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The World of the Witcher Hardcover Book Gets US Release Date

The hardcover companion book, The World of the Witcher, was scheduled for a May 19 release date in the U.S., launching alongside The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.

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The World of the Witcher Hardcover Book Gets US Release Date — News on Game Idealist

An Amazon product listing revealed the U.S. release date for The World of the Witcher, a hardcover companion book for the popular RPG series. The guide was scheduled to launch on May 19, the same day as the video game The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Published by Dark Horse Books, the volume was designed to provide a deep and accessible entry point into the franchise’s complex universe.

A Comprehensive Lore Compendium

The World of the Witcher contains 184 pages of detailed information about the series’ setting. The content covers the dangerous beasts that roam the Continent, giving readers insight into the monsters Geralt of Rivia is hired to slay. It also explores the world’s distinct locations, from bustling cities to desolate wildernesses, providing context for the political and social struggles that define them. The book further examines the weapons and other elements crucial to a witcher’s trade.

This compendium acts as a definitive guide, compiling lore that is scattered across the games and the original novels. The hardcover itself is a compact volume, measuring 8.3 inches in length, 5.9 inches in width, and 0.9 inches in height. It is identified by the ISBN-10 1616554827 and ISBN-13 978-1616554828.

Timed with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The simultaneous release of the book and the game was a coordinated effort to immerse players fully in the experience. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was in development for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. The title was promoted as a massive, open-world RPG where player agency is paramount. CD Projekt Red promised an environment where even minor side quests would have compelling narratives and where the player’s choices would create tangible, lasting consequences on the world and its inhabitants.

The game marks the third and final installment in the trilogy centered on Geralt. With the story reaching its conclusion, having a reference guide on hand could enrich the player’s journey through this culminating chapter.

For Newcomers and Veterans Alike

Given that Wild Hunt concludes a long-running story, players who missed the first two titles might find the narrative difficult to follow. The established lore is dense, with a complex history of kingdoms, magical conflicts, and personal relationships. The World of the Witcher was positioned as an ideal resource to bridge that knowledge gap, allowing new players to get up to speed without having to play the preceding games.

For longtime fans, the book offered a collected and beautifully presented version of the lore they already enjoyed. It could serve as both a collector’s item and a handy reference to clarify details about the intricate world they were about to explore again in The Witcher 3.

Frequently asked questions

What is The World of the Witcher book?

It's a 184-page hardcover companion guide published by Dark Horse Books. It details the lore of The Witcher RPG series, including its beasts, locations, and weapons. The book is intended as a comprehensive reference for both new and existing fans of the franchise.

When was The World of the Witcher book released?

The U.S. release date for *The World of the Witcher* was May 19. This launch was scheduled to coincide with the release of the video game *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, which became available on the same day for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Do I need to read The World of the Witcher to play The Witcher 3?

The book is not required to play the game, but it can be very helpful. *The Witcher 3* is the final game in a trilogy, and the book helps fill in story gaps for players new to the series. It provides background on the world's history and characters.

Who published The World of the Witcher?

The World of the Witcher was published by Dark Horse Books, a company known for comics and art books based on popular video games and films. The book features 184 pages and has an ISBN-13 of 978-1616554828, serving as a detailed guide to the game's universe.