5 reasons to play The Witcher 3 in 2025

Have you ever thought of stepping into the boots of a monster-slaying legend? Whether or not that's your fantasy, there's a strong chance you’ve heard about CD Projekt RED's The Witcher 3. This isn't just any open-world game — it's a storytelling marvel, an immersive journey through the gritty, morally complex Northern Realms.

But why is this nearly decade-old TGA 2016 Best RPG winner still worth diving into? Here are five reasons to revisit The Witcher 3 in 2025.

Note: The article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's views.

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Why you should play The Witcher 3 in 2025

1) The storytelling is timeless

Geralt of Rivia (Image via CD Projekt RED)

The Witcher 3 has an amazing story. You play as Geralt of Rivia, the stoic monster slayer, on a quest to find his adopted daughter, Ciri. It's a tale that tries to balance love, loss, loyalty, and existential dread in every dialogue and decision detour. Characters like Vesemir, Yennefer, Triss, and even NPCs in side quests have depth that gives every interaction significance.

Even if you have not played the first two games, The Witcher 3 stands as a storytelling masterpiece. Your choices change the lives of your friends and even affect the ending. Not many games make you feel like your choices carry a lot of weight.

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2) Combat that challenges and rewards

This action RPG works with REDengine 3 (Image via CD Projekt RED)

Combat in The Witcher 3 is deceptively simple. You’ve got your basic attacks, but the deeper you go, the more it becomes a dance of dodges, parries, and well-timed counters. It’s satisfying, especially when you kick things up to higher difficulties like Blood and Bones.

If you’re not familiar with the world of Witchers, the bestiary is your friend — every monster, from the vampire Ekimmara to ghouls and wraiths, comes with a description of how to fight it.

You’ve got two swords (steel for humans, silver for monsters) and five spells (signs) — Aard, Yrden, Igni, Quen, Axii, and alchemy tools like potions, bombs, and blade oils. And let’s not forget those flashy finishers — few things are as satisfying as decapitating a foe mid-spin.

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3) Endless exploration and side content

A still from the action RPG (Image via CD Projekt RED)

With its sprawling open world, The Witcher 3 offers near-endless exploration. There are notice boards filled with contracts, hidden caves, abandoned ruins, and secluded villages, each with its own story. Side quests aren’t just filler — they’re mini-narratives with real consequences.

Take the infamous "Bloody Baron" questline, for instance. Here, Geralt must help the Baron locate his missing wife and daughter before he spills any information about Ciri’s whereabouts.

Even after the main quest is done, the world tempts you to keep exploring with its layered lore and secrets.

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4) The DLCs

This action RPG title has sold over 50 million units (Image via CD Projekt RED)

By 2025, if you’re diving into The Witcher 3, you'll find two stellar expansions: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.

Hearts of Stone sees Geralt face off against the mysterious Man of Glass and Olgierd von Everec, an immortal man with a dark past. Blood and Wine takes you to the beautiful region of Toussaint, where a new monster hunt awaits, and the atmosphere is completely different.

Both expansions are rich in story, gameplay, and rewards, making them essential parts of the Witcher 3 experience.

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5) The perfect adventure while waiting for The Witcher 4

Revisiting The Witcher 3 is the perfect way to pass the time while waiting for The Witcher 4. As Ciri takes center stage in The Witcher 4, players will benefit from revisiting her story and preparing for her role.

Additionally, The Witcher 4 promises a fresh narrative with moral dilemmas, just like the third installment, making this replay a great way to get ready for the new game.