Getting Started
Getting Started Guide for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Welcome to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, an epic open-world action RPG. This guide is tailored for brand-new players. It covers your first hour, core mechanics, early objectives, and common traps to avoid. No prior Witcher game knowledge is required.
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First Hour Walkthrough
The game begins with a flashback dream sequence in Kaer Morhen – you control a younger Geralt training with Vesemir. Follow the on-screen prompts:
1. Movement & Camera: Use WASD (PC) or left stick (console) to move. Right stick or mouse to look around.
2. Combat Tutorial: Vesemir teaches you basic swordplay. Swing (left mouse / R1 / RB), dodge (space / circle / B), and parry (Q / L2 / LT).
3. Witcher Senses: Hold right mouse button / L2 / LT to highlight interactive objects and tracks.
4. Signs (Magic): Cast Igni (fire) with E / Triangle / Y by default during combat.
5. After the dream, you wake up in the present (White Orchard). From here, the real adventure starts.
Progression: The opening hour is heavily scripted. Follow the main quest "The Beast of White Orchard" and "Incident at White Orchard Inn." Don't rush – explore the small map to gather herbs, loot, and learn mechanics.
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Character Creation
There is no character creation in The Witcher 3. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a predefined character with his own history, appearance, and voice. However, you can:
- Allocate ability points as you level up (accessed via the Character panel).
- Equip weapons and armor to change stats and appearance.
- Apply hair and beard styles later via barbers.
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Controls on All Platforms
#### PC (Keyboard & Mouse)
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Move | W / A / S / D |
| Sprint / Roll | Shift (hold) + movement |
| Jump / Vault | Spacebar |
| Dodge | Alt |
| Cast Sign (quick) | E |
| Sword attack (fast) | Left mouse button |
| Sword attack (strong) | Shift + left mouse |
| Block / Parry | Q |
| Witcher Senses | Right mouse button (hold) |
| Use item (potion/bomb) | Z / X / C (by slot) |
| Open inventory | I |
| Map | M |
| Journal / Quest log | J |
| Meditation | Hold T |
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| Move | Left stick |
| Look | Right stick |
| Sprint | L3 (click left stick) |
| Jump | X / A |
| Dodge | Circle / B |
| Fast attack | R1 / RB |
| Strong attack | R2 / RT (hold for light then press) – actually R2 for heavy? Confirm: default is R1 for fast, R2 for strong. Yes: R1 fast, R2 strong. |
| Block / Parry | L2 / LT |
| Cast Sign | R1 / RB? No, that's attack. Signs: Triangle / Y to cast current sign. To select sign: hold L2 and press R1/R2? Actually: quick cast (without holding L2) press Triangle/Y. To aim bomb/crossbow: hold L2 + R1. |
| Witcher Senses | L2 / LT (hold) |
| Menu | Touchpad / Options |
| Map / Journal | Options button then toggle? |
#### Xbox One / Series X|S
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| Move | Left stick |
| Look | Right stick |
| Sprint | LS (left stick click) |
| Jump | A |
| Dodge | B |
| Fast attack | RB |
| Strong attack | RT |
| Block / Parry | LB |
| Cast Sign | Y |
| Witcher Senses | LB (hold) |
| Menu | Menu button (three lines) |
| Map | View button (two squares) |
| Action | Button |
|---|---|
| Move | Left stick |
| Look | Right stick |
| Sprint | L3 |
| Jump | B |
| Dodge | A |
| Fast attack | Y |
| Strong attack | X |
| Block / Parry | L |
| Cast Sign | R |
| Witcher Senses | L (hold) |
| Menu | '+' button |
| Map | '-' button |
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UI Overview
When you press the menu button, you see multiple tabs:
- Character: Equip weapons, armor, manage Ability Points (acquired per level or from Places of Power).
- Inventory: Items, crafting materials, food, potions. Keep an eye on weight limit (always visible).
- Journal: Quests, bestiary, glossary, characters.
- Alchemy: Potions, oils, bombs, decoctions – all crafted once and then replenished via meditation using strong alcohol.
- Signs: Upgrade your magical abilities.
- Map: Massive world with question marks (points of interest). Zoom to see quest markers.
- Meditation: Pass time, heal (if consume food/potion in combat?), replenish potions using alcohol.
- Top left: Health/Stamina/Adrenaline bars (red/green/yellow).
- Top right: Minimap with quest marker, enemy dots, other icons.
- Bottom left: Quick slot (potion/bomb), sign currently selected.
- Bottom center: Current quest objective text.
- Right edge: Enemy health bar when in combat.
- Follow the main quest until you reach the Inn (fast travel point) and get basic gear.
- Loot everything (except guarded treasures with high-level enemies). Sell swords and armor to blacksmiths, sell junk to merchants.
- Talk to everyone – many side quests start with yellow exclamation marks.
- Use Witcher Senses constantly – it reveals hidden loot, clues, and interactable objects.
- Buy saddlebags from the merchant near the inn to increase carry weight.
- Craft Swallow (healing potion) as soon as possible.
- Save often – the game only autosaves at certain points.
- Fighting enemies above your level (skulls next to name). You can still win but it's very risky.
- Selling alchemy ingredients – you need them for potions and oils.
- Ignoring side quests in White Orchard – many give unique rewards and dialogue that affect later choices.
- Using your best weapons against low-level drowner – repair costs add up. Use steel sword for humans/animals, silver sword for monsters.
- Rushing the main story – The Witcher 3 rewards exploration.
- Meditating without alcohol – potions and bombs only replenish after meditation if you have a strong alcohol (e.g., Dwarven Spirit) or any alcohol? Actually, any alcohol with "hard" label works. Check your inventory.
- Getting over-encumbered – you cannot sprint or fast travel when above 80% weight (approx). Keep an eye on it.
HUD elements:
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Essential Early Objectives
1. Complete "The Beast of White Orchard" – This is the main quest for the first region. It introduces combat, investigation, and goes to a Griffin fight (get the witcher silver sword from the blacksmith).
2. Discover all six Places of Power in White Orchard (each gives a free Ability Point and a temporary sign boost).
3. Visit the nilfgaardian garrison southwest – you can loot all items in the camp (treason? No, it's fine).
4. Find the herbalist – buy herbs to craft Swallow (the basic healing potion).
5. Clear abandoned sites – You get experience and loot.
6. Upgrade your gear – A journey to Vizima (the next main quest) is mandatory. Before leaving White Orchard, complete all side quests and ? marks — they disappear after the region change.
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What to Do First vs. What to Avoid
#### Do First
#### Avoid
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Early Resource Priorities
| Resource | Why It's Important | How to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Herbs (Arenaria, Balisse, Dwarven Root) | Crafting Swallow, Thunderbolt, and other potions | Harvest glowing flowers in fields, buy from herbalist |
| Alchemy Ingredients (monster parts, crystals) | Oils and bombs | Loot corpses, buy from merchants |
| Food | Heals you outside combat (pressing use-item key) | Loot barrels, buy |
| Crowns (gold) | Buy gear, repairs, saddlebags | Sell weapons/armor, complete quests |
| Dimeritium Ore / Silver | Witcher gear upgrades later | Loot guarded treasures, dismantle jewelry |
| Alcohol (Strong) | Replenish potions after meditation | Buy Dwarven Spirit from innkeepers, loot boxes |
| Repair kits | Keep weapons and armor in good condition | Craft (requires carpenter) or buy from merchants |
| Crafting components (leather, cloth, wood) | Craft new gear, repair | Loot in villages and ruins |
1. Secure Swallow (healing).
2. Buy saddlebags (carry weight).
3. Collect all ingredients for a basic oil (e.g., Necrophage Oil) – helps against drowners.
4. Unlock at least one combat or sign ability (e.g., Muscle Memory for faster attacks).
5. Find a silver sword (before the Griffin fight). You can find one at the well quest or buy from smith.
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Common Beginner Mistakes
1. Not using the Bestiary – Each monster has weaknesses (e.g., Necrophages fear fire). Open Bestiary from Journal and check tips before combat.
2. Ignoring Potions and Oils – You can use them quickly from the quick slot. Oils last until you meditate or reload.
3. Selling rare items – Decorated items like jeweled swords might be unique quest items. Check before selling.
4. Not using Quen sign – Quen (shield) absorbs damage; cast it before fights for safety.
5. Over-relying on strong attack – Fast attacks are faster and safer, especially against fast enemies.
6. Forgetting to repair gear – A broken sword does 50% damage. Always carry repair kits.
7. Stealing from guards – In cities, stealing from chests/barrels near guards incurs a bounty. Kill them or pay.
8. Not exploring question marks – Many contain powerful gear, ability points, or recipes.
9. Choosing dialogue options carelessly – Some choices lock you out of quests; you can check "What would make Geralt say?" – but save before important conversations.
10. Not meditating to replenish – After a fight, plop down for an hour to refill your potions (if you have alcohol).
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Day-One Checklist
- [ ] Complete tutorial dream and reach White Orchard.
- [ ] Activate the fast travel signpost near the Inn.
- [ ] Listen to the herbalist's advice (she gives a recipe for Swallow).
- [ ] Complete "The Beast of White Orchard" main quest up to the Griffin fight (optional stop before boss to prepare).
- [ ] Visit all six Places of Power (marked by ? with purple icon) – each gives a free Ability Point.
- [ ] Buy saddlebags from the merchant near the Inn (increase carry weight by 30+).
- [ ] Craft Swallow (healing potion) and Necrophage Oil.
- [ ] Clear all ? marks in White Orchard (except high-level guarded treasures).
- [ ] Complete all side quests (yellow !) – especially "Contract: Missing Miners" and "The Chironex."
- [ ] Loot every crate, barrel, and corpse you can.
- [ ] Sell unnecessary swords and armor to the blacksmith (Veglatt? – the nilfgaardian blacksmith gives best prices).
- [ ] Save your game before the Griffin fight.
- [ ] Use your first Ability Point to unlock a skill (e.g., Strong Back or a sign upgrade).
- [ ] Enjoy the story and explore!
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Pro tip: Once you leave White Orchard (after the Griffin contract), you cannot return until much later. Make sure you are satisfied with your progress before talking to the nilfgaardian general at the Inn.
Happy hunting, witcher!