The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game that, on paper, shouldn’t have achieved the level of success it did. It’s a sequel to a game that was exclusive to Xbox and PC, based on an obscure series of Polish fantasy novels. Yet, from the very moment I started playing, I was captivated. Even the promotional short films were enough to hint at the quality and depth awaiting within. It quickly became one of the best-selling video games ever made, standing out in a crowded genre alongside titles like Elder Scrolls, Dragon Age, and Dark Souls.

What set The Witcher 3 apart from other open-world fantasy games was its perfect timing and unique blend of elements. Released during the peak of Game of Thrones‘ popularity, the game arrived just when mature fantasy had become mainstream. People craving rich, dark narratives filled with adult themes, explicit depictions of sex, and intense violence found exactly what they were looking for. The Witcher 3 didn’t just capitalize on a trend; it became a landmark in mature storytelling within the gaming world.

The production values are the first thing that caught my attention. The Witcher 3 pushed the capabilities of modern gaming to its limits, creating a living, breathing world that feels both vast and intimate. The best way to describe playing this game is to imagine being transported into a great fantasy novel like Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings and becoming the main character. The landscapes are beautifully painted in shades of gold and red, with dynamic weather that can lash Geralt and his horse, Roach, with wind and rain, adding to the realism and immersion.

The game’s open world is a textbook example of what the genre should be. Players can follow the main campaign path, which takes them across a richly detailed land—from isolated farms and castles to bustling cities full of chaos and life. As a monster hunter for hire, each location is brimming with side quests, allowing for a gameplay experience tailored to your own pace and discretion. These quests are like great chapters from the best fantasy novels, filled with lore, memorable characters, and morally complex decisions that make the world feel alive and responsive to your actions.

The combat is another highlight. It’s fun, gory, and deeply satisfying once you master its mechanics and magic systems. The visuals, sound, music, and story all work in perfect harmony to draw you into the world. What makes The Witcher 3 truly unique, though, is its basis in Polish and Eastern European mythology, which gives it a distinct flavor compared to other games like Dragon Age and Elder Scrolls. It feels different, almost exotic, and that uniqueness is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy genre.

Like games from Rockstar, such as GTA and Red Dead Redemption, The Witcher 3 embraces its mature rating and delivers an experience designed for adults. The storytelling is grown-up and sophisticated, exploring themes and situations that are rarely touched upon in other games. You can visit brothels, behead bandits, go on a killing spree, steal, seduce, and even solve crimes. The choices you make impact the world and the characters around you in meaningful ways, often leading to unexpected consequences.

The attention to detail is nothing short of astounding. Every object in the environment, every location is so richly detailed, it’s like playing in a masterpiece painting by a great Renaissance artist. The use of light and shadow, the nuanced character animations, and the stunning landscapes all contribute to a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience.

I loved everything about this game, from its narrative depth to its immersive world. My only disappointment is that the Netflix show didn’t lean more into the production design and tone of these games. The Witcher 2 was also an excellent game that pushed last-gen hardware to its limits, but The Witcher 3 set a new standard for what RPGs could achieve. I’m not sure we’ll ever get another installment in the series that will have the same impact as this one, but this game has made me an instant fan of The Witcher series.

For anyone seeking a deeply immersive, beautifully crafted, and intellectually stimulating gaming experience, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a must-play. It’s not just a game; it’s a journey into a world that feels as real as our own, where every decision matters, and every action has a consequence.