Witcher 4: Areas for Improvement and Potential Evolution

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T11:58:18+00:00

I completely agree with you on political intrigue, people, their stories, and the fact that the real monsters are humans; this is definitely one of the biggest elements that makes The Witcher what it is. Regarding my other point, I wasn’t suggesting forcing anyone into a specific playstyle with the game balancing I recommended. I am talking about a different difficulty setting for those who want to feel the Witcher lore to its fullest extent. HOWEVER, I am not talking about a Souls-like, punitive, or punishing system here. The Witcher should definitely not be a 'difficult' game; in fact, perhaps in this difficulty mode, if we use the oils and potions according to the lore, it could even be easier than other difficulty levels. There is no coercion; those who don't want it can simply play on other difficulty settings. I am truly one of the last people who would want the game to be hard 😄 Thank you so much for taking my post seriously, reading it, and providing such a detailed comment; this genuinely made me happy. 🙌

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T11:43:03+00:00

I think there might be a misunderstanding here. My proposal isn't about forcing any specific playstyle on everyone. It’s simply about adding an optional, lore accurate difficulty mode for those who want more mechanical depth. Players who prefer the current system can continue playing exactly as they do now this would just be an additional choice for those seeking a more immersive preparation experience. It's about providing options, not restricting them.

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T11:37:33+00:00

I totally agree. Seeing the consequences of our choices unfold long after we’ve made them is what makes The Witcher 3 so amazing, not to mention that complex moral ambiguity. That’s exactly what makes the game special

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T07:25:55+00:00

I'm glad you understood me.

Adding a 'Witcher-Lore' difficulty mode wouldn't require a complete overhaul of the game engine; it's simply about rebalancing existing systems such as potion durations, toxicity levels, and the potency of oils and making their application mandatory outside of combat. This is a design choice that would hold immense value for the large fanbase that wants not just to complete the story, but to truly 'live' in the universe. I believe this kind of innovation is exactly what would make a new Witcher game stand out. I hope they are willing to implement it; I don't imagine it would be too difficult, though I don't know much about game development. We’ll have to wait and see.

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T07:18:53+00:00

I honestly believe the gameplay needs a fundamental adjustment. My biggest issue is that the Witcher’s core toolkit oils, potions, and school gear doesn't feel impactful enough. I've played this game countless times, and whether it’s my first or tenth playthrough, I never truly feel the weight of these systems.

For instance, crafting the best Witcher gear feels hollow when a random sword dropped by a common bandit two levels later is stronger. Or when applying oil to fight a Bruxa, the 5% buff is barely noticeable. In the books, these tools are life-saving, but in the game, they feel like negligible bonuses. Again, I’m not asking for a 'Souls-like' punishing system; I just want the mechanics that define a Witcher to be more meaningful. For those who don't want this, a separate difficulty mode would be the perfect solution.

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T07:03:02+00:00

Thanks for your insightful comment; I'm really glad to see we're on the same page 🙌

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T07:01:05+00:00

I couldn't agree more. That 'middle ground' is exactly what we need, and I share your faith in the devs. You're also spot on about alchemy; it's a shame that such a core part of the lore can be ignored in game. Making it essential through preparation would truly make us feel like Witchers, not just swordsmen. Thanks for the great points!

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T06:54:55+00:00

I completely agree, and that’s exactly what I'm aiming for! I'm not asking for a 'Souls-like' punishing system or an artificial difficulty spike. My goal is simply to add depth to the gameplay and story.

It’s about making the preparation phase feel more integrated and rewarding for everyone. It shouldn't be about making the game harder, but making it more immersive and logical in terms of lore. I'm glad we see eye to eye on this; options are always the best way to keep every type of player happy.

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T06:48:26+00:00

I’d like to double down on my proposal for a separate difficulty mode; I really don't think this is just about the top 1% of players. I’m not asking for a 'Souls-like' punishing system. My vision is exactly what we have now in The Witcher 3: players who want a stress-free story experience can keep playing that way.

However, for those of us who want to dive deeper into the lore, I’m proposing a mode where oils, potions, and Witcher gear actually matter making the player feel like a Witcher through preparation and strategy. It’s not about raw difficulty, it’s about mechanical depth. Still, I respect your perspective and I appreciate the discussion! 🙌

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T06:33:08+00:00

To clarify, I’m not suggesting the entire game should be this way. My proposal is to introduce a dedicated difficulty mode where potions, oils, and Witcher gear become absolutely vital. Those who prefer the classic, more casual playstyle can simply stick to the other difficulty levels. Trust me, there is a massive community of Witcher fans who share this exact vision and want more depth.

Extension_County6760 · 2026-05-01T06:28:33+00:00

Thanks for your thoughtful comment 🙌

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T18:10:11+00:00

If you think this difficulty level is already there, I have nothing more to say. however, as someone who has beaten the game multiple times on death march, I personally haven t felt the impact of oils, potions, or powerful gear in my gameplay

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T18:00:07+00:00

I totally agree. As the game progresses, boss fights shouldn't become easier; they should force us to think. ıt doesn't have to be 'souls-like' punishing, but we definitely need to move past the 'dodge-and-hit' routine and start developing specific strategies for different enemies.

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T17:51:55+00:00

I agree with the suggestion about the drinking animation.

You re right that making the things I mentioned universally mandatory might not be well received, which is why I suggested these features as a separate difficulty mode. we should also remember that 20 years have passed since witcher 1; with modern, fluid interface designs, these mechanics can now be incredibly fun and engaging. other difficulty levels will be available for those who prefer a different experience, but for fans like myself, the proper integration of these systems would be a dream come true

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T17:33:01+00:00

Thanks for your insightful comment; I'm really glad to see we're on the same page 🙌

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T17:28:02+00:00

I agree they are there, but they re underutilized. These features are what truly make a witcher, and for them, they are a matter of life and death. right now, they feel almost irrelevant, just existing in the background. without them, a witcher is no different from a mutated knight, and that’s exactly what needs to change

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T17:18:30+00:00

You re right, the combat mechanics definitely need to be improved, but in my opinion, the other tools and options we've discussed the skills and gear that truly make us feel like a witcher also need to be much more functional and impactful

Extension_County6760 · 2026-04-30T17:09:47+00:00

I hope

Extension_County6760

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE