The Witcher 3: How to Prepare for the 'Songs of the Past' Expansion

As excitement mounts for the release of the highly anticipated The Witcher 3: Songs of the Past DLC, players are scrambling to ensure their version of Geralt of Rivia is ready for the new challenges ahead. This upcoming expansion promises to weave new narrative threads into the already rich tapestry of the Continent, but returning to the game requires careful planning to avoid missing out on key opportunities.

Why Preparation Matters

Unlike base-game side quests, expansion-tier content often introduces higher-level enemies and unique gear dependencies. If you are jumping back into a save file from months or years ago, you may find yourself under-leveled or lacking the essential alchemy recipes and mutagens necessary for the latest endgame threats.

Essential Preparation Steps

1. Review Your Build and Gear: Before the DLC drops, ensure your Witcher gear (such as the Grandmaster sets) is fully repaired and upgraded to the highest available tier. Check your inventory for any essential diagrams you may have overlooked during your initial playthrough.
2. Stockpile Crafting Materials: The Songs of the Past expansion is expected to feature new crafting components. Clear out your inventory of junk and focus on gathering rare alchemical ingredients and monster parts, which are often required for high-level crafting.
3. Finish Key Narrative Arcs: While not explicitly required for every DLC, finishing the primary endgame quests—specifically those involving Yennefer, Triss, and Ciri—is highly recommended. Decisions made during the main campaign often ripple into the events of expansions, and having a save file with your preferred world state is crucial.
4. Optimize Your Skill Points: With potential new combat mechanics on the horizon, consider using a Potion of Clearance to reset your abilities. This allows you to experiment with new skill trees or optimize your current build for specific elemental weaknesses you might encounter in the new areas.

What You Must Do Now

If you haven't played in a long time, the most important step is to simply wander the wilds of Velen and Skellige to get your 'combat muscle memory' back. The combat in The Witcher 3 is technical, and with new content likely demanding precision, practicing your signs and parries will give you a significant advantage over those who go into the DLC cold.