Some like it hot, and some sweat when the heat is on
If you’re planning on purchasingThe Witcher 3: Wild Huntyou’re in for a tough journey. When developing the game, CD Projekt RED wanted to break the mold that action-RPGs have created lately with being too friendly, even on their hardest difficulty. Those used toSkyrimand the like might have a hard time adjusting if they’ve never played an entry ofThe Witcherseries before.
Combat is fast-paced, especially for an RPG, so you’ll have to be on your toes even if you’re facing lower-level enemies. The series has a history of throwing you in the mix and letting you learn through trial and error. There’s no level scaling so if you wonder into the wrong place, don’t expect to come out.
When I playedThe Witcher 2: Assassins of Kingsfor the first time, about ten minutes in I kept dying during the part where you have to wind the ballista. I eventually figured out that I had to fight tactically, and attempt to pick enemies off one at a time instead of rushing in headlong as I was used to doing in similar games. That kind of tactical thinking is a hallmark of combat in the series and will continue into the third entry.
The journey promises to be difficult regardless of setting, with the lowest setting compared to the highest setting inSkyrim, and the hardest being around the toughestDark Soulshas to offer. Permadeath is also an option for the most masochistic among us, called “Dark Difficulty.” If you die here, that’s it. Your save is deleted and you’ll have to start all over, whether you’re 10 minutes into the game or 10 hours.
I’m pumped for the return of Geralt on May 19, and knowing that I’m not gonna be able to waltz through it only heightens the anticipation.
Dark difficulty and permadeath: how hard is The Witcher 3?[VG247]
