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The gaming landscape is unfortunately littered with so-called “expansions” that feel more like overpriced slivers of cut content. Weapons, armor, characters, and entire quest lines are often withheld from the base game only to be sold later as Downloadable Content (DLC). Even when a true expansion is released, it can often feel lacking in content, short on playtime, and simplistic in gameplay. This has led many to question the value proposition of expansions, especially when asked to pay a premium price. Approaching The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Hearts of Stone expansion with this skepticism, I was pleasantly surprised. Hearts of Stone doesn’t just meet the standards of a great expansion; it sets a new bar.

alt text: Geralt fighting a monster in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone

Expanding on Excellence

Hearts of Stone immerses players in a new chapter of Geralt’s saga, showcasing the narrative strengths that CD Projekt RED established in previous installments. Themes of love, hate, greed, and regret are explored with nuance and depth. The narrative brilliance lies in experiencing these themes not only through Geralt’s perspective, as he reconnects with Shani, the medic from the first game, but also through the lens of an outsider as he fulfills three wishes for Olgierd von Everec, the expansion’s central figure. Even players unfamiliar with The Witcher series will quickly grasp the complexities of Geralt and Shani’s relationship through masterful storytelling and dialogue. The expansion elegantly portrays the rekindling of a past romance, only to be tempered by the realities of Geralt’s destiny.

alt text: A dramatic scene from The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone expansion

Character and Cutscenes: Elevating the Experience

CD Projekt RED’s character development in Hearts of Stone is exceptional. From their actions and gestures to their expressions and voice acting, each character feels distinct and genuine. Shani’s intelligence, wit, and determination are instantly captivating. Conversely, Gaunter O’Dimm, with his mesmerizing voice and enigmatic presence, exudes an unsettling aura of power and mystery. These well-crafted characters are seamlessly woven into a narrative that begins with seemingly mundane tasks, yet quickly spirals into a captivating adventure revolving around Olgierd’s three wishes. Each wish presents a unique gameplay experience, from impersonating Olgierd’s brother to woo Shani, to navigating a nightmarish alternate dimension, and even orchestrating a heist at an auction house. While building upon the core gameplay mechanics of The Witcher 3, these scenarios offer refreshing twists and a distinct feel. The artful cutscenes further enhance the experience, punctuating key moments with visual flair. Whether it’s a romantic boat ride under the moonlight or a smoke-filled mansion steeped in an eerie atmosphere, CD Projekt RED masterfully uses cutscenes to underscore the mood and tone of each scene, enriching the game’s world with a captivating blend of fantasy and mystique.

alt text: Geralt exploring a new location in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone

Combat Enhanced: New Challenges and Runewords

Addressing criticisms of the base game’s combat simplicity, Hearts of Stone introduces new enemies and the Runeword mechanic. Players will face not only a new breed of Arachnomorph monsters but also meticulously designed mini-bosses with unique fighting styles and abilities. The Caretaker, a Relict monster, stands out as a particularly formidable foe, wielding devastating combos, area-of-effect attacks, and a life-stealing weapon that can quickly turn the tide of battle. These mini-bosses serve not only as challenging encounters but also contribute to the expansion’s rich lore and atmosphere. The addition of Runewords further enhances combat by allowing players to imbue their weapons and armor with powerful runes that offer more than just stat boosts. Runewords introduce new abilities and playstyles, significantly impacting combat strategy. For instance, the Replenishment Runeword allows for faster Quen shield regeneration, enabling aggressive play against swarms of enemies like the Arachnomorphs.

alt text: Geralt facing off against a powerful enemy in The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone

A Bittersweet Farewell

While Hearts of Stone offers a wealth of content for its price, offering upwards of 15 hours of gameplay, its brevity is its only real drawback. The expansion introduces so many exciting new possibilities, from compelling characters to innovative gameplay mechanics, that it leaves players wanting more. The Runeword system, for instance, becomes accessible relatively late in the game due to level and financial requirements, limiting the time players have to fully explore its potential. Despite this, Hearts of Stone remains a shining example of a truly worthwhile expansion, delivering a compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and a significant amount of content for its price. It leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the potential for future expansions and solidifying The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s position as a landmark RPG.