The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has proven, thus far, to be CD Projekt Red’s golden child, both in sales and in its ability to draw new fans in droves. And its first expansion draws near! CDPR announced on the official Witcher website that the first expansion, Hearts of Stone, will be released October 13th, and it even got a teaser trailer.
As stated in July, the expansion promises to add 10+ hours of gameplay independent from the primary plot line of the game and its content can be accessed at any time, though the quests are designed for characters level 30+. It was also stated that the content would scale up for players on new game+.
It will cost players $19.99 for the content, but in select regions a physical copy will be purchasable, which will come with a special surprise. The physical version will be considered limited edition and there is no promise that everyone that wants one will receive one. CDPR has decided to go a step further with the hit game, Gwent, and the limited edition will include two Gwent decks for use on an actual tabletop. Players that purchased the digital Expansion Pass have been given a means of obtaining a pair of Gwent decks by filling out the form on this site and being given the decks on a first come, first serve basis, so get’em while they’re hot!
Hearts of Stone introduced a new system of Runewords that promises to greatly affect gameplay, a new plot line with its own set of characters–including a new romance, and new mysterious lands ripe with potential adventure. According to the official game description:
The expansion lets you choose your own path through an experience that includes recruiting a crew of break-in artists, spending a night partying with a ghost, and outsmarting the most bizarre creatures Geralt has ever faced.
Players of the previous Witcher games may also be happy to hear that Shani from the original Witcher will be making an appearance within the game.
Look forward to October 13th for the release! …and have your $19.99 at the ready if necessary.