It’s hard to create a masterpiece, and sometimes, even the studio that made such an iconic game has a difficult time developing something that is equally good in future entries. Such is the case with Witcher 3, anRPGthat’s considered one of the best games of all time, and that’s not even a debate. Understandably, there are few titles that can hit the highs that Witcher 3 does.
10 Best Locations in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This is a look at some of the best and most memorable locations within the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
It’s always a double-edged sword to play such a phenomenal game: on the one hand, it’s an experience that will stay with the player for as long as they live, but on the other hand, finishing such a masterpiece will leave players with an empty feeling that no other game can fill. There are two prequels that players can dive into afterward, provided that they started with the third game first, even if those two titles are nowhere as good as the third one, but that goes without saying. These 10 games might not be exactly like Witcher 3, but they’re quite similar and could be exactly what you need after ending Geralt’s story.
10The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Hyrule’s Wide Open World Awaits
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
For fans of The Witcher 3’s sprawling landscapes and rewarding exploration,Breath of the Wildis the perfect follow-up. It drops players into a post-apocalyptic Hyrule, where freedom is the name of the game. Players can climb, glide and experiment with a sandbox of mechanics in ways that are rarely dictated by the story.
Where The Witcher 3 dives into rich dialogue and emotionally layered narratives, however, Breath of the Wild keeps its story minimal, letting its world tell most of the tale. Shrines replace the massive dungeons of older Zelda titles and cooking meals is almost a survival mechanic, especially at a higher difficulty setting. Still, it’s a game that could give players just the right hit of open-world exploration and tight combat mechanics that they were getting from Witcher 3.
Red Dead Redemption 2
If Geralt of Rivia traded his steel sword for a six-shooter, the result would beRed Dead Redemption 2. Rockstar’s masterpiece is a slower-paced game, but shares a heavy focus on storytelling, character development and a world that feels alive. Players are in control of Arthur Morgan, a gunslinger navigating the dying days of the Wild West, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in his tragic, yet beautifully-told journey.
Like The Witcher 3, this game thrives on its smaller moments, like watching the sunrise over a misty swamp, taking part in a campfire sing-along or simply bonding with Arthur’s horse. The open world offers plenty of optional quests and encounters, but they tend to be more grounded than battling harpies or negotiating with specters. What sets it apart is its slower pace and the gritty realism of its setting. Players who loved Geralt’s emotional depth will feel right at home with Arthur.
8Divinity: Original Sin 2
Choices in a Video Game Have Never Been This Chaotic
Divinity: Original Sin 2
The tactical depth and wild storytelling ofDivinity: Original Sin 2will feel like second nature to players who are used to The Witcher 3. The two games take different approaches; where Geralt’s adventures are action-packed and cinematic, Divinity: Original Sin 2 thrives on turn-basedcombatand party dynamics. What they have in common is how the player’s choices, big or small, ripple across the game world.
The game can be played alone or with friends and the possibilities are endless. Want to romance a sassy undead skeleton? Go for it. Accidentally unleash fire everywhere by miscasting a spell? That’s just another Tuesday. While it doesn’t match The Witcher 3 in its cinematic scope, the charm lies in its chaotic freedom and creative problem-solving.
7Elden Ring
A World So Beautiful, You’ll Forget Why You’re Dying So Much
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring takes the open-world formula to a whole new level. Imagine the haunting beauty of Velen, but stretched into an even grander scale. Every corner of the Lands Between hides a secret, whether it’s a massive dragon guarding an abandoned cathedral or an NPC with mysterious motives.
While Elden Ring trades in-depth conversations for cryptic lore, the thrill of uncovering its mysteries will feel familiar to Witcher fans. Combat is where the games differ the most. Elden Ring is all about precise timing and punishing bosses, whereas The Witcher 3’s battles feel more forgiving, focusing more on pre-battle preparation using potions.
6Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
The Witcher In Space
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Mass Effect: Legendary Editionbundles one of gaming’s most beloved trilogies into a remastered package. While players won’t find any gory Leshens or cursed princesses here, they will find deep characters, tough moral dilemmas and branching storylines that rival The Witcher 3. Players will step into Commander Shepard’s boots, building alliances across the galaxy while battling the mysterious Reapers.
What makes Mass Effect a natural fit for Witcher fans is its emphasis on dialogue, relationships and making decisions that actually matter. Every choice can alter how the story unfolds, even leading to the death of key characters. The sci-fi setting may be a stark contrast to The Witcher 3’s medieval tone, but the emotional stakes feel just as high.
5Cyberpunk 2077
CD Projekt Red’s Other Masterpiece (After All The Patches)
Cyberpunk 2077
If you’re craving more CD Projekt Red magic,Cyberpunk 2077is the obvious pick. Set in the neon-soaked dystopia of Night City, the game trades swords for smart guns and potions for cybernetics. It shares The Witcher 3’s focus on storytelling and branching quests, with characters like Johnny Silverhand (voiced by Keanu Reeves) that are every bit as memorable as Yennefer or Dandelion.
Night City’sopen-worlddesign feels alive, though it lacks the natural beauty of The Witcher 3. Instead, the urban chaos is its own kind of wonder. Still, the two games share a love for morally-gray choices, something that’s a staple in CD Projekt Red’s games.
4Dragon’s Dogma
It’s More Than Just Dragons
Dragon’s Dogma
If monster hunting is your favorite part of The Witcher 3,Dragon’s Dogmais an easy recommendation. The game combines fast-paced action with a unique “Pawn” system that lets players create AI companions to aid in combat. The climbing mechanic is what sets the game apart: players can literally scale giant enemies, like a griffin or a cyclops, to attack their weak points.
While its narrative doesn’t hit the emotional highs of The Witcher 3, the gameplay is where Dragon’s Dogma shines. The open world offers plenty to explore and the game’s dynamic combat system is as satisfying as it gets. Plus, there’s something oddly endearing about watching a Pawn spout random battle advice like “Wolves hunt in packs!”
3Kingdom Come: Deliverance
The Medieval Life Simulator
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Unlike most games on this list,Kingdom Come: Deliveranceleans into realism. There’s no magic, no monsters, just a grounded tale of revenge in 15th-century Bohemia. It’s a slower, more methodical experience compared to The Witcher 3, with a steep learning curve and combat system. But for players who love immersive worlds, it’s a treasure trove of medieval authenticity.
10 Action-Adventure Games with the Best Story
Throw on your gear and check that map, because it’s time to head out and explore the best stories of the Action-Adventure genre.
What sets it apart is its attention to detail. Players have to eat, sleep and even maintain their gear to survive. While it lacks The Witcher 3’s sweeping fantasy, its historical accuracy and compelling story make it a refreshing change of pace.
2Baldur’s Gate 3
Dungeons, Dragons and Decisions
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3shares The Witcher 3’s love forrich storytellingand morally-complex characters. It’s a masterclass in player choice, with nearly every decision impacting the narrative or gameplay. Whether players are battling mind flayers or romancing a vampire, the game feels like an epic, interactive novel.
While its turn-based combat is slower-paced than The Witcher 3’s real-time fights, the trade-off is in-depth strategy. Fans of Geralt’s world will appreciate the detailed writing, massive scale and the constant feeling that every action truly matters.
1The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
“Fus Ro Dah”
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Of course, it’sSkyrimthat deserves the top spot, right next to The Witcher 3, not just because it’s extremely similar, but because it’s just as good of a game. Released over a decade ago, it remains the gold standard for open-world RPGs. From slaying dragons and stealing sweet rolls to using the Dragon Shouts to toss enemies off a cliff, Skyrim’s sandbox open-world offers a mechanic for every occasion.
The main difference lies in the storytelling. While The Witcher 3 has a laser-focused narrative, Skyrim gives the player the reins, letting them craft their own path. It’s not as emotionally driven, but it’s perfect for players who love getting lost in a vast, magical world.
