Since The Witcher 3 came out in May, developer CD Projekt Red has released 16 pieces of free post-release downloadable content, ranging from missions to outfits to gear. Some of that stuff was superb. Some was less superb. Let’s rank it all, best to worst.
Before we do that: It should go without saying that no matter which DLC “wins,” everyone wins. I’ve been spoiled by The Witcher 3‘s drip-feed of cool new stuff, and it’s made this game a pleasure to continually revisit for months after I first completed it. If you want something more in-depth, I’ve already written about first batch of DLC, the second batch, and the final (tough!) New Game+ mode.
Let’s get ranking. Here they are, going from best to worst.
1. Skellige’s Most Wanted
Easily the best of the new missions, and all the better because it actually ties in with some of the decisions you made in the rest of the game.
2. New Game+
A sturdy new mode that makes the game harder in case you wanted to go through again and make different choices without reforging all your cool gear.
3. Wolf School Gear
An in-depth treasure hunt that takes you to some really cool locations, including a tour of the hidden corners of Kaer Morhen. Cool armour, too.
4. Beard and Hairstyle Set
Look, it’s more beards and hairdos. So what if we all stick with a beard and the silver-fox longhair look? It’s nice to have options.
5. Fool’s Gold
Geralt has a serious conversation with a pig. That’s really all you need to know.
6. New Finisher Animations
More blood, more severed limbs, more fun for everyone.
7. Alternative Look For Ciri
The best of the “alternative look” options. Makes Ciri look somewhat more ready for battle than she did before.
8. Where The Cat And Wolf Play
A decent enough quest, but the culminating showdown was an anti-climax, at least for me.
9. Temerian Armour
Not particularly exciting on its own, but a solid set of armour for people starting a new game who don’t have Witcher gear yet.
10. Alternative Look For Yennefer
Not horrible, but corny when compared with Yen’s basic outfit. The feathers are neat.
11. Skellige Armour Set
The man-armour can’t match custom Witcher gear, but the horse-armour is top-notch.
12. Missing Miners
A ho-hum monster contract that I’ve already forgotten about.
13. Ballad Heroes – Gwent Card Set
I don’t care about Gwent. I know, I know, I should play. I barely have time to play Hearthstone, ok? Anyway, if I cared about Gwent, this would probably be higher.
14. Elite Crossbow Set
Not as good as the high-level Witcher crossbows. Probably useful if you don’t have those crossbows yet, though. Then again… they’re crossbows. Who even cares.
15. Nilfgaardian Armour Set
Cool-looking armour, but it’s from Nilfgaard. Fuck Nilfgaard.
16. Alternative Look For Triss
Makes an otherwise cool character look like a hokey dork.
Comments
3 responses to “The Witcher 3’s Free DLC, Ranked”
The ‘alternative look’ DLC isn’t worth it for any of them because they jarringly switch back to the standard appearance in many cutscenes.
You are dead to me.
I would’ve rated Skellige’s Most Wanted higher but it bugged out so bad I couldn’t finish it. I adored this game but it was easily the buggiest game I’ve ever played. My quest log had about 6 broken, unfinishable quests in it when I’d finished the game.