Game · in order
The Witcher Games in Order
The three main Witcher games tell one continuous story, so release order and chronological order are identical: play The Witcher (2007), The Witcher 2 (2011), then The Witcher 3 (2015).
The Witcher Games in Order — complete list
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Why this order?
The Witcher games are unusually simple to order because CD Projekt Red built them as one continuous saga following the same protagonist, Geralt of Rivia. The three main entries were released in story order, so release order and chronological order are the exact same sequence: The Witcher (2007), The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011), and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). There are no prequels, side games, or remakes to slot in between them, which makes this one of the cleanest "play in order" lists in modern gaming.
Why follow this order at all if it is so linear? Because each game carries forward consequences. Choices you make in The Witcher 2 can be imported into The Witcher 3, and the broader narrative assumes you know who characters like Triss, Yennefer, and the kings of the Northern Realms are. Starting with the latest game first means walking into emotional payoffs and political reckonings with no setup. The first game is dated and stiff by modern standards, but it establishes Geralt's amnesia arc and his world; The Witcher 2 sharpens the politics; The Witcher 3 pays everything off.
The one genuine gotcha is The Witcher 3's content. The base game ships with two large story expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, which are best played after the main quest is well underway or finished rather than first. Looking further ahead, a brand-new Witcher game codenamed Polaris is in development, expected to open a fresh saga.
Note that the games are an adaptation, not the origin. The series began with Andrzej Sapkowski's novels and short stories, and the Netflix series is a separate adaptation with its own continuity. You do not need either to enjoy the games, but the books deepen the lore considerably.
Timeline 2007–2015
Every entry plotted by release year — see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Cameos & crossovers
Characters from The Witcher who also show up elsewhere — see the full character atlas →
- Ciri
Cintra's Child of Surprise with world-jumping Elder Blood; central to both Witcher books and games.
Also in The Witcher - Dandelion (Jaskier)
Boastful bard and Geralt's traveling companion; features in both Witcher novels and games.
Also in The Witcher - Geralt of Rivia
The White Wolf, monster-hunting witcher; the same Geralt anchors both Sapkowski's books and CD Projekt's games.
Also in The Witcher - Triss Merigold
Red-haired sorceress and loyal ally; recurring in both Witcher books and games.
Also in The Witcher - Yennefer of Vengerberg
Powerful sorceress and Geralt's great love; shared across the Witcher novels and games.
Also in The Witcher
Frequently asked questions
How many Witcher games are there?
There are three main Witcher games: The Witcher (2007), The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011), and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). The Witcher 3 also has two expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, and a new game codenamed Polaris is in development.
What order should I play The Witcher games in?
Play them in release order, which is also the story order: The Witcher, then The Witcher 2, then The Witcher 3. The three games form one continuous story following Geralt of Rivia.
Is release order the same as chronological order?
Yes. The three games were released in story order, so there is no difference between playing them by release date and playing them in chronological order.
Do I need to play the older games before The Witcher 3?
Not strictly, but it helps. The Witcher 3 assumes you know the characters and world, and choices from The Witcher 2 can be imported. Starting with the first game gives the full emotional and political payoff.
When should I play the Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions?
Play both during or after the main story of The Witcher 3, not first. They are designed for a higher-level Geralt and assume familiarity with the base game's world and characters.
Do I need to read the books or watch the Netflix series first?
No. The games are a separate continuity from Andrzej Sapkowski's novels and the Netflix series. You can enjoy the games on their own, though the books add considerable background lore.
Last updated · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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