Pros
- Unmatched narrative and side quest writing
- Blood and Wine and Hearts of Stone are elite expansions
- Next-gen update improves visuals and QoL
- Huge map packed with memorable characters
Cons
- Combat can feel dated vs modern action RPGs
- Inventory and crafting menus remain clunky
- Early game pacing is slower for new players
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains the gold standard for open-world RPGs — Geralt's final hunt, rich politics, and side quests that outshine many main campaigns. This Witcher 3 review updates July 2026 for the next-gen patch and comparison to Baldur's Gate 3 and Elden Ring.
What Is The Witcher 3?
An open-world action RPG based on Andrzej Sapkowski's books. You play Geralt of Rivia tracking Ciri across war-torn kingdoms, taking contracts, brewing potions, and navigating moral choices with lasting consequences.
Official screenshot — CD Projekt RED (Steam)
Story, Quests, and Characters
Main story balances monster hunting with family drama. Side content like Bloody Baron and Hearts of Stone ranks among gaming's best writing. Dialogue and localization sell every tavern conversation.
World and exploration — CD Projekt RED (Steam)
World, Combat, and Next-Gen Update
Velen, Novigrad, and Skellige feel distinct. Combat mixes light/heavy attacks, signs, and preparation — functional if not as fluid as God of War. Next-gen update adds ray tracing options, faster loading, and quality-of-life tweaks.
Expansions and Longevity
Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are essential — buy the Complete Edition. New Game Plus and mods extend replay value years later.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Peak RPG writing | Dated combat |
| Best-in-class DLC | Clunky UI |
| Massive value | Slow start |
| Next-gen polish | Occasional bugs |
Systems and performance — CD Projekt RED (Steam)
FAQ
Still worth playing in 2026?
Yes — one of the best RPGs ever made.
Need the expansions?
Absolutely — Complete Edition only.
Hard for beginners?
Story difficulty exists — combat is learnable.
Verdict
The Witcher 3 is still the best open-world RPG experience in 2026 — unmatched writing, world, and expansion value. If you skipped it, start the Complete Edition today.
Score: 9.6/10 — Best Open-World RPG Ever
