The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Hearts of Stone is the first official expansion for CD Projekt Red’s award-winning action RPG. While the base game offers an epic, sprawling journey across a war-torn continent, Hearts of Stone provides a more intimate, character-driven experience that functions as a dark fairy tale, a horror story, and a complex romance all at once. This expansion seamlessly integrates into Geralt of Rivia's existing narrative, offering a much-needed change of pace through a novel story on a smaller, more concentrated scale.

A Gripping Tale of Immortality and Intrigue

In this expansion, the legendary monster slayer Geralt finds himself caught in a web of shifting alliances and supernatural threats. The plot centers around the recruitment of Geralt to defeat a ruthless bandit captain, Olgierd von Everec—a man who possesses the terrifying power of immortality. As you navigate this new chapter, you will encounter a cast of vivid inhabitants, including the return of the enigmatic Shani and the presence of the mysterious Gaunter O’Derm.

The strength of Hearts of Stone lies in its writing and thematic depth. It moves away from the grand scale of the Wild Hunt to focus on introspective, nuanced performances that explore the human side of the White Wolf. Players will find themselves in unexpected situations, ranging from delivering a speech at a wedding to planning a high-stakes heist, all while making choices that shape the outcome of the story.

New Gameplay Mechanics and Combat Challenges

Beyond the narrative, Hearts of Stone introduces significant mechanical upgrades that can fundamentally alter your combat style. The expansion adds several layers of depth to the existing RPG systems:

  • Runewords: These powerful new additions can break or rewrite the standard rules of combat. For example, certain Runewords can make all equipped armor count as heavy, allowing for more flexible build experimentation.
  • The Runewright: A new NPC who allows players to add sockets to their gear for a cost, providing a reliable way to maximize the utility of high-tier equipment.
  • Enhanced Boss Encounters: Prepare for much more sophisticated fights than those found in the base game. New enemies, such as a giant, poison-spewing mutated toad and the tornado-conjuring Ofieri Sand Mage, provide intense challenges for late-game players.

Key Features

  • Expanded Content: Over 10 to 15 hours of entirely new adventures, quests, and storylines.
  • Deep Character Studies: A focused narrative that explores the complex relationships between Geralt, Olgierd, and Gaunter O’Dimm.
  • New Combat Customization: Through Runewords and the Runewright, players can significantly overhaul their combat strategy and gear efficiency.
  • Atmospheric World-Building: A beautifully crafted setting that blends elements of gothic horror with classic folklore.

Who is this game for?

Hearts of Stone is a must-play for fans of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, particularly those looking for a more concentrated, story-heavy experience. While the expansion is ideal for players around level 30, it can be enjoyed at any point in your playthrough. If you enjoy deep RPG mechanics, complex moral choices, and atmospheric storytelling that blends horror with romance, this expansion delivers an unforgettable addition to Geralt's saga.

Platform Availability: PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4