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For a first playthrough, a sensible story sequence is the main game, then Hearts of Stone, then Blood and Wine. That is a recommendation, not a requirement: CD PROJEKT RED says either expansion can also be started separately from the main menu. To move a save between supported platforms, link both copies of the game to the same CD PROJEKT RED account, create a new save to upload, and load it on the destination platform.
What order should you play The Witcher 3 and its expansions?
For a first run, play the main story, then Hearts of Stone, then Blood and Wine. This is a practical narrative recommendation rather than an official required order. CD PROJEKT RED’s FAQ says the expansions can be started separately from the main menu, and does not prescribe a required story sequence. CD PROJEKT RED: edition changes FAQ
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
![NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dWUfwFl5L._SL160_.jpg)
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NAMCO - CD Projekt Red - The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt - Complete Edition, Playstation 5 [English Edition] | $39.87 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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KARMA: The Dark World - Limited Edition - PS5 | $45.44 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Witcher Library Edition Volume 3 | $28.11 | Buy on Amazon |
The official product page describes the expansions as continuing Geralt’s adventure, but the sources cited here do not establish that The Witcher or The Witcher 2 is required to begin or understand The Witcher 3. They also do not settle the details of importing a Witcher 2 save, including platform-specific conditions or which choices it affects.
How does cross-progression work?
CD PROJEKT RED’s cross-progression instructions use a CD PROJEKT RED account to link supported copies of the game. Update the game to the latest patch shown on its title screen, enable cross-progression, and create a new save so it can upload. On the destination platform, connect the game to the same account and look for the uploaded save in Load Game. Uploaded saves display a cloud icon. CD PROJEKT RED support: cross-progression
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- On the source platform, install the latest patch shown on the title screen.
- Open Load Game and choose Cross Progression to connect your CD PROJEKT RED account. You can also check or toggle the setting under Options → Gameplay → Cross Progression.
- Leave cross-progression enabled and create a new save. The support instructions say the latest saves upload automatically; the feature covers the latest save for each save type.
- On the destination platform, connect the game to the same CD PROJEKT RED account, open Load Game, and select the uploaded save marked with a cloud icon.
For the Switch version, CD PROJEKT RED says players who previously used the version’s GOG or Steam cloud-save integration need to use cross-progression, introduced in update 4.04, to carry saves over. CD PROJEKT RED support: Switch cross-progression
How do you transfer a PS4 save to the PS5 next-generation version?
The next-generation version uses the account-linked cross-progression procedure. CD PROJEKT RED’s PS4-to-PS5 instructions specify patch 4.04 on PS4, connecting through My Rewards, and creating a new save to upload. On PS5, connect the game to that same account and load the uploaded save from Load Game. The uploaded save is identified by a cloud icon. CD PROJEKT RED support: PS4-to-PS5 save transfer
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This is not the same as playing the PS4 version on a PS5 through backward compatibility. For that separate route, CD PROJEKT RED describes using the same PlayStation account and options such as PlayStation Plus cloud upload, local network transfer, or compatible storage. Choose the method for the version you intend to play: a PS4 save used with the PS4 version on PS5 is a different path from transferring it into the PS5 next-generation version. CD PROJEKT RED support: PS4 saves on PS5
Why might a transferred save fail to load?
Check that the destination includes the game content used by the save. CD PROJEKT RED’s example says a base-game save without expansions can load in the Complete Edition, but a Complete Edition save will not load in a base game that lacks the expansions and DLC. Cross-progression does not bypass that content requirement. CD PROJEKT RED support: cross-progression save will not load
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- Confirm that the source and destination copies are connected to the same CD PROJEKT RED account.
- Check that cross-progression is enabled and that the source save has uploaded; look for the cloud icon.
- Check the destination’s installed game version and whether it includes the expansions or DLC used by the save.
- Confirm that the source and destination platforms and versions support the transfer route you are using.
CD PROJEKT RED’s edition-change FAQ says existing saves remain compatible after its packaging change. That does not remove the requirement for a destination to have the content needed by a particular save.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine included now?
The CD PROJEKT RED FAQ checked on October 4, 2026 says that after updating, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine are included in the Base Game at no extra cost. It says digital storefronts replace the Base Game with the Complete Edition; on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the two expansions are available to download for free. Existing owners keep their content, and the FAQ says achievements and trophies are unaffected. Since packaging can differ by platform and storefront, check the game listing and installed content for your platform. CD PROJEKT RED: edition changes FAQ
The same FAQ says the expansions can still be launched separately from the main menu. For New Game+, CD PROJEKT RED support says to complete the main storyline first, then start it from the main menu. Base Game owners may need to download the New Game Plus DLC; Complete Edition and Game of the Year already include it. An existing New Game+ save cannot be used to start another New Game+ run. CD PROJEKT RED support: starting New Game+
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
