The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is, of its own accord, one of the best games of consoles that already drawing to a close. However, the latest videogame adaptation of the characters created by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski continues to attract new players. This immense, epic work developed by Cd Projekt Red, which came out in May 2015, is considered by critics and players alike to be one of the most complete RPG around and one of the most beautiful open worlds of the generation. Now, with the Netflix premiere of a series inspired by the books, the videogame is back on the road to success. Many new players have found their way to the Continent and we’re here to help you through the difficult early stages. Pack your saddlebags and saddle up Roach, the Wild Hunt is on

Don’t get overwhelmed by the size of the map.

Novigrad, Skellige, Vizima or the regions of Redania, Temeria and Nilfgaard. These are just a few of the main areas we’ll visit in The Witcher 3, but there are many, many more. The game map is truly one of the largest and most varied of any game in this generation. It has villages, forests, caves, islands, wastelands and bogs full of humans (friend and foe), elves, wolves and monsters to hunt. Our tip is to not get overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of places to visit. It is best to let the story guide you from place to place for the first few hours of play time. You’ll have time to get lost in these beautiful landscapes once you’re familiar with the controls and how the game Works.

Best go easy on ? the points

Another thing that can be a bit much at first is all the points of interest - which are marked with a ? on the map. These points of interest mark secondary quests, characters or even cities and villages. We’ll say it again: you don’t have to do all of them. At the beginning, it’s best to let the main quests and the narration lead you to these ? points because later on you’ll have the time and freedom to do what you want. If you start off trying to complete the map and get rid of the points of interest, you may end up bored and miss out on a huge adventure.

Get comfortable with the menus.

The menus on The Witcher can be a turning point in terms of starting off the game on the right foot. And yes, you’ve guessed it, they can be extremely overwhelming. Several tabs, more information than in the Library of Alexandria and a huge inventory, as well as potions, elixirs, oils and signs to organise. The menu has everything, absolutely everything, that Geralt needs as a witcher. A full collection of characters, royal bloodlines, families, places, beings, creatures, plants and weapons; explanations of the regions that make up the Continent; and, most importantly, it is where you manage your inventory of weapons, signs, potions, oils and elixirs. Knowing how to organise, and equip, yourself, choosing the right armour and weapons for each contract, is essential if you want to complete the quest safely. Of course, RPG-lovers will thoroughly enjoy this. And for anyone just looking for an adventure: sorry but you have to put up with this. It’s the price you have to pay to enjoy this incredible story.

Learn to make potions and oils.

A lifetime as the witcher of Kaer Morhen brings the know-how needed to create potions, elixirs and oils that give you specific advantages in battle against the most abominable creatures. Geralt of Rivia is an expert, veteran warrior but a bit of extra help never goes amiss. Potions and elixirs help you boost your vitality or endurance, or strengthen your attacks. Oils make your swords and weapons more powerful or durable, or attack rivals with poison, fire or electricity. Knowing which type of monster you are facing and infusing your weapons and body with elements they are susceptible to can make a big difference in the outcome of the fight. Only a few drops of elixir stand between success and failure.

Enjoy the journey and the secondary quests.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an epic journey towards your Destiny. Along the way, you will have total freedom to do as you please. Visit the points of interest, be dazzled by the beautiful landscapes, fight an endless variety of creatures, experience the tragedies of war, join political conspiracies, have wanton romances... And our main tip is to enjoy each and every one of these experiences. Yes, even some hands of Gwent. And don’t be afraid, once you’ve got deeper into the adventure and become the White Wolf, to go on the secondary quests that open up with this title. Because, for the majority of the community, these quests are one of the best parts of The Witcher 3.