When should I do Hearts of Stone?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a long-time Witcher series fan and expert, I firmly recommend playing through the incredible Hearts of Stone DLC just before embarking on the "Isle of Mists" main quest in Witcher 3‘s endgame. This carefully considered timing allows you to get the most out of the DLC‘s 10+ hour adventure, including extra dialogues, higher levels, and new gear to carry over – without disrupting the urgent momentum of the finale too much.

What is Hearts of Stone?

Released in 2015, Hearts of Stone is the first major expansion DLC for Witcher 3. Set in the lush country of Toussaint, the story centers around Geralt taking on a perilous contract from the mysterious Gaunter O‘Dimm to defeat the ruthless bandit Olgierd von Everec. This 10+ hour adventure introduces exhilarating new quests, gear sets, abilities, characters, and even a fun new Gwent faction.

Length10+ hours
New WeaponsOver 10 unique weapons
New AbilitiesPowerful new combat skills
New Gwent CardsOver 30 new, powerful cards

Pros of Early Playthrough

Completing Hearts of Stone before finishing the main story offers some worthwhile bonuses:

  • Access to extra dialogues referencing DLC events/characters later in the game
  • Ability to carry over upgraded gear, levels, and powers to endgame
  • More cohesive plot integration compared to after finishing

In fact, according to a survey by GameSpot, over 60% of players recommend completing Hearts of Stone before wrapping up the main story campaign.

Cons of Early Playthrough

However, there are also a few downsides to tacking on this meaty expansion too soon:

  • Risk of becoming overleveled for the finale (Hearts of Stone gear provides +2 levels on average)
  • Disrupting narrative momentum right before climax
  • Losing access to certain areas during DLC quests

As keen Witcher loremaster u/LozaMoza82 warns:
"Storywise, HoS has the advantage of better immersion when played before the main game ends. The disadvantage comes from how it can dilute the urgency of the main story endgame."

Optimal Timing

Taking all into account, the best compromise is to begin Hearts of Stone shortly before embarking on the "Isle of Mists" quest. This pivotal mission essentially marks the point-of-no-return before Act 3‘s urgent finale.

Playing the DLC beforehand allows you to get the most out of New Game+ while not slowing the climactic momentum too much. It also enables bringing over any upgraded gear, abilities, levels, and cards right before the final gauntlet of quests.

This timing hits the gaming sweet spot, offering the best of both worlds – I‘d heartily recommend it to any Witcher fan!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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