From what has been arguably the most intriguing feature within The Witcher 3, the same developers are set to be releasing Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, a spin-off set to release sometime in 2018. The game had originally been a mini-game the player could play in the world by collecting/obtaining cards and then playing against AI players, but it quickly caught fire with the community and some have said they play the game only for the said feature. Gwent is expected to join the popular online TCG game rotations with games including Hearthstone, Clash Royale, and more. The game is expected to go F2P and the depth of its “pay 2 win” has not been fully assessed as of yet.
How to Download Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
You can download the game for free from GOG or directly from the Gwent site. To begin, click on the Download button at the end of the review
The Game Review
As a general summary for those familiar and new to the game, the card game is built around a faction leader. While the original mini-game had a simple stand-in being the “faction leader” that would trigger some moves given specific conditions, Gwent will feature unique faction leaders that will have more purpose and impact throughout the play.
As a reference, think of it as classes found in Hearthstone, such as the Priest that could heal or the Mage that could damage with firebolts. Existing cards are said to be getting extensive updates and new cards will add to the complexity Gwent is featured to display upon release. Just a little sneak peek for those following or familiar with Gwent, Legendary Gold cards are getting “fixed” as the invincibility of certain cards can no longer be active throughout the game’s future. This opens up the playing field more for players as such cards would often take up whole columns as cards often triggered effects and attack that related to other cards in front or behind them.
Beyond UI and gameplay changes, weather effects will also be a part of the games now and I do not mean visual effects of downpour or radiant heat. It will be a new mechanic that features spells impact whole rows of units or spells that may act as clears. The reason why it is worth mentioning by itself is that it will be a major change to the way a player can interact on the board.
Gwent players will also be getting a single player campaign for the game titled Thronebreaker which is an off-grid story written by the same folks for Witcher 3 where Gwent battles represent the conflicts. It is said to be an estimated 15 hours worth of content and will be an integral part of the game instead of being a side campaign sort of deal as with many card games often done.
Players may actually be more fond of the singleplayer as it pertains to Gwent’s storyline in general. Through the campaign, there are cards and heroes to be earned while teaching players the layered complexity of the magnificent game that only started as a side job.
