The Witcher 3 New Game+: How to start and what carries over
Here's everything you need to know about starting The Witcher 3 over in NG+ mode, including what carries over between saves.
UPDATE: This article was initially from the announcement of NG+ for The Witcher 3. We have since updated the page to explain exactly how NG+ works, how to start it, and what carries over so that you can start your Witcher journey all over again.
New Game+ was added to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt a while back now, as part of a free update to the base game. That said, and as is typically the case with NG+ modes for many games, it isn't wholly straightforward as to how you get started.
Nor is it 100% clear what you'll get to keep and what you'll lose, so in this guide, we'll be explaining exactly how New Game+ works, how to start it, and what carries over in The Witcher 3.
How to start New Game+ in The Witcher 3
To start New Game+ in The Witcher 3, you'll first need to have finished the game. Once you have, you can save your game and return to the main menu, where you can select a 'new game'.
After choosing to start a new game, pick your settings for it, and then - provided your other save has reached a suitable ending - you'll be asked whether or not you want to start a New Game+ save. Select this option, choose your completed save, and voila. You can start Geralt's journey all over again.
What carries over in The Witcher 3 New Game+?
Being the monster of a game that The Witcher 3 is, not everything will carry over in New Game+.
For players starting The Witcher 3's New Game+ with a character level lower than 30, the game will automatically give it bump to 30. However, if your character's level is higher, the game will keep it that way. You will also be able to reselect your difficulty level as you start New Game+.
As for items, everything that isn't tied to a quest will carry over. You'll keep things like food, potions, and recipes, but won't be keeping books, letters, usable items, and trophies. All of these exclusions seem natural, but one other fan-favourite item that won't be carried over is your collection of Gwent cards. On top of that, your weapons and armor will also be carried over!
Finally, you'll be given a free Potion of Clearance at the start of your New Game+ run, as you'll find that all of Geralt's skills will be carried over, too. The potion allows you to reallocate all your skill points so you can start your new game afresh with a different build.
For more on The Witcher 3, take a look at our The Witcher 3 walkthrough, as well as our Blood and Wine guide, and our Hearts of Stone guide. These all contain detailed guides, tips, and walkthroughs for getting used to The Witcher 3's systems or making your way through a range of quests.