No prior understanding of earlier books is needed.
No prior understanding of earlier books is needed.
The narrative in The Witcher 3 stands on its own, with most details clarified within the game itself. I believe the game invites deeper exploration, prompting players who truly value the story to seek out the first two titles or even the novels for full understanding. For those who prefer a lighter experience, The Witcher 3 offers a complete story without needing external references. Side missions don’t depend on past events or encounters, and any historical nods are found in books across all three games.
So if it stands alone, it isn't really setting the stage for the whole series because the stories don't rely on prior episodes. Tales from the borderlands are similar to saying the Caribbean pirate rollercoaster is a great start to the movie series, right?
I see your perspective, but The Witcher 3 offers its own story to those who dive deep into the world. For fans who appreciate the lore and Geralt's experiences—like scars, past encounters, political moments—the game naturally connects with The Witcher 1 and 2. I suggest starting with The Witcher 3 for a smooth experience, as it’s the most accessible in terms of gameplay and storytelling. If you enjoy it, try the recommended order: 3 → 1 → 2, and feel free to replay 3 if you want more immersion.
Borderlands 2 seems like a smoother starting point. You might manage without Borderlands 1, and you could still grasp the main storyline with TFTB. However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the game's world, playing Borderlands 2 is the best choice. Still, I think Tales from the Borderlands did a superior job bringing the universe to life compared to Gearbox. The Borderlands titles focus more on shooting and looting.
Some elements come from earlier titles, but most are first introduced through stories that don’t depend on prior knowledge. Since the narrative shifts to a completely different group’s viewpoint, it’s an excellent entry point.