The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Hearts of Stone

 PlayStation 4
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 2040 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,860 out of 2040
  2. Mixed: 48 out of 2040
  3. Negative: 132 out of 2040

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  1. mugeter
    Oct 13, 2015
    10
    and this is really DLC, this game is more and more better, cd projekt red did again great work, the price is good, and i decide to recross the witcher 3 with hearts of stone
  2. anonymity
    Nov 12, 2015
    9
    A great addition that fits into The Witcher 3 like a glove. Very nuanced characters; why can't I just settle down with Shani CDPR? I'll give you a 10 if you let me.
  3. glypheye
    Jan 9, 2016
    9
    I"m historically not a fan of action/adventure RPG's, so took a chance on this one. It took me awhile to get used to the multiple menu trees and seeing the slow, progressive results in combat effectiveness after slowly building skills abilities within these trees. On the graphical fidelity/performance front, frames-per-second on PS4 is a little sludgy, but I've gotten used to this in theI"m historically not a fan of action/adventure RPG's, so took a chance on this one. It took me awhile to get used to the multiple menu trees and seeing the slow, progressive results in combat effectiveness after slowly building skills abilities within these trees. On the graphical fidelity/performance front, frames-per-second on PS4 is a little sludgy, but I've gotten used to this in the context of the AC series and overall, if the sense of immersion/detailed "world" is there, I am willing to overlook limited performance (but that's to a point, I'll say. For instance, right now I'm having trouble overlooking the awful graphics/performance of games such as Fallout 4, though the depth of detail of stuff to explore, find, craft, do is pretty amazing). I'd say the art designers did a superb job overall, though. So many little things shine to help with immersion, such as the changing weather, time of day and getting all the little sounds of the outdoors mixed in to enhance the experience. The sound and sight of wind moving through the trees is noticed and appreciated!

    As mentioned, in terms of gameplay itself, there was a learning curve that I had to trudge through, in the beginning very low levels, to get to the good stuff...to the sense of fun. In that respect, there was a degree of trust to access that all the glowing critic/user reviews were attesting to something there that I just needed to have the patience in order to dig to discover. Again, all secondary to my lack of experience with the overall slower pace associated with RPG's. Just now (and only about 12 hours into the game! so much more fun ahead :) ) the full appreciation of what the devs have done in creating W3 is emerging. A big part of that is the superb writing. The story and side stories themselves. They are strange, magical, and unique (at least to me) in a way that I find exciting. I'm not a hardcore gamer by any stretch of the imagination, but much of the "story telling" in gaming seems a little contrived/repetitive to me. W3 is an exception, in my perspective. The fantasy story is well written and helps to drive the experience forward from mission to mission. I literally have no idea what's coming next, but am beginning to expect to be pleasantly surprised and intrigued.

    So, all in all, a long-winded way of saying that W3 is capturing the heart of a primarily first person shooter fan. It is a great game and deserving of being in the upper tier of anyone's top 10 list.    … Expand
  4. Notarzt
    Nov 29, 2015
    9
    Great addition to the Wild Hunt and the story of Geralt. The DLC tells its own, completely new and more light hearted tale of the Witcher. The story is very well told, introduces some interesting new (and old) characters and new enemys and always remains exiting throughout the whole 10 to 15 hours you will spend on this DLC. While it doesn't reinvents the core game, it does extend theGreat addition to the Wild Hunt and the story of Geralt. The DLC tells its own, completely new and more light hearted tale of the Witcher. The story is very well told, introduces some interesting new (and old) characters and new enemys and always remains exiting throughout the whole 10 to 15 hours you will spend on this DLC. While it doesn't reinvents the core game, it does extend the world a little and adds a fun new rune system, that allows for more customization of weapons and amour. If you liked the Witcher 3, this is a must buy and at about 10 bucks also very reasonably priced. But if you did not find enjoyment in the original game, i doubt this extension will change your mind.… Expand
  5. laldmanx23
    Oct 28, 2015
    9
    I was honestly expecting to be disappointed with this expansion, thankfully that wasn't the case. It's definitely up to the base game's quality. My only major complaint is the length, I think I got only around 10 hours out of it on death march. Granted I had already spent over 200 hours in the main game and am not as interested in exploring every nook and cranny anymore. Still anI was honestly expecting to be disappointed with this expansion, thankfully that wasn't the case. It's definitely up to the base game's quality. My only major complaint is the length, I think I got only around 10 hours out of it on death march. Granted I had already spent over 200 hours in the main game and am not as interested in exploring every nook and cranny anymore. Still an amazing expansion and well worth the $20 although I'm more inclined to call it a "dlc".… Expand
  6. PickledPepper
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    excellent made open world. well made missions, even side missions are well made. everything feels smooth from cut scene transitions to game play. the only thing i didn't like was the pearl patch haha
  7. The_BlueRose
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    Great DLC: new areas, enemies and story, good value for money. If you enjoyed The Witcher 3 this is a must have. In addition, there is a phisical edition with two decks of Gwent card game
  8. InternetEnzyme
    Nov 11, 2015
    9
    Great expansion. If you loved the Witcher 3, you'll love this. It is, in most respects as good as the base game. My one complaint is that after the main intro, it gets a bit cut scene heavy, and for those who don't enjoy watching 30 minutes of cut scenes stringed together by mini-games, won't enjoy this section. After that the pace picks up and it becomes regular Witcher 3, with aGreat expansion. If you loved the Witcher 3, you'll love this. It is, in most respects as good as the base game. My one complaint is that after the main intro, it gets a bit cut scene heavy, and for those who don't enjoy watching 30 minutes of cut scenes stringed together by mini-games, won't enjoy this section. After that the pace picks up and it becomes regular Witcher 3, with a fascinating story. Would recommend for all that liked Witcher 3.… Expand
  9. ascedentevil
    Jan 5, 2016
    9
    The Witcher 3 was an amazing game, it won game of the year amongst other accolades and remains to be the only game in recent memory I saw fit to start a second play through. The game was a success. Then, CD Projekt Red decided to do some DLC. But what they've created here puts most full game releases to shame. The story doesn't pick up from where the wild hunt ended, more acts as anThe Witcher 3 was an amazing game, it won game of the year amongst other accolades and remains to be the only game in recent memory I saw fit to start a second play through. The game was a success. Then, CD Projekt Red decided to do some DLC. But what they've created here puts most full game releases to shame. The story doesn't pick up from where the wild hunt ended, more acts as an addition. A small portion of the map opens up for exploration with some additional markers to seek out and more monsters to hunt down, but back to the story. The unparalleled storytelling continues in this dark, deep and extensive expansion, it felt as good as the story in the base game and was better, in my opinion than some full retail games. A new rune crafting system comes into place which allows you to further enhance your weapons and armour; unlimited weapon enhancement time? Sure, armour that deflects arrows? Why not.
    Basically what I'm saying here is, you can pick this DLC up for £7.99 and it's as good as the base game was, albeit not as long, I managed somewhere around 20-25 hours all in but for that price, it' an absolute must for anyone who owns The Witcher 3, it would be rude not too.    … Expand
  10. SovietThreat
    Oct 31, 2015
    10
    This expansion is one of the best that I've played in a while. I was looking for an excuse to keep playing the Witcher 3 and when I heard that the Hearts of Stone expansion was coming out, I knew I'd found my excuse. Set in the late game, Geralt takes a contract that would send him on an adventure worthy of the base game. He reunites with Gaunter O'Dimm or the man of glass who is one ofThis expansion is one of the best that I've played in a while. I was looking for an excuse to keep playing the Witcher 3 and when I heard that the Hearts of Stone expansion was coming out, I knew I'd found my excuse. Set in the late game, Geralt takes a contract that would send him on an adventure worthy of the base game. He reunites with Gaunter O'Dimm or the man of glass who is one of the most interesting characters in the whole game with an unexpected twist that I didn't see coming. The other new major character is the immortal Olgierd Von Everec who has a dark past that you will only uncover by playing through the expansion, his association with the man of glass provides an interesting and dynamic story full of twists and turns. Geralt also meets up with an old love interest, Shani and its your choice where everything goes from there. On the subject of game play, the new rune system offers a whole new element to Geralt's arsenal, these come in handy during the many new and thrilling boss battles littered throughout the expansion. It also opens up the Northeastern side of the map with new activities all over.… Expand
  11. abprof
    Nov 3, 2015
    9
    Played it 3 times! NG+ needs some balancing. Little too easy for DS and BB vets. Please give us perma death. Not sure what's the big difference between the 2 higher difficulties. Great game. Fun DLC worth $10.
  12. Biopunk
    Mar 27, 2017
    10
    Let me start by saying that the story is seriously the best I've ever seen in any video game. It has everything you need:it's tightly written,focuses on a few central characters all of which have great lore and development,the voice acting and facial animations are excellent,and it blends well with the gameplay. You get more lore from side quests,there's a lot of branching options makingLet me start by saying that the story is seriously the best I've ever seen in any video game. It has everything you need:it's tightly written,focuses on a few central characters all of which have great lore and development,the voice acting and facial animations are excellent,and it blends well with the gameplay. You get more lore from side quests,there's a lot of branching options making you personally feel guilty for all the bad stuff that happens(and I dare not spoil it)
    The gameplay itself? It's the same as the main game,and that's good.
    If you have the game,you owe it to yourself to get this DLC. If you don't,trust me when I tell you it's worth buying just for this.    … Expand
  13. szszsz
    Dec 9, 2015
    10
    amazing expansion (cause calling it a dlc is an understatement)
    great story taking place in new areas, a must have for anyone who liked the original witcher 3.
  14. tsakiym
    Jul 27, 2016
    7
    the style, the atmosphere, the quests is just perfect but on the other hand we have the gameplay... for 2015-16 this is a joke. no combat mechanics, a stupid horse that u cant ride, Gerald's walk-swim style was so unstable that u cant loot in front of you,laggy menu (when you have many items), and much more. but the worst of all is the freaking loading's.

    many times wile i played it i    the style, the atmosphere, the quests is just perfect but on the other hand we have the gameplay... for 2015-16 this is a joke. no combat mechanics, a stupid horse that u cant ride, Gerald's walk-swim style was so unstable that u cant loot in front of you,laggy menu (when you have many items), and much more. but the worst of all is the freaking loading's.

    many times wile i played it i sed "f**k it i quit, this is awful".i finished it, i want to play it again (new game +) but i dont want to break my nerves    … Expand
  15. Termin8ter
    Feb 4, 2016
    9
    Hearts Of Stone is an amazing expansion to an already perfect game. There is a new area of the world to explore when you buy this DLC, along with tons of side and main quests. This makes me more excited for the next expansion, Blood and Wine, and Cyberpunk 2077. If you want to add more playtime to the Witcher 3, buy this game, otherwise buy MGSV, or wait for Cyberpunk 2077 to come out.
  16. TheOneLeon
    Dec 21, 2015
    7
    Witcher 3 is probably my game of the year for many reasons, but one in particular is what made it so enjoyable: respect. The game respects both your knowledge of the game's mechanics and your skills in combat by offering tough but fair challenges where you will fight enemies on equal ground. In the Witcher 3, if you die, it is the fault of YOU, not the game in any way. Hearts of StoneWitcher 3 is probably my game of the year for many reasons, but one in particular is what made it so enjoyable: respect. The game respects both your knowledge of the game's mechanics and your skills in combat by offering tough but fair challenges where you will fight enemies on equal ground. In the Witcher 3, if you die, it is the fault of YOU, not the game in any way. Hearts of Stone threw this out the window almost immediately. I absolutely love the preface and the story, but the enemies became so unforgiving all of a sudden that it became a rage-inducing slog through what should have been a grand adventure. From high level enemies in every area that are almost always guaranteed to be able to kill you in one to three hits regardless of your level or skills, to bosses with cheap nearly-instant-death tactics (I'm looking squarely at you, Frog Prince and Olfieri Mage.) to some incredibly awkward forced group fights against hordes of enemies in small, tight rooms that guarantee multiple deaths, this at times felt like I was playing Dark Souls in its degree of difficulty. If you're able to grind your way through, you will find a solid expansion. Just be prepared to spike your controller on more than one occasion.… Expand
  17. RodSal
    Jun 6, 2016
    9
    Bought this last week for a cheap price. All worth it. I love it all but i really missed some contracts and side missions just like the original game. But all i can say the main quest is creepy and all the details should be appreciated. DO IT ALL. Talk to everybody. Understand all the elements involving the main characters in this awsome adventure. Get it now if you enjoyed the witcher 3.
  18. BelleNimos
    Mar 4, 2022
    0
    CD PROJEKT RED стали теми, кто есть, благодаря российским игрокам. Теперь они отплачивают нам закрытием ГОГа и закрытием продаж в Стиме в РУ регионе из-за событий, к которым обычные игроки непричастны

    Я предзаказал кусок забагованного говнокода под названием Киберпанк в ГОГе, поверив в эту компанию. Я не стал делать рефанд, чтобы поддержать их. За это, опять же, получил хреновое отношение    CD PROJEKT RED стали теми, кто есть, благодаря российским игрокам. Теперь они отплачивают нам закрытием ГОГа и закрытием продаж в Стиме в РУ регионе из-за событий, к которым обычные игроки непричастны

    Я предзаказал кусок забагованного говнокода под названием Киберпанк в ГОГе, поверив в эту компанию. Я не стал делать рефанд, чтобы поддержать их. За это, опять же, получил хреновое отношение к себе, как к игроку

    И о каком вдохновении в сердцах/умах людей во имя глобальных перемен вы смеете говорить, когда живёте в другой стране и не в курсе, как обстоят дела здесь?

    Теперь и я отплачу тем, что эта компания заслужила. Пускай это будет всего лишь обзор, но игроки всё помнят

    Игры вне политики, правда, лицемеры?    … Expand
  19. JackKasket
    Oct 18, 2015
    10
    Awesome DLC, and well worth every penny/cent.

    I guess why I like this DLC better than the original from the get go is that I'm already emotionally invested on Geralt anc Co. unlike in the beginning of the original Witcher 3. From the very beginning, the new story feels like a new start of a roleplaying campaign after finishing an awesome session a few months back. It's just great to be    Awesome DLC, and well worth every penny/cent.

    I guess why I like this DLC better than the original from the get go is that I'm already emotionally invested on Geralt anc Co. unlike in the beginning of the original Witcher 3. From the very beginning, the new story feels like a new start of a roleplaying campaign after finishing an awesome session a few months back. It's just great to be on the saddle again.

    Some people might have expected this DLC to be a continuation on the original story, but honestly, that makes absolutely no sense. If you indeed finished the whole main story, you'll see that there is no way the story could continue on the same tracks. It's a new mission for Geralt in a long line of new missions.

    And why it works?

    Because witchers' gonna witch.    … Expand
  20. LooTheLou
    Oct 22, 2015
    9
    The Witcher 3 is my GOTY and this expansion ( note! expansion not dlc ) makes it even better. The detail that the story and characters have is amazing, you see sides of Geralt you have never seen, there are small new area's, the side-quests have INSANE detail. A absolute must have for a fan of Geralt and his many awesome adventures
  21. dancingmind
    Nov 5, 2015
    9
    This was great DLC. Made me fall in love with the game all over again. DLC and Game of the year for sure.

    [+] Excellent characters, fun missions, challenging new bosses, and some neat new customization options.

    Highly recommend it
  22. Ostrypwns
    Oct 15, 2015
    10
    An amazing expansion pack for an amazing game. New areas, new monsters, new music, new craftsman, new characters and - most important of all - new and awesome storyline filled to the brim with mysteries and witty dialogs. Once again Geralt delves deep into haunted manors and parlays with unsavory characters - he even plans and executes a heist - much like the ones in GTA V (seriously, noAn amazing expansion pack for an amazing game. New areas, new monsters, new music, new craftsman, new characters and - most important of all - new and awesome storyline filled to the brim with mysteries and witty dialogs. Once again Geralt delves deep into haunted manors and parlays with unsavory characters - he even plans and executes a heist - much like the ones in GTA V (seriously, no joke - the whole quest seems inspired by GTA V heist missions). What I like about this DLC the most is probably the art direction behind the characters and locations - characters look as if taken straight from XVII century Poland/Ukraine and some of the new locations are foggy and shrouded by shadows even in a sunny day what gives them a downright spooky feel. The only con I can think of is the length of the main quest which is not too long which is to be expected, after all this is just an x-pack. But still after completing it I felt a tad disappointed for a moment there - until I realized I haven't yet explored almost half of the new points of interest. Overall I feel I got my money's worth and more - the main quest may not be long but it's truly amazing and I would only stop playing when I really had to. One more thing I feel is worth mantioning: this is an end-game DLC for characters level 30+ so if you picked Witcher 3 only recently you may still have a long journey ahead of you before you see most of the content offered by Hearts of Stone - but it will be worth it. Must buy!… Expand
  23. Trevorsh
    Nov 16, 2015
    10
    The game is very great!
    -beautiful graphics!
    -very great story!
    -very good dialogues!
    -interesting characters!
    -epic adventure!
    Best game of the year!!!
  24. erty_werty
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    Now this is how you handle DLC. Props to CD Projekt Red for delivering a great storyline,fun bosses, memorable characters & a new rune system.

    For $9.99 how can you go wrong?
    -A must play for fans of the series.
  25. Hectik
    Nov 23, 2015
    9
    I'm new to the series, but I fell in love with this game after finishing it and made me download the previous 2.

    Pros: Expansive lore, great story, memorable characters, decisions are not just black and white and are relevant to the ending, decent AI, Gwent! Cons: glitches but most have been fixed with recent updates, combat and overall controls/camera angles can be shoddy    I'm new to the series, but I fell in love with this game after finishing it and made me download the previous 2.

    Pros: Expansive lore, great story, memorable characters, decisions are not just black and white and are relevant to the ending, decent AI, Gwent!

    Cons: glitches but most have been fixed with recent updates, combat and overall controls/camera angles can be shoddy especially in tight areas like inside caverns,    … Expand
  26. Tylaris
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    Another fine example of human pettiness and stupidity...while Konami is busy bringing back "legendary" horse armor DLC and Warner Bros selling previously free Batgirl content for ten times it's real value, CDPR releases something that blows away majority of other titles in amount AND quality of it's content, while charging it on a DLC price scale...and a cheap one at that.
    And people    Another fine example of human pettiness and stupidity...while Konami is busy bringing back "legendary" horse armor DLC and Warner Bros selling previously free Batgirl content for ten times it's real value, CDPR releases something that blows away majority of other titles in amount AND quality of it's content, while charging it on a DLC price scale...and a cheap one at that.
    And people STILL complain.
    If you enjoyed the stories of the Wild Hunt, you'll fall in love with this...excellent characterization with great dialogue, strong, compelling themes, more humor and horror, funny Geralt's 11 heist, fun and challenging boss battles with enemies, game play enhancements and more.
    This is a purchase you won't regret.    … Expand
  27. enforcer01
    Oct 13, 2015
    10
    This game is undeniably awesome! I feel like I'm actually becoming a Witcher in an incredibly beautiful world! You should feel this thing too. It must be a fantastic experience.
  28. Victorium99
    Oct 15, 2015
    10
    -Memorable Characters.
    -Epic Bosses
    - A LOT of new things to do
    -Its worth it
    -More Difficult
    If you enjoy RPG, you have to buy it because is amazing. The full game is GOTY
  29. Maquabra
    Nov 10, 2015
    10
    The story behind Hearts of Stone is deeper and more complex than most of contemporary full games. Unfortunately, you will most likely not experience it to the fullest.

    If you're not Polish, you'll miss out on ~20% of its content. You simply won't get some of the fantastic references. If you're not Slavic, you'll lose further ~10%. If you're not European, you'll be missing out on    The story behind Hearts of Stone is deeper and more complex than most of contemporary full games. Unfortunately, you will most likely not experience it to the fullest.

    If you're not Polish, you'll miss out on ~20% of its content. You simply won't get some of the fantastic references.
    If you're not Slavic, you'll lose further ~10%.
    If you're not European, you'll be missing out on further 10%.
    Although, if you are an educated Slavic person, you'll have a deeper understanding of some of these aspects. It would take a huge essay to cover it all.

    All in all, a typical American player will lose almost half of the story content.
    Still, there are new side quests, new characters, new locations, some really tough fights and climatic conversation.

    It's also worth mentioning that the expansion was relatively cheap.    … Expand
  30. GOODFELLA87
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    Well worth the 8 coins the new quests give a new lease of life to previously completed areas. I'm glad i kept the game even though i finished it months ago
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PS4 Game of 2015
34
#34 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
53
#53 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. GameCritics
    Jan 9, 2016
    90
    It's so good, in fact, that I'm still eager for more. It's a good thing that the next expansion, Blood and Wine, is coming soon...
    Read full review
  2. PSNStores
    Dec 17, 2015
    90
    From the many new locales and scenarios, to character development and the story’s twists and turns, Hearts of Stone is an experience that is absolutely worth checking out for fans of The Witcher 3.
    Read full review
  3. PLAY! Zine
    Dec 8, 2015
    90
    Good story, interesting characters, well written dialogue and new gameplay mechanics all make Hearts of Stone a must buy for Witcher 3 fans.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »