The Witcher 3: Blood & Wine (2016): The Review

Overview

Blood & Wine isn’t just an expansion—it’s a full-fledged RPG in its own right. This massive DLC for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt transports Geralt to the breathtaking land of Toussaint, a sun-soaked, fairytale kingdom hiding dark secrets beneath its chivalric surface. With a captivating new story, a gorgeous open world, and a wealth of new quests, weapons, and gameplay improvements, Blood & Wine is an outstanding send-off for Geralt of Rivia. While a few minor pacing issues and the occasional bug keep it from total perfection, it’s an essential experience for any Witcher fan.

Score: 9 out of 10

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The Positives ✅

Toussaint is absolutely stunning, a bright, colorful dreamland that feels like it belongs in a fairytale, yet still manages to carry the gritty weight of the world of The Witcher. It’s a major vibe shift from the base game’s gloom, and it works beautifully.

The main story hits hard, diving into a moody, vampire-filled narrative full of moral twists and standout characters. It’s mature, it’s layered, and honestly, it might be one of Geralt’s best arcs.

Combat gets a nice shake-up too, thanks to the new mutation system, which lets you tweak and tailor your playstyle even further. And having your own vineyard? Pure fan service, in the best way.

Even the side quests slap. Some of the most seemingly random errands spiral into hilarious, heartbreaking, or surprisingly deep adventures. That classic Witcher magic is very much alive.

And let’s not forget the loot: Grandmaster gear, gnarly new monsters, and enough shiny toys to keep your inventory overflowing. It all lands alongside a much-needed UI refresh and quality-of-life polish that makes Blood & Wine feel like a true sendoff—not just for the expansion, but for Geralt himself.

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The Negatives ⚠️

As great as Blood & Wine is, it’s not without a few stumbles. The pacing can drag a bit, especially in the middle stretch, where the momentum slows down just enough to make you check your quest log a little too often.

There are also still a few lingering bugs. Nothing game-breaking, but the occasional glitchy cutscene or quest hiccup reminds you you’re still in CDPR’s janky-but-lovable world.

And while Toussaint is gorgeous, it’s also... kinda safe? Compared to grimy Velen or stormy Skellige, the region feels a bit too clean and peaceful at times, which can undercut the tension, especially for players craving that darker edge.

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The Experience 🎮

Blood & Wine isn’t just “more Witcher”, it’s some of the best the series has to offer. From the moment you ride into Toussaint’s sun-soaked vineyards, it’s clear this is a world bursting with color, charm, and secrets. The vampire mystery hits hard, the characters are unforgettable, and Geralt’s final ride feels like a bittersweet farewell done right.

It doesn’t shake up the formula, but it doesn’t need to. This is DLC at its finest, massive, meaningful, and polished to near-perfection. Whether you're hunting beasts in moonlit fields or customizing your vineyard retreat, Blood & Wine is an absolute joy. A triumphant epilogue for one of gaming’s greatest adventures. 🍷🗡️