Diving into The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt without knowing the events of the first two games can leave players feeling lost amidst complex political rivalries and deeply personal relationships. Before taking on the role of Geralt of Rivia in his search for Ciri, understanding his journey through the Northern Kingdoms is crucial. Recapping the narrative arc of the first two titles helps set the stage for the massive open-world adventure that follows.
The Rebirth and Amnesia of the White Wolf
The saga begins with Geralt suddenly appearing near Kaer Morhen with absolutely no memory of his past or how he survived his apparent death. Shortly after his return, a mysterious organization known as Salamandra attacks the witcher fortress and steals their sacred mutagens. Geralt spends the majority of his time tracking down these criminals across the city of Vizima, eventually discovering a grand conspiracy involving the Grand Master of the Order of the Flaming Rose. By neutralizing this internal threat, he earns the trust of King Foltest of Temeria and saves the monarch from a rogue assassin at the end of the first game.
A Continent Fractured by the Kingslayers
The narrative intensifies dramatically as Geralt finds himself framed for the brutal assassination of King Foltest during a violent siege. To clear his name, the White Wolf teams up with Vernon Roche to track down the real culprit, a massive witcher named Letho of Gulet. This pursuit forces Geralt to choose sides between the Temerian special forces and non-human rebels led by the elven commander Iorveth. Regardless of the chosen path, Geralt uncovers a deeper plot orchestrated by the Nilfgaardian Empire to destabilize the North by removing its rulers.
Unraveling the Lodge and the March of Empire
As the Northern rulers gather at the Loc Muinne summit, the shadowy organization known as the Lodge of Sorceresses attempts to establish its own political stronghold. Geralt successfully thwarts these manipulative schemes while finally confronting Letho to uncover the truth behind the assassinations. Letho reveals that his actions were designed to protect the remaining witchers while heavily weakening the Northern forces. With the local kingdoms thrown into absolute chaos, the Nilfgaardian Empire launches a massive invasion across the Yaruga River.
Reclaiming Forgotten Memories for the Final Hunt
Throughout his political trials, Geralt slowly pieces together fragments of his lost memories regarding his past life. He remembers his deep romance with the sorceress Yonnefer and the terrifying sacrifices made to protect his adopted daughter Ciri from the Wild Hunt. Having finally cured his amnesia, the legendary White Wolf sets off as a lone monster hunter to track down his true love. This sets the exact stage for the global hunt, ancient prophecies, and emotional reunions that define the third installment.
