The Complete List of The Witcher Games in Chronological & Release Order

The Witcher is a massively influential fantasy franchise, on par with the likes of Game of Thrones. While it started as a series of novels and short stories first published in 1986, the fictional world has since expanded to include a popular TV series and, of course, video games. The Witcher games, created by CD Projekt Red, are prominent action RPGs, with the third game going open world. In addition to the magical abilities and swordplay one can expect from the genre, the titles also boast intricate storylines. Impactful decisions made by the player character Geralt can drastically change the ending of each game.

Despite stiff competition in the open-world genre from games like Skyrim and Elden Ring, The Witcher 3 is held up as one of the best open-world RPGs on the market. But even before that game made waves, The Witcher franchise was producing some very well-received titles. Here’s the full list of video games that have brought this iconic fantasy world to life over the years. In addition to those listed below, CD Projekt Red has another Witcher game in the works. This one will reportedly begin a new trilogy in the fantasy setting.

The Witcher (2007)

The very first Witcher game, a PC exclusive, introduced gamers to now-iconic protagonist Geralt of Rivia. Geralt is a Witcher, a genetically enhanced monster hunter. The plot of the first game sees him pursuing a sinister group who attacked his order and stolen the mutagens needed to create more Witchers like him. His adventure brings him into close contact with the political strife raging between humans and elves. It serves as a fitting introduction to the rich fantasy world Andrzej Sapkowski created in his novels. The gameplay features a prominent alchemy system, allowing you to craft potions in order to aid Geralt in his hunts.

While the game released exclusively for PC, a console release of The Witcher was planned. This port, The Witcher: Rise of the White Wolf, was scheduled for release in 2009. Unfortunately, due to payment issues with the console developer Widescreen Games, this version of the title was scrapped. As a result, the very first Witcher game is still only available on PC. That being said, CDPR recently announced a remake of the title, to be developed by Fool’s Theory. This new version will rebuild the game from the ground up and convert it into an open-world experience like The Witcher 3. There is no information on when this remake will launch, however.

The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (2011)

The Witcher 2, released for PC and Xbox 360, picks up about half a year after the events of the first game. Geralt is now the prime suspect in the assassination of the King of Temeria. He must journey to hunt down the true culprit and clear his name. Once again, this adventure brings him face to face with political tumult and powerful magical creatures. Like its predecessor, Assassins of Kings received critical acclaim, and even got global attention when President Barack Obama mentioned it in a speech in Poland in 2014.

The game takes a much different approach to combat than its predecessor, introducing considerably more complexity. Consequently, many have noted that it’s a lot more difficult than the first game, even from the opening minutes. Traps, bombs, and even shovels have been added to Geralt’s arsenal in order to spice up the combat experience. There’s also an optional stealth mode you can engage in during certain missions to take a more subtle approach to conflict.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

The third game in the franchise, The Witcher 3, shifts the action to an open-world format. The story revolves around Geralt’s pursuit of his adopted daughter Ciri, a powerful magic user who is being stalked by the titular Wild Hunt. The shift to open world was met with wild acclaim from fans and critics, to the point that The Witcher 3 is now considered one of the best games ever made. Like its two predecessors, the game boasts an intricate story with impactful decisions that will influence the ending.

The game’s success also led to two substantial DLC expansions. In the first, Hearts of Stone, Geralt must complete three impossible challenges for a cursed noble who traded his emotions away in exchange for immortal life. The second expansion, Blood and Wine, sees Geralt striving to solve the murder of several knights in the duchy of Toussaint and dealing with the vampires who are involved. These two expansions both feature multiple endings like the base game, and they both received critical acclaim as well. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©CD Projekt Red.