The Witcher Netflix series is out, and many people are using their time between binge-watching to play the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt or reading the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski. While these require fans to toss a coin to access their Witcher, I tried my best with that; there is a way you can enter the world of Continent without tossing any amount of money at the monster hunters.
For those who want to explore the land and become a Witcher, there is a free copy of the R. Talsorion Games’ Witcher tabletop roleplaying game called Witcher Easy Mode. The 30-page document is an excellent introduction to the world of The Witcher. While the video game series, like the show, follows Geralt, the tabletop game allows players to become anyone they want. Be that a Witcher, a bard like Dandolion or Jaskier, or a sorcerer like Yennefer or Triss Merigold.
It presents a short yet informative description of the Continent and what players can expect to find on their journeys as well. The release of the television series has led to several people tossing coins at CD Projekt Red’s third installment of the game. The game’s price was reduced on Steam after the show hit Netflix.
Those who have played the games, especially Wild Hunt, are aware of just how unforgiving and deadly the Continent can be. So, the developers of Easy Mode begin the content with a message to players and dungeon masters. The tabletop RPG doesn’t hold back. The fights are challenging and are often deadly for the players. Though challenging, Easy Mode is designed to help guide new players and dungeon masters into the setting.
It’s a much more condensed version of the full Witcher Tabletop RPG Core Rulebook complete with its own adventure. Players begin by fleeing from Nilfgaardian soldiers and find themselves in a swamp filled with Drowners and Scia’tael elves. They then must find a way to exit the swamp and find safety in a nearby village.
It’s a different experience than playing a video game. While not any more fun or less fun, it allows players the freedom to truly become another person and live out their fantasies of slaying monsters or becoming a Witcher. Witcher Easy Mode is fun, fast-paced, and engaging.
It’s available on Dungeon Masters Guild for free while the full version of the tabletop RPG is available through R. Talsorian Games.