CD Projekt Red rose to stardom after it finished developing the highly popular Witcher video game trilogy. By the release of the third installment, the developer had set a benchmark for fantasy RPGs. The games themselves are based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels. They detail the story of Geralt of Rivia, who is a monster slayer for hire.

While the games are based on the books, they actually take place after the source material. This decision allowed CD Projekt Red to create a vibrant world full of life that wasn’t restricted to the confines of the book. However, with this, comes some pretty significant changes.

10 Similar: The Lodge of Sorceresses

The Lodge of Sorceresses is a name that both fans of the books and games should be familiar with. In Sapkowski’s novels, the group is formed in response to the collapse of the Brotherhood of Mages. It is exclusively for women and intended to govern magic with no influence from politics.

Ultimately, the organization ends with multiple sorceresses being imprisoned or killed. In The Witcher 2: Assassin of Kings, however, the group is revived and plays a huge role in the game’s narrative.

9 Different: Geralt Hates Beards

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt fans may not like this, but in the books, Geralt of Rivia detests facial hair. The game allows players to customize the White Wolf’s hair and beard combo.

This decision was ultimately made because, fundamentally, the game is an RPG and players should be allowed to choose as much as possible. In the books though, Geralt shaves as often as he can.

8 Similar: The Last Wish

During the third game, Geralt and Yennefer embark on a side quest involving a Djinn. These are basically genies that can grant wishes to people. This isn’t the first time the pair encounter one. In “The Last Wish” short story, Geralt and Yennefer meet a Djinn and the White Wolf winds up wishing that their fates be intertwined indefinitely.

The side mission is a nod to the books, as Yennefer wants to know whether they’d still love each other without the wish. Given the game allows for multiple romance options, there isn’t a ’true’ canonical ending for Geralt’s romance. Though, the general consensus is that he should end up with Yennefer.

7 Different: Triss’ Scars

Throughout all mediums of the Witcher franchise, the Battle of Sodden Hill is often mentioned. It was even adapted into Netflix’s TV show based on books. This was an extremely significant event in Sapkowki’s world that resulted in the deaths of many sorceresses. At one time, Geralt believed both Triss and Yennefer were lost in this battle.

Neither actually died, though, Triss did suffer severe burn marks around her neckline. As such, she never actively shows this part of her body. However, in the games, she wears clothes that almost always show her neckline. But, there are no scars.

6 Similar: Supernatural Events Are Based On Folklore

Part of what made Sapkowki’s novels so enchanting (and by default the games) was how they were enriched and inspired by classic Slavic folklore. This is something that CD Projekt Red took much care of, as many side quests are based on these supernatural tales.

For example, fans may recall the Bloody Baron’s questline in the third game. Dependent on how they approached it, they may have encountered a Botchling. These are creatures that are the product of unwanted and unborn babies that resemble a deformed fetus. While disgusting, this demonic entity is based on actual folklore.

5 Different: Signs Are Not Overpowered

For the sake of creating an immersive RPG experience, CD Projekt Red made Witcher signs rather overpowered, as this allowed players to make magic builds. Each one has unique applications for certain fights. For instance, Yrden can be used against Noonwraiths and Nightwraiths.

In the books, however, the Witcher signs are nowhere near as powerful. While in the games Igni can be used to set a foe on fire, it can only really be used to set a rope aflame in the books.

4 Similar: Geralt Is Always Trying To Save Ciri

If you hadn’t realized throughout the course of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Geralt constantly seems to be chasing Ciri to save her from impending doom. This theme is most prevalent in the books, as it is the main focal point for the narrative. In the first two games, saving Ciri is less of a focus.

By the third installment though, CD Projekt Red looked to tie in the games with the books. This naturally meant that Ciri needed to be saved. It was a nice touch from the developer to try and link it back to the books, even in spite of the differences between the two.

3 Different: Dandelion Is More Important

In the games, Geralt’s faithful friend and gifted bard Dandelion is largely a narrator of sorts. He is portrayed as someone that the White Wolf is close with, but his characterization isn’t as prominent as it is in the books.

In Sapkowski’s novels, Dandelion is actually really famous. People from all over have heard his bards. Similar to the games, he’s not exactly a fighter, but he’s no coward either. The games would have him shy away from conflict when in the books he would much rather die at Geralt’s side.

2 Similar: They Are Both Morally Complex

Both the games and books have countless quotable lines on morality. They look deeper beneath all choices and question the complexity of every scenario. The book version of Geralt is far more philosophical than his virtual counterpart, but overall, both mediums tackle morality head-on.

The Witcher games are a rare example of RPGs that create scenarios for players to choose endings that actually feel as though they have weight. Even the modern Assassin’s Creed RPG formula has attempted to replicate this, although without much success.

1 Different: The White Frost

The overarching goal in The Witcher 3 is to save Ciri from both the Wild Hunt and the White Frost. The latter is an event stipulated to bring about the end of the world. Fans have speculated that, in the context of the books, the White Frost refers to climate change.

It is posited as something slightly different in the games, and in The Witcher 3, Ciri manages to defeat it. There are three variations on this ending, but in each of them, it is defeated. Interestingly, this plotline isn’t actually concluded in the books. After losing both Geralt and Yennefer, Ciri chooses to remain in the Arthurian world she has traveled to, leaving her original home behind.

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