The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, released by CD Projekt Red on May 19, 2015, is an open-world role-playing game adapted from Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels. It follows Geralt of Rivia, a professionally trained monster hunter, during a personal search for his daughter. Geralt is looking for Ciri, also called Cirilla Fiona Elen Riannon, his adopted daughter and heir to Cintra. The Wild Hunt, spectral riders from another world, pursues her because of her Elder Blood and its unusual power. The opening places Geralt and his former lover Yennefer of Vengerberg in war-torn Velen, after they receive a letter directing him toward Ciri. He later searches Novigrad, a wealthy city where witch hunters persecute mages and nonhumans, and Skellige, an island kingdom ruled by competing clans. Its central conflict is shaped by the Northern Wars, particularly the Nilfgaardian invasion of the Northern Realms. Geralt's investigations connect local tragedies, political violence, and supernatural threats: he can pursue the Bloody Baron's missing family, resolve the haunting at Crookback Bog, and decide the fate of Novigrad's persecuted sorcerers. Combat combines swordplay, alchemical preparations, crossbow bolts, bombs, and five magical Signs: Aard, Igni, Yrden, Quen, and Axii. Geralt can track clues with Witcher senses, brew potions from gathered ingredients, and negotiate contracts whose outcomes depend on evidence rather than simple good-versus-evil choices. The game's quests frequently make consequences visible hours later. The Bloody Baron storyline, for example, changes according to Geralt's decisions concerning the spirit beneath the Whispering Hillock and the children of Crookback Bog. Romance choices involving Yennefer and Triss Merigold can also alter Geralt's personal ending. CD Projekt Red released two major expansions. Hearts of Stone, launched in October 2015, centers on the immortal adventurer Olgierd von Everec and a bargain with the mysterious Gaunter O'Dimm. Blood and Wine, released in May 2016, moves Geralt to Toussaint, a colorful duchy threatened by a series of murders. Blood and Wine was designed as Geralt's final major adventure and adds a separate region, new quests, mutations, and a vineyard that can become his home. The base game and expansions received widespread critical acclaim, won numerous awards, and helped establish CD Projekt Red as one of the leading studios in story-driven role-playing games. Its card game Gwent became so popular that CD Projekt Red later released standalone versions. The adventure also features music by Marcin Przybylowicz and performances led by Doug Cockle as Geralt of Rivia.