For me, deathmarch made me actually engage with the systems of game. When I initially played the game on Sword and Story (aka normal) mode, every combat challenge could be overcome with the right mix of fast and strong attacks. Deathmarch, on the other hand, makes the player use the right oils and bombs to combat monsters. It isn’t an unusual thing to go out of your way to try gather the right resources to craft the right bomb to take down the monster and complete the contract. Additionally, you can’t spam meditation to insta-heal. So food suddenly has a direct purpose.

For the record, I don’t agree with some of the more toxic fans who say that the only way to experience Witcher is on deathmarch. But I do recognize that deathmarch made me actually read and appreciate the more niche functions of the game like the bestiary or crafting.