15 Reasons Why New Game+ in The Witcher 3 is Better Than the First Playthrough

15 Reasons Why a Second Run of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on New Game+ is Even More Fun Than the First

Article updated on August 20th, 2023 by Jacob Buchalter

The Witcher series, especially the third installment, AKA Wild Hunt, is always worth diving into, no matter when it was released. Even years later, The Witcher 3 remains one of the best examples of an open-world game. So it’s no surprise that players often find themselves circling back to Geralt’s epic adventure, engaging in multiple playthroughs of this massive game. Now, let’s take a look at why embarking on a second run in New Game+ is well worth the time and effort.

15 Messing Around With All Sorts Of Mods

When playing a game for the first or even second time, most players tend to avoid using mods. Mods are usually reserved for when they’ve experienced most of the main content and want to try something new. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt offers a plethora of fantastic mods, ranging from visual enhancements to new skills and gameplay mechanics. New Game+ provides the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of mods and add a fresh twist to the game.

14 Bringing All Of Geralt’s Many Tools Into A Whole New Run

In his first steps through The Witcher 3, Geralt starts off with little more than his swords. But as the game progresses, he gathers formulae and recipes to craft powerful tools such as bombs, potions, and decoctions. The ability to combine these tools and create unique playstyles sets players apart. In New Game+, Geralt retains all the tools acquired in the previous playthrough, allowing players to utilize their arsenal from the very beginning. This completely changes how players approach the early game and adds a fresh feel to New Game+.

13 Easily Cleaning Up Some Leftover Achievements

Unlocking all the achievements in The Witcher 3 can be a daunting task. Some achievements require significant time and effort to obtain, often depending on specific skills or upgrades. In New Game+, many of these challenging achievements become easier to obtain due to the player’s enhanced abilities. What was once almost impossible becomes a satisfying challenge that can be conquered with style.

12 Skipping That Period Of Dorky-Looking Armor Sets

Early in Geralt’s journey, fashionable armor options are limited. The initial armor choices may look more suitable for a fancy party than monster slaying. However, in New Game+, players can carry over their entire armor collection from their previous playthrough. While these armors may become obsolete later on, it’s a relief not to have to fight monsters while dressed in ruffled cloth and frills.

11 Riding A Fully-Geared Roach From The Start

The benefits of New Game+ extend beyond Geralt himself. Roach, Geralt’s trusty steed, also gets an upgrade. All the horse equipment collected during previous adventures, such as saddles and saddlebags, accompany Roach into New Game+. This means Roach can run longer, becomes less easily scared, and carries more of Geralt’s precious items. Exploring the vast world of The Witcher 3 becomes even more enjoyable when players can take their fully-geared companion for a ride right from the start.

10 Exploring All The Alternate Decisions & The Paths They Lead To

An Example of a Decision in The Witcher 3

The Witcher 3 excels in offering players meaningful choices and branching paths, even in smaller side quests. Each quest presents opportunities to make decisions with real consequences and rewards. Unlike other games where choices merely give the illusion of impact, The Witcher 3 provides genuinely diverse outcomes. In a single playthrough, it’s impossible to see all the alternate paths resulting from these decisions. New Game+ allows players to explore the roads less traveled, embracing different choices and unraveling new storylines.

9 Trying A Completely Unique Build

Geralt’s builds in The Witcher 3 offer more variability than meets the eye. As players master the combat, SGameTopics, Skill system, and Alchemy system, they discover numerous ways to customize Geralt’s abilities. Decoctions, Combat Skills, and their combinations significantly impact combat encounters. New Game+ enables players to experiment with entirely new builds right from the tutorial, adding layers of complexity as more systems unlock. Embrace the chance to create a unique Geralt and explore the effectiveness of different playstyles.

8 Going With A Whole New Gwent Deck

Gwent, the beloved card game within The Witcher 3, offers endless fun. While initially introduced as a small mini-game, players quickly become captivated by its addictive mechanics. Building a powerful Gwent deck requires collecting cards from various quests throughout the game world. In the first playthrough, many players stick to a single deck type. However, New Game+ presents an opportunity to try out alternate decks, such as a Monster Deck or Nilfgaardian Deck, creating a fresh experience for Gwent enthusiasts.

7 Being Able To Adapt Geralt’s Build On-The-Fly

Surprisingly, one element that carries over to New Game+ is Geralt’s Skill Points. All the unlocked and equipped Skills from the previous playthrough accompany Geralt on his new journey. While players receive a Potion of Clearance to reset their build, it becomes easier to switch equipped Skills on-the-fly as Geralt progresses through the game. With an abundance of excess Skill Points, players can adjust their build based on the current situation, fostering a min-maxing playstyle that adds depth to every combat encounter.

6 Exploring Both Maps In Their Entirety

The Witcher 3 boasts expansive maps with a density of captivating content. Each step Geralt takes unravels new enemy encampments, random encounters, and hidden secrets. Fast Travel may seem tempting, but it’s recommended to wander the rich landscapes, as surprises await at every corner. New Game+ grants the opportunity to thoroughly explore both maps without feeling overwhelmed. Prior knowledge of NG+ encourages players to savor every detail and complete their map of discoveries.

5 Skipping Right Past White Orchard

White Orchard, the initial tutorial area, eases players into the mechanics of The Witcher 3. It offers easy side quests, Places of Power for Skill Points, and unique locations to explore. However, in New Game+, players can bypass White Orchard altogether. With all their gear intact and Skill Points carried over from the first playthrough, they no longer need the early quests to get started. While White Orchard may still hold its charms, diving straight into the main story in New Game+ provides a new level of excitement.

4 Experiencing New Romances

Geralt of Rivia, the Butcher of Blaviken, is notorious for his romantic escapades. Players have the joy of choosing who Geralt romances throughout the series, whether it be a serious relationship or a casual fling. The Witcher 3 introduces Triss Merigold and Yennefer as possible love interests. In a second playthrough, players can venture down a different path, exploring new romantic possibilities and experiencing unique character dynamics. Embrace the chance to see how different choices impact Geralt’s love life.

3 Taking The Time To Read & Learn All The In-Game Lore

The Witcher universe is rich with interconnected lore. From bestiary snippets and books found throughout the game world to random NPC conversations and detailed Gwent card descriptions, there’s an abundance of lore waiting to be discovered. New Game+ allows players to fully immerse themselves in the lore, gaining a deeper understanding of the plot and the war between Nilfgaard and Temeria. With the knowledge acquired from the first playthrough, the lore becomes even more engrossing and rewarding.

2 Bringing An Overpowered Aerondight Into NG+

Aerondight, the unparalleled Silver Sword in The Witcher 3, stands out as Geralt’s most potent weapon. It’s the only weapon in the series that continually increases in maximum damage. However, due to how quests scale in power, it’s best to save Aerondight for the late game. Fortunately, in New Game+, Aerondight carries over from the start. Players can unleash the true potential of this extraordinary weapon right from White Orchard, turning Geralt into an unstoppable force that defies the game’s balance.

1 Being Able To Mess Around With Mutagens Right Away

The Mutagens introduced in the Blood and Wine expansion offer a thrilling addition to The Witcher 3. Collecting the smaller Mutagen colors and combining them into powerful Greater Mutagens takes time and effort in the first playthrough. However, in New Game+, Geralt starts with a plethora of these phenomenal Mutagens in his possession. Embrace the opportunity to experiment with overpowered Mutagens right from the start, adding an extra level of excitement and customization to Geralt’s abilities.

Don’t miss out on the incredible adventures and delights of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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