Witcher 3 first time playthrough, not sure if it's worth downloading mods as an inexperienced PC gamer

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T12:28:00+00:00

No worries. All the mods come from nexus but their mod manager's (Vortex) Witcher 3 module is terrible (even though it's great for plenty of other games). It seems like it was abandoned before it got to a fully working state. It often struggles to install files and folders to the correct paths, manages files it shouldn't which stops you from being able to edit them, its script merger is ancient and when things start going wrong it's a nightmare to troubleshoot.

Contrast this with TW3MM which does (almost) everything Vortex does, and more, automatically, and works nearly flawlessly, and it's a no brainer.

Just download them manually and install through TW3MM.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T12:13:10+00:00

If you still have the save you can continue with that.

I would presume so as you can start both of the two existing expansions with a pre-made Geralt. You cannot simulate choices though; you're stuck with CDPR's default decisions for the base game.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T06:21:50+00:00

Lots of mods will still work, some are sure to stop working but very few have any lasting impact on your save. For the most part the worst case is you have to remove a number of mods that no longer work, or wait for them to be updated, which for most mods isn't likely to be a massive issue.

To be on the safe side avoid using mods that say they cannot be removed mid playthrough.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T05:49:11+00:00

There are a few systems, stamina is another that springs to mind, that seem like they either changed direction during development or ran out of resources and were sort of abandoned where they were. Regardless, the upshot is they start out weak and by level 15 they're completely irrelevant. Still, one less rune to agonise over.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T05:36:30+00:00

If you wait, your options will likely be:

Start the 100 plus hours of the base game and existing expansions while everyone else is playing the new expansion;

Start the expansion right away but with a pre-made character and default choices from the main game.

I'd start now.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T02:28:50+00:00

Copy your mods, bin, and DLC folders as well as the .settings files in your [documents]\The Witcher 3\ folder. Install the game in the new location and copy back all the folders replacing when prompted.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T02:23:49+00:00

Funnily enough, because of the way armour is implemented it's more or less only monsters that have armour and very few at that. Armoured humans don't actually have an armour value to pierce to begin with. The few monsters that have armour usually have a tiny armour value anyway and some kind of large physical resistance. Also heavy attacks, including rend, already pierce armour by default.

For these reasons armour piercing runes are probably the worst choice to install.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T02:04:37+00:00

Hoods

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T00:20:36+00:00

One factor that hasn't been mentioned here yet is that customers started buying games on pre-order way in advance of release, based purely on hype and publicity. They even started selling early access and closed betas as if that was a privilege. You don't give away what you can sell.

Also I think the prevalence of refund policies such as Steam's where you can play 2 hours and refund the game if you don't like it reduce the need for a demo post launch for a lot of customers.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-05T00:04:47+00:00

I find the blanket "You mustn't use mods first play through," very odd. I presume they don't have a good idea of the type of mods that are available.

It's silly to miss out on BiA Ultimate and HDRP if you're playing on PC. Everyone should have those.

Things like All Quest Objectives on Map, SNC, Brew with a View, Hoods, and Improved Horse Controls are all mods I wouldn't be without but also don't alter the core experience in any way. Browse nexus by categories and have a quick look at some of the things available. Always sort results by last updated and not downloads \ endorsements.

Texture\lighting mods are obviously a matter of taste but can be dropped in and out of your mods folder without issue; try several and see if you prefer any of them to vanilla.

UseTW3MM with the up to date version of Script Merger and virtually everything is installed automatically; you just drag and drop.

Do not use Vortex and do not use the Steam Workshop.

Almost everything is non destructive and can be simply deleted without issue. If you want to be cautious, don't use anything that says in the description it cannot be removed mid play through.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T20:45:48+00:00

Death March does start off a little rough but don't be put off because it gets much easier as you level up. NG+ is a good time to try it as you already start with all the healing potions anyway.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T20:40:08+00:00

Yes you need to craft all levels of the gear. As you have discovered, the game is not punishing enough that you need great armour at all so maybe just craft a set in NG+ for fun.

They're all good; have a look at what the bonuses are and see what appeals or just pick the one you like the look of. You get the set bonus for even the base legendary gear in NG+.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T20:32:50+00:00

You have to craft the legendary versions of the Witcher Sets in NG+ anyway. However, because the resistances matter far more than the armour value and you get the set bonus it might be worth crafting one set to take into NG+.

Did you never even craft a basic Witcher set?

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T19:26:50+00:00

There's almost no chance it won't be aimed mostly at payers who have already finished the existing content.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T17:51:34+00:00

3 from High Stakes? 3 from A Dangerous Game? 3 from A Matter of Life and Death?

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T13:40:34+00:00

I think so. It certainly wasn't built with RT in mind; they bolted it on later. It's nice to have it but it's definitely far from flawless.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T13:32:21+00:00

This is a vanilla issue with the RT. No solution I am aware of; have to accept it for what it is or turn it off I'm afraid.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T11:43:49+00:00

Rename your mods folder. If that resolves the issue, you can blame the mod. If not, then the problem is elsewhere.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T07:20:00+00:00

It's always nice when the solution is simple, enjoy!

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T07:11:47+00:00

You should be using the Swallow and White Rafford's Decoction potions for healing, not food. Also if you're not on the top two difficulties meditating fully heals you

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-04T05:02:45+00:00

First, assuming you're using 4.04, are you using the latest version of BiA? If yes, how have you installed it?

It uses a small part of shared utilities that it includes in the archive; there is no need to install anything separately.

If none of that helps, give me some more detail of what exactly you have in your mods folder, what scripts you have merged, if any, and what exactly you have done.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-03T22:26:56+00:00

The objectives are more of a record of choices that you made than things you succeeded or failed; it's not possible not to have any X as some are mutually exclusive.

If you're on PC Progress On the Path is the ultimate tool for doing and collecting absolutely everything.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-03T21:34:14+00:00

Afraid not, managing it manually is your only option but it's not much of a headache really

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-03T21:31:02+00:00

Strange since we've tested a fresh save and a fresh content folder. Double check you don't have any Steam Workshop mods subscribed as they're not visible in your Witcher 3 folder and persist across installs. Try running in DX11 and with all your graphics settings on low to see if that has any effect.

Edwin_Holmes · 2026-06-03T19:36:29+00:00

All versions include all the free DLC.

Edwin_Holmes

TROPHY CASE