_morhen_courtyard')` |
| `enablecheats(1)` | Enables cheat mode (deprecated in newer versions; use `god` instead). | `enablecheats(1)` |
| `whoscalling` | Shows the current quest stage info (debug). | `whoscalling` |
| `showall` | Shows all map markers and quest objectives. | `showall` |
| `ciri` | Temporarily changes player character to Ciri (may be buggy). | `ciri` |
Item ID Resources
Full item ID lists can be found on the Witcher 3 wiki. Common examples:
- `gwint_card_xxx` for Gwent cards (e.g., `gwint_card_monster_nekker`).
- `mh101_witcher_sword` for the Viper school silver sword.
- `sq202_trophy_head` for quest items.
- For certain pre-order bonuses, a unique code could be redeemed on the CDPR website to unlock items like the Temerian armor set. These are now mostly expired or included in the Game of the Year edition.
- Temerian Armor Set – code for the full set (now usually part of the base game via quest).
- Nilfgaardian Armor Set – similar.
- No console unlock codes exist.
- Alternate Movement Style (Next-Gen Update): In Settings > Gameplay > Movement Response, switch to "Alternative" for more responsive controls (especially for Roach).
- Alternative Camera Settings: Next-Gen added an option for a closer over-the-shoulder camera during combat.
- Photo Mode (Next-Gen): Press both thumbsticks (L3+R3) on console, or `U` on PC, to open a full photo mode with filters and depth of field.
- Quick Sign Casting (Next-Gen): In Settings > Gameplay, enable "Quick Sign Casting" to allow casting signs without opening the radial menu (hold RB/L1 + face button).
- "The Matrix": In White Orchard, near the bridge, you can find a beehive hanging from a tree. Shoot it down with a crossbow, and a bee will fall out. Later, you can find a dead bee surrounded by bears – a nod to "The Matrix" (the bee is a secret reference to the "Bee Movie" meme? Actually, it's a reference to a Reddit post. More accurately, the bee Easter egg is from the "Witcher 3" subreddit: writers added a beehive that drops a bee if shot with a crossbow – a reference to an old internet meme.)
- "Shrek": In Velen, near the "Inn at the Crossroads," there is a quest called "The Lord of the Mire" – a reference to the character from "Shrek 2" (Lord Farquaad). The quest is not directly an Easter egg, but the swamp area has a donkey that looks similar to Donkey from Shrek?
- "Half-Life": In the Novigrad sewers, you can find a skeleton holding a crowbar, wearing glasses, and surrounded by headcrab-like creatures – a clear homage to Gordon Freeman.
- "Game of Thrones": There is a character named "Elsa" (a reference to Frozen) but also a dead man named "King of the Wild Hunt"? Actually, the Wild Hunt itself is from Slavic mythology, but several NPCs reference GoT: for instance, a man named "Geralt" in a brothel? Not sure.
- "Pulp Fiction": In a basement in Novigrad, you can find two dead bodies in a pose similar to the "Pulp Fiction" dance scene (Vincent and Mia).
- "Monty Python": In Skellige, you can find a quest involving a rabbit ("The Truth Is in the Stars") which references the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog.
- "Cyberpunk 2077" Connection: After installing the Blood and Wine DLC, inside the painting world of "Beyond Hill and Dale," you can find a character named "Rita Wheeler"? Actually, there's a hidden room in Toussaint that contains a model of the Cyberpunk 2077 city.
- "The Legend of Zelda": A reference to the "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this." – you can find a rusty sword in a stone in White Orchard.
- "Mona Lisa": In the house of the Pellar in Velen, a painting of him and his goat resembles the Mona Lisa.
- "The Vanishing Trader": In Novigrad, you can start a quest by finding a note near the Temple of Eternal Fire. It's a reference to the vanishing traders in other RPGs.
- "The Path of the Warriors": In Skellige, there is a hidden questline related to the four distinct warrior paths.
- "The Golem's Fate": In the basement of the University in Oxenfurt, a hidden golem can be freed, starting a mini-quest.
- "The Cursed Bean": A hidden quest involving a bean trader in White Orchard.
- Unique Gwent Cards: Some Gwent cards are only obtainable through specific quests or hidden vendors. For example, the "Zoltan: Brave" card is obtained after completing the "Following the Thread" quest.
- Secret Tournament: In Blood and Wine DLC, there is a hidden Gwent tournament at the Beauclair Palace.
- Ciri's Fate: Depending on your choices, Ciri can become a witcher, the Empress, or die. To get the "Witcher Ciri" ending, you must take her to the emperor, but also choose certain dialogue options during the game. It's not a cheat, but a hidden condition.
- Yennefer's Alternative Look: If you have the alternative outfit DLC, you can enable it in the main menu.
- Infinite Weight: Using the console command `wtf` is the only safe way. In early versions, you could stack saddlebags indefinitely, but that was patched.
- Multiple Equipped Items: A glitch allowed equipping more than one sword in the same slot, but was fixed.
- Gwent Card Duplication: An exploit using the blacksmith to duplicate cards, now patched. Use console commands for PC instead.
- Always explore points of interest – many hidden quests and loot are found at unmarked locations.
- Use Witcher Senses to find interactive objects, hidden compartments, and loot.
- Read books and notes – they often contain hints to hidden treasures.
- Visit every NPC – some have unique dialogue that triggers hidden quests.
- New Game+ – carry over your gear and skills for a second playthrough; some hidden items scale to your level.
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Console-Exclusive Cheats (No Longer Available)
Older versions (pre-4.0) on Xbox One/PS4 had no cheat codes. The Next-Gen update removed all debug options on consoles. No modern console version has official cheat codes.
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Unlock Codes & Hidden Features
Official DLC Unlock Codes (PC/CDPR Website)
Hidden Gameplay Features
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Easter Eggs & Developer-Intended Hidden Content
Classic Pop Culture References
Developer Room (Developer's World)
There is a hidden area called "Developer's World" or "The World of the Devs." To access it on PC, you must use the console command `open 'prolog_lobby'` or similar. This area contains developer props, test items, and NPCs. It is not accessible without commands. On consoles, this is impossible.
Secret Quests & Encounters
Hidden Gwent Cards
Secret Endings & Alternate Scenes
Exploits (Developer-Intended? Some patched)
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General Advice for Secrets
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Conclusion
The Witcher 3 is rich with secrets, but official cheats are limited to the PC console. Use the commands responsibly, and enjoy the countless hidden gems scattered across the Continent. Happy hunting!