The Witcher 3 Multiplayer: Step by Step Guide On How to Play With Friends

For years, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was seen as untouchable when it came to multiplayer. It was a massive, story-driven RPG that felt deliberately built for solo play. That's why CD Projekt Red never thought about adding a multiplayer mode to it.

That idea has finally changed, thanks to a devoted modder. A community-made project called the Witcher Online now lets players explore the world together, from White Orchard all the way to Toussaint. Here's everything you need to know about this mod.

What Is Witcher 3 Multiplayer?

The Witcher 3 multiplayer is possible because of a fan-made mod, not because CD Projekt Red made something about it. You can roam the map with friends, experience the main story side by side, and revisit the game in a way that simply was not possible before. The Witcher 3 is indeed one of the best open-world games on PC. The mod connects players to shared servers where multiple characters can exist in the same world simultaneously.

Every player appears as Geralt, but gear, actions, movement, and interactions are visible to everyone else. The main focus of the mod is shared exploration more so than a traditional cooperative design. Thus, players can play through the main campaign and expansions as well as talk through the in-game chat, use emotes, and more.

The Witcher Online Mod Requirements

Before installing anything, make sure you meet all requirements. Skipping even one point can lead to the mod being unplayable:

• A legal copy of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
• Must be running the Next Gen update and requires V4.04 or later.
• Both the "Hearts of Stone" and "Blood and Wine" expansions are installed.
• Must have been purchased through either Steam or GOG.
• Must NOT be using any cracked/pirated versions of the game.
• Must have a Nexus Mods account.
• Need file compression tool software such as 7-Zip or WinRAR.
• Older versions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the Classic Edition are not supported.

How to Download the Witcher Online Mod?

Here's how to download the mod:

1. Go to NexusMods.com
2. Type "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" into the Search bar.
3. Search the mod: Witcher Online by rejuvenate.
4. Go to the Mod page and Select 'Files' Tab
5. Click on "Manual download" to save the file.
6. No mod manager should be used during this process; the files must be manually installed.

How to Install Witcher 3 Multiplayer Mod

Follow these steps carefully to install the mod:

1. Extract the Witcher Online.zip file to your PC.
2. Copy the extracted folders into your installed location of The Witcher 3.
3. Make sure that there are no active mod managers.
4. Verify your game files through Steam or GOG and make sure everything is up-to-date.
5. Use the mod launcher included with the mod to start your game.

If all steps were completed correctly, when you start your game, you will see the Witcher Online Menu.

Playing on the Official Witcher Online Server

For the majority of players, the simplest method to play Witcher 3 multiplayer is on the Witcher Online Server. This server is a permanent fixture and does not require any setup on your part.

The official Witcher Online Server has the following IP address: 46.62.255.79, and the port is: 40000. Most of the time, the mod will connect you as soon as the game is launched.

One important limitation is that players using the same internet IP cannot connect to the public server at the same time. If you and another player are trying to play from the same physical location, it is better if you create a private server for your session.

How to Host Your Own Witcher Online Server

Hosting is useful if you want private sessions or local co-op:

Server Installation

1. Download the Witcher Online Server from the mod page
2. Unzip it into its own folder
3. Open the server.properties file
4. Enter the port you want: for example, port=40000

Setting Up a Port to Forward

1. On your router, forward TCP port 40000
2. Set the internal IP to your PC
3. On Windows, allow WitcherOnlineServer.exe through Windows Defender
4. Verify that port 40000 is open with PortChecker

After you have completed all these steps, run the WitcherOnlineServer.exe by double-clicking on it on Windows. If you have a Linux system, run ./WitcherOnlineServer 40000 in the terminal. Once it runs, your friends can join using your IP and the desired port.

Pros and Cons of Witcher 3 Multiplayer

Up to five players may explore the game world at the same time in Witcher Online. Every player will become Geralt (by default), but they customise their characters (using compatible mods). Players can explore and free roam the full main story and the expansions. Along with it, they can chat and use emotes, along with distinct gear visibility and shared world presence.

There are limitations as well. Enemy behaviour is not fully shared, which means true co-op combat is limited in certain encounters. Horses and boats do not sync properly and may appear to float or move oddly. Gwent also remains a solo activity. As the mod is in its development stage, players can expect these issues to be fixed soon.

Despite all these issues, the Witcher 3 Online mode poses a great opportunity for the long-standing fans who have been waiting to dive into the game in multiplayer mode. That's all from us regarding The Witcher 3 multiplayer. If you liked this coverage, consider checking out our recent piece on the leaked Witcher 3 DLC.