The Witcher

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1615 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,366 out of 1615
  2. Mixed: 145 out of 1615
  3. Negative: 104 out of 1615
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  1. RTCWFAN
    Aug 29, 2023
    9
    This is the beginning of a legend. While many mechanics and the graphics were improved in the sequels, the story stays epic. Overall rating: 8.9.
  2. MetaKritiker90
    Aug 11, 2023
    10
    One of the best RPGs of all time! I can't believe the many choices that completely alter the entire game! You have so much freedom and the game reacts to your difficult, grey choices. Almost no other game does what the Witcher does. It's soooo good!
  3. 3ls0ul
    Mar 7, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.
  4. jseph1234
    Dec 18, 2022
    10
    I LOVE The Witcher 1....Just an Incredibly good Fantasy RPG. Easily a Top 10 of All-time. The voice acting and incredibly detailed scences and situations that are presented are just First Rate!

    All-time Classic!
  5. cheerful_dirge
    Aug 30, 2022
    10
    The most atmospheric game in the series. In addition, I like the soundtrack in the first part more than in the other two.
  6. krlwarkrl
    Jul 16, 2022
    9
    9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 point!
  7. gracjanski
    Jul 1, 2022
    8
    Surely a good game with a great and dark atmosphere. The story is interesting and the dialoges are great, but..
    the controlling is not good, the dialog system easy, the inventory is too small, the fighting is system action oriented and the gameplay a bit easy
  8. ertyz
    Jan 13, 2022
    9
    high quality and morale
    very nice game if I need to compare among all other games by the way.
  9. Badr90s
    Oct 2, 2021
    8
    The first Witcher was actually a very good game, an introduction to a masterpiece franchise that tells a masterpiece polish novel
  10. ozzsoffy
    Feb 23, 2021
    8
    Very nice game, compelling story, the game felt a bit too long for me, I would prefer it to be much shorter. during the gameplay I was stuck twice, and didnt know what to do next, this make me to lose a lot of time, but I think, make the game much easer.
    playing this game, I used a mode, white wolf, to make the game more playble.
  11. WNxWind
    Dec 8, 2020
    9
    Pre-ordered on Direct 2 Drive back in the late summer of 2007 after reading about an RPG that individuals on forums had been describing as "A True PC RPG" during the time of CRPG's vanishing.
    At launch completing a massive playthrough; exceptionally impressed at how CDPR turned the Aurora engine from NWN2's isometric view into a third person action RPG. My review for Accelerated Evolution    Pre-ordered on Direct 2 Drive back in the late summer of 2007 after reading about an RPG that individuals on forums had been describing as "A True PC RPG" during the time of CRPG's vanishing.
    At launch completing a massive playthrough; exceptionally impressed at how CDPR turned the Aurora engine from NWN2's isometric view into a third person action RPG. My review for Accelerated Evolution at the time landed at an 8.5 stating that Poland's CD Projekt Red had just made a statement to Bioware/Obsidian "We'll use your tech and do things you told us was impossible with the engine."

    All in all this is the only title in the franchise that hasn't aged in a way that can be immediately gorgeous and visually captivating the way both The Witcher 2 (Still to this day maxed out with Ubersampling on is visually STUNNING) and The Witcher 3 (5 years later and it's still better looking than AAA games coming out in the 2018, 2019 and even 2020 era). Now with Cyberpunk a day away from launch it's amazing to look back at the debut release from the Studio that brought Western PC Games to the Polish game shelves raising enough money to fund this 13 year old master-class.

    It set a perfect foundation of what CDPR was capable of in game design and narrative story-telling.

    Next they would shatter all expectations with The Witcher 2, changing what story-telling and branching narratives in an RPG could be in the modern era; while boasting the studios RED ENGINE; and then change the genre forever with The Witcher 3.
    Now... We wait for Cyberpunk 2077 to display once again why CDPR is the best in the business. They understand what gamers want because they themselves are gamers that are in control of the vision they set out to create.

    The last studio to be independent. We used to praise Blizzard for this in the mid to late 90's; We praised id Software (rightfully so) for being an independent studio without a publisher breathing down their necks... (This changed with Bethesda but id Software at-least kept it's identity even if it took awhile to find it again.)
    I believe CDPR will remain that last beacon of hope for gamers "You can do it. You can be an independent studio and change the world of gaming; not over-night with a debut, but first impressions matter. This first impression was a definitive example of "Success or Bankrupt".
    The result was success and my original 8.5 is rounded up to a 9.0 as of 12/8/2020.

    Final Note: While this is the Witcher title I have put the least total amount of time in, completing two play-throughs compared to 6 PC complete plays of The Witcher 2 (and one 2 week advance review copy of the eventual Xbox 360 port). 7 times and I wouldn't mind cracking an 8th play in the future.
    In mid 2021 I plan to revisit The Witcher 1, 2 and 3 and (in the future..) revisit Cyberpunk 2077 to create an evolution of the studio video and full analysis on technology and game design.

    Kill some monsters.    … Expand
  12. shostakn
    Oct 15, 2020
    9
    Summary: The Witcher combines spectacular and visually stunning action with deep and intriguing storyline. The game is set in a world created by best-selling Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The world shares many common features with other fantasy lands, but there are also some distinguishing elements setting it apart from others. The game features the player as a "Witcher", a warrior whoSummary: The Witcher combines spectacular and visually stunning action with deep and intriguing storyline. The game is set in a world created by best-selling Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The world shares many common features with other fantasy lands, but there are also some distinguishing elements setting it apart from others. The game features the player as a "Witcher", a warrior who has been trained to fight since childhood, subjected to mutations and trials that transformed him. He earns his living killing monsters and is a member of a brotherhood founded long ago to protect people from werewolves, the undead, and a host of other beasts. It's an action oriented, visually stunning, easy to use, single player RPG, with a deep and intriguing storyline. [CD Projekt]… Expand
  13. MatikTheSeventh
    Oct 10, 2020
    8
    While the graphics and mechanics may have been a little dated even at the time of the release, Witcher's story is very well thought out, and created a great foundation for the future of the series. The rural, Slavic atmosphere of the game is genuinely one of the best.

    There are some tedious quests, repeatable character models and some weird mechanics, but they don't stop you from having    While the graphics and mechanics may have been a little dated even at the time of the release, Witcher's story is very well thought out, and created a great foundation for the future of the series. The rural, Slavic atmosphere of the game is genuinely one of the best.

    There are some tedious quests, repeatable character models and some weird mechanics, but they don't stop you from having fun in it.    … Expand
  14. DragonEffect4
    Jul 16, 2020
    8
    The mechanics are harsh and the game can be really unforgiving, but after some time, it you feel a great sense of achievement for overcoming the initial challenges and the story is of course great. Not the best mechanics in the world but that's the one downside.
  15. Shalapai
    Jul 2, 2020
    8
    Объективно игра хорошая, но я не осилил. Огромное количество беготни убило весь интерес играть, плюс спицифическая боевка, не очень интересные доп миссии, слабая графика. Но интересный сюжет, отличные персонажи и атмосфераОбъективно игра хорошая, но я не осилил. Огромное количество беготни убило весь интерес играть, плюс спицифическая боевка, не очень интересные доп миссии, слабая графика. Но интересный сюжет, отличные персонажи и атмосфера
  16. REEDDLES
    Jul 19, 2019
    8
    Main evaluation criteria:
    -Story: 8
    -Atmosphere: 9
    -Characters: 8
    -Graphics and design: 8
    -Gameplay: 7
    -Sound and Music: 9
    -Bugs: 9
    -Interface: 9
    -Completeness of the world: 7

    Аdditional evaluation criteria (Do not really affect the assessment):
    -Freedom of choice: 5
    -Coop in Story mode: 0
    -Multiplayer: 0

    Scores from 1 to 10, the higher the better
  17. Daggerrim
    Jan 4, 2019
    8
    This game is good with A great story and graphics for it's time the only problem is the combat.
    The combat is not good but not bad it's A mix of both.
  18. Chiddan
    Sep 12, 2018
    10
    This is my favourite game of all time, graphics/story/gameplay is just amazing and i really hope there will be a Witcher 4 coming out in a near future
  19. Diegochocho
    Jul 3, 2018
    8
    Debo decir que empece a jugar este juego por la salida del 3, lo mas destacable es la historia, que me pareció hermosa, los mapas me parecieron hermosos, y mas por la época que salio este juego, pero lo que si destaco es el sistema de combate, ya que me costo mucho adaptarme, aunque yendo por el capitulo 4 te vas olvidando de esto. En conclusión para el año de salida y el estudio que eraDebo decir que empece a jugar este juego por la salida del 3, lo mas destacable es la historia, que me pareció hermosa, los mapas me parecieron hermosos, y mas por la época que salio este juego, pero lo que si destaco es el sistema de combate, ya que me costo mucho adaptarme, aunque yendo por el capitulo 4 te vas olvidando de esto. En conclusión para el año de salida y el estudio que era nuevo en esto, fue una buena entrega que nos dieron.… Expand
  20. jugadorhardcore
    Mar 7, 2018
    10
    the beggining of the best saga of this times. masterpieces like TW never get old. i played it in 2011 and it was amazing and unforgetable
  21. CoKronakan
    Feb 12, 2018
    9
    The best, biggest, richest and most amazing story and universe in which the story play's out. Visually stunning game, even for today's standards hold up all right. Also this action-adventure RPG is so amazing because the whole world is so immersive and entertaining, because the fact that it's based on a series of books. It's one of the biggest and awesome fantasy worlds out there. AlthoughThe best, biggest, richest and most amazing story and universe in which the story play's out. Visually stunning game, even for today's standards hold up all right. Also this action-adventure RPG is so amazing because the whole world is so immersive and entertaining, because the fact that it's based on a series of books. It's one of the biggest and awesome fantasy worlds out there. Although the game-play itself it's not the best and some time it's a chore to play and get's boringly frustrating and repetitive. But it's compensated by the detailed and content packed world and the amazing characters, and storytelling aspect of the game.… Expand
  22. Shmorgan
    Jan 27, 2018
    9
    Witcher is a fantastic game with great storytelling and characters, the combat might be meh, but Witcher is still a playable game all just for the story.

    It's a truly masterpiece of a RPG game.
  23. Genezi
    Jun 10, 2017
    9
    Great game. i have spent a lot of time on this title. It has a great story with memorable characters. Good gameplay with lots of possibilities during missions and best cut scenes with good dialogs.
  24. FogCityRoller
    Apr 3, 2017
    9
    I have played this game extensively for five years but I was inspired to write a review based on some odd negative opinions about this first game. As someone who couldn't get into this game the first 3-4 times I tried to play it, I think I can offer some words of motivation.

    One of the most off-putting features of this game are the combat mechanics. They take some getting used to, and    I have played this game extensively for five years but I was inspired to write a review based on some odd negative opinions about this first game. As someone who couldn't get into this game the first 3-4 times I tried to play it, I think I can offer some words of motivation.

    One of the most off-putting features of this game are the combat mechanics. They take some getting used to, and you may have to force yourself, but eventually you get the hang of it and learn that this game is not about the combat so much as it is the story and character interactions. The combat in this game is definitely secondary, which can be a strange feeling for most gamers.

    The graphics can look dated now, but the Enhanced Edition with some texture mods will quickly get this game up to speed. The biggest issue is Geralt, as no amount of mods will fix his odd gelfling appearance. However it does a lot for other character models and the environs. The views from the Dike across the water are positively stunning at times and some areas like Lakeside are very quaint.

    The biggest flaw in this game (adjusted for inflation) are the side quests. I really think this game overdid it on the side quests--mostly meaningless fetch quests and inconsequential tedium--and CPR certainly acknowledged this as they wound back the quantity of them in the next game.

    The game doesn't really have a devoted crafting system. It's present, but it's fairly useless even on high difficulties. You can get by with sharpening tools that you can apply to your swords on your own.

    The weirdest thing about this game is the fact that the first boss you encounter is BY FAR the most difficult. The Beast for some reason was a force to be reckoned with on my first playthrough. Yet the bosses become more and more of a joke as the game progresses. I have mixed feelings about the ending. On one hand, I felt the ending did wonders for the story. Everything was wrapped up quite well. On the other hand all that tension was pissed all over by a very weak end encounter that didn't require me to be geared, skilled, or prepared. Protip: don't spec uber-Igni if you want ANY feeling of difficulty in this game. Igni is hax.    … Expand
  25. Nyakuya
    Dec 30, 2016
    9
    Un gran juego con elecciones interesantes y una historia interesante. El sistema de combate es extraño, pero no malo, simplemente es algo que nunca había visto en ningun otro juego.
    Me gusta bastante el sistema de leveleo, es complejo y tiene muchas cosas por elegir. Lo que no me gusta y la razón por la cual le bajo un punto, es el hecho de que sea tan conflictivo a la hora de saber que    Un gran juego con elecciones interesantes y una historia interesante. El sistema de combate es extraño, pero no malo, simplemente es algo que nunca había visto en ningun otro juego.
    Me gusta bastante el sistema de leveleo, es complejo y tiene muchas cosas por elegir. Lo que no me gusta y la razón por la cual le bajo un punto, es el hecho de que sea tan conflictivo a la hora de saber que hacer. Hay misiones que las activas y no te dicen hacia donde ir ni que hacer, por lo que o lo adivinas, o te ves obligado a mirar en internet alguna guía.
    Mas allá de eso, exelente juego.    … Expand
  26. IamEVIL
    Jan 21, 2016
    9
    The Witcher is a masterpiece RPG, that stands out for its beautiful storytelling and characters, and its variety in missions.Even though this is the one that i least like in the trilogy, i still feel that caring that most people have for their favorite sagas or trilogy's first sons, so yes, i do think that this is probably one of the best RPGs ever made. Thanks CD Project Red, for thisThe Witcher is a masterpiece RPG, that stands out for its beautiful storytelling and characters, and its variety in missions.Even though this is the one that i least like in the trilogy, i still feel that caring that most people have for their favorite sagas or trilogy's first sons, so yes, i do think that this is probably one of the best RPGs ever made. Thanks CD Project Red, for this amazing games that you have blessed us with. Its only problem must be it's difficulty, i know that games are more fun when you need to die a lot to play it. But this game is just to much OP, i like difficult, but not this much.… Expand
  27. ShodanSpectre
    Dec 5, 2015
    9
    I am a fan of the Witcher series since I've read the books back in 2005 or so (and this fact really helped enjoy the game better) however even if you haven't read the books - this is a very good RPG in itself.

    The pros: + Good quality graphics, not a big deal for me gotta get that out of the way. + Wonderful soundtrack. Really immersive. + A nice "dark fantasy" world. Where elves get    I am a fan of the Witcher series since I've read the books back in 2005 or so (and this fact really helped enjoy the game better) however even if you haven't read the books - this is a very good RPG in itself.

    The pros:
    + Good quality graphics, not a big deal for me gotta get that out of the way.
    + Wonderful soundtrack. Really immersive.
    + A nice "dark fantasy" world. Where elves get racially discriminated, town guards take drugs as bribes, and use said drugs... Witches are trying to survive the ignorant mod that fears and hates them.
    + No "good vs. evil" - just a lot of people (and other creatures) with their conflicting goals, feels and wants.
    + With the above said - often you can decide who to help and how to judge those around you.
    + A lot of character development. You start as a guy who can barely deal with a couple rabid dogs, and end up taking out dragons (well, not quite 40-meter-long High Dragons like those found in Dragon Age, but 6-meter-long Wyverns) - multiple at a time, and beating much more dangerous creatures, as well as armed human enemies (mages, angry Templars, etc).
    + Not a lot of grinding for better gear. In fact you start out with quite decent gear: a Witcher's Steel and Silver sword, and not until quite late in the game can you find a weapon that's better.
    + There are ways to get very VERY powerful, if you figure out how to. It's no cheating or bug, just strategies that you HAVE TO learn if you wanna play on HARD. And there are multiple ones.
    + There are rune stones to use as a permanent upgrade to a sword, and it's nice that the better gear is rare and interesting to find, craft and upgrade (rather than something you can buy from the town merchant - just collect 100'000 gold, like in many RPGs)
    + Unique items are obtained through truly unique experiences, that would make you value them to a point that I chose to keep that item throughout Witcher-II game (using the import save feature)
    + No **** quests like "go hunt 10 squirrels and bring me the furs". Most quests are backed with a story that something really bad happened, and only a Witcher can help the person in need.
    + The quests match the protagonist, and feel on-the-spot. So unlike Commander Shepard saving the galaxy, and then being told to deal with some scumbags that stole something from a merchant, or the Inquisitor in Dragon Age looking for a lost cow.
    + Interesting characters. Many from the book. Yes you can make relationships with them, and even cheat on them if you wish to :-)
    + Overall, there are a lot of strategic and tactical things you are encouraged to learn, and a few things to upgrade (weapon and armor), but in a thoughtful way, (rather than the grind-to-get-top-level-gear way) the game is really hard to play on HARD unless you understand how to play it right.

    Cons:
    - You can't jump over a knee-high fence. WTF. But sometimes you can jump over the head of an enemy - this happens somewhat unexpectedly
    - The combat is a bit scripted... Not very manual control (no jump, no sprint, no duck or block), kind of an RTS-like feel to it. The "click at right time to strike a combo" is not bad, but gets old a bit too quickly. Maybe a love-it-or-hate-it thing.
    - The game world is a few isolated locations. They aren't very big either. Granted, they are nicely detailed, but will probably feel tiny to players coming from TES.    … Expand
  28. Nuker
    Jun 27, 2015
    10
    - Good: Atmosphere, Setting, Story, Characters, C&C, Music, Alchemy, Writing, Ending, Art Direction
    - Mixed: Combat, Exploration
    - Bad: ---

    Fantastic game, one of the most atmospheric RPG to date with great soundrack, story and artistic style. Choice and consequence done right.
  29. xXDrowXx
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    10/10
    BEST GAME EVER!
    ...............................................................................................................................
  30. Kylo190
    Nov 19, 2014
    10
    The Witcher is one of the best games which I ever played. This climate (quite like Sapkowski's book), storyline and gameplay ! I would write more about this game, but my English is not perfect :).
    PS: Play with mod FCR (Full Combat Rebalance).
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PC Game of 2007
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2007
6
#6 Most Shared PC Game of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 50 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 50
  3. Negative: 0 out of 50
  1. Game Over Online
    78
    So if you’re looking for a dark and moody role-playing game that is different than everything else out there, and if you have a reasonably powerful computer that can handle the engine, and if you don’t mind adult themes that are more than a little male-centric, then the Witcher is certainly a game to consider.
    Read full review
  2. Game Revolution
    75
    Trading more traditional, menu-drilling RPG “depth” for sheer style, action, mechanical elegance and what might be called a refreshingly grim mood, The Witcher is one of the most compelling - if not the cheeriest - fantasy excursions to come along in many a moon.
    Read full review
  3. PTGamers
    90
    The Witcher is a fantastic RPG, a perfect recreation of the world imagined by Sapkowski. Being focused in a complex story as it is, the many hours of play will make us completely disregard the absence of multiplayer of any kind.
    Read full review
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