Top 10 Differences Between The Witcher Show and Video Games

They’ve both got swords, sorcery and the White Wolf’s steely gaze, but just how much do these Continents contrast? Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Differences Between The Witcher Show and Video Game.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the key differences between Netflix’s television series and CD Projekt Red’s video game franchise, both based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski. One thing off the bat though, if you have neither played or watched either of these properties – do so now!

This might be the most obvious point, but we still feel it’s worth mentioning. For those not in the know, The Witcher TV series takes its cues from the first two of Sapkowski’s books – “The Last Wish” and “Sword of Destiny”. Even then, it takes a lot of liberties when it comes to hopping timelines, with Geralt, Yennefer and Ciri’s personal journeys starting at different points in time, and only converging at the end of Season One. The games, on the other hand, are set after the books, allowing for a lot more creative freedom, not to mention plenty of leeway when it comes to the relationships between the main trinity.

You won’t find a more loyal and capable steed in all of the Northern Kingdoms. Roach is Geralt’s most trusted companion, getting him from point A to point B, and always willing to listen to his Witcher’ gripes. Not to mention, she’s pretty handy when it comes to chasing down monsters. That being said, it seems that the Netflix version of this mare is much better trained than the one we came to love in the games. You don’t see Henry Cavill’s Geralt having to deal with Roach’s panic attacks. Nor does she randomly glide over mountains, or glitch onto someone’s roof. Then again, her ability to cross oceans with only a whistle would certainly come in handy . . .

While newcomers will only know this travelling bard as “Jaskier”, long-time fans will recognise his flamboyance, mannerisms, and talent for bullshitting as trademarks of the character “Dandelion”. Either way, this comedic foil is still the best buddy a Witcher could ask for . . . even if he DOES deserve a good gut-punch on the odd occasion. As for the name change, “Jaskier” is actually the character’s name in the original Polish-language versions of the books. Meaning “Buttercup”, it was changed to something equally flowery in English. While Roach remained “Roach” in the show, rather than his Polish name, “Płotka”, showrunner Lauren Hissrich opted to change “Dandelion” back to “Jaskier”.

Given that the Netflix series takes place years before the games, it’s to be expected that Geralt looks less grizzled, and has a smaller collection of scars. He’s also lacking the beard that gamers have come to associate with the White Wolf ever since “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”. While the battle wound around his left eye he received from “the Cockatrice of Spalla” is sorely missed, at least Henry Cavill’s portrayal still nails the white hair, the yellow eyes, and the gravelly voice. Oh, and most vital of all – all those pitch-perfect ”hmms.”

Since monster hunting is Geralt’s bread and butter, it was essential for the Netflix series to nail the design of the things that go bump in the night on the Continent. While for the most part, we were delighted with their appearances, they’re a clear step away from what we’d been slaying over in the games. In the show, the kikimora is far larger, with a more humanoid face. The striga is more skeletal, and lacks the blazing red hair it had in the first game. And our first experience of the tricksome but generally good-natured Doppler is of a shapeshifting psycho who collects body parts. Here’s hoping the Netflix version will continue to expand its own bestiary.

Probably one of the few casting choices that fans still aren’t over the moon about is Anna Shaffer as Triss Merigold. However, the character’s appearance, and role in the Netflix series, isn’t SO far from Sapkowski’s books. There, she’s described as having “chestnut” hair, and has more of a background role. This was somewhat jarring for fans of the game, who’d grown used to seeing Triss not only a standout mage with bright red hair and a fiery tongue, but also Geralt’s love interest following his bout of amnesia. In the books, Triss DID have a past relationship with Geralt, and an enduring crush. But love triangle, it was not. Best put aside hopes you may have for a Geralt-Triss romance in Season 2.

Aside from their swords, potions, and mutated abilities, the greatest weapons at a Witcher’s disposal are their Signs. These are basic magical spells that can aid them in a tight spot. Signs were vital tools throughout the games, able to turn the tide of battle. As far as the show goes, Geralt mostly used the Sign “Aard” - pushing back foes with invisible lines of force. We also got to see him using Axii when he confronted Renfri, and Yrden in his battle with the Striga. But there are several other Signs that haven't yet made an appearance. Let’s hope Henry Cavill gets to bust out Igni next season!

Many gamers first encountered this Child of the Elder Blood during her escapades in “The Witcher 3”. In a flashback, she’s seen as a Witcher-in-training at Kaer Morhen. But for most of the game, she’s a battle-scarred, tough-as-nails swordswoman in her early 20s, who’s beginning to master hidden abilities. In contrast, the Netflix series introduces us to teenage Princess Cirilla right as her world goes to hell during the Nilfgaardian invasion of Cintra. This version is very much an innocent soul, who’s exposed to the cruelties of the world outside of the palace. Fortunately, from what we’ve seen of her journey so far, it’s clear that she’s got a knack for adapting to whatever dangers are flung her way.

Steel for humans, silver for monsters. These two swords are the tried-and-true methods by which Geralt and his ilk carry out their bloody task. In the games, the White Wolf keeps both swords on his back at all times, allowing him to switch out at a moment’s notice. Which makes sense, given how overrun the countryside is with monsters! Seriously, how do people even go for casual walks?! The show, on the other hand, sticks closer to the source material, by only having the steel sword strapped to Geralt’s back, while his silver tends to be left with Roach. Those with a keen eye will also notice Renfri’s broach attached to the blade following his butchery at Blaviken.

In the Netflix series, the story of how this hunchbacked daughter of a swineherd became one of the most beautiful and powerful mages on the Continent almost overshadowed Geralt’s exploits. From her time training in Aretuza, her life on the road as a rogue sorceress, all the way to the moment she finally unleashed Chaos, Yen went through the emotional wringer. Based on brief references in the books, this detailed backstory really rounded out her character. And while we can see shades of her stubbornness and pride in “The Witcher 3’s” interpretation, that particular Yennefer of Vengerberg is also older, wiser, and more maternal. And a LOT more sarcastic. Either way, they’re both captivating!