The Witcher – Guide, Characters & Collectibles
Three different versions of the same world – books, games and series – and considerable confusion about where to begin. Here is the answer, the four schools, and what is worth owning in The Witcher collectibles.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The three versions
The Witcher is not one work but three, and they differ noticeably from one another:
By the Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. They began as short stories in a magazine. The original source.
By Poland's CD Projekt RED. The Witcher 3 is among the most awarded games ever made.
Netflix's adaptation. It follows the books with its own changes – and has recast its lead.
Why this matters when buying: Geralt does not look the same across the three. The Geralt of the games, Cavill's Geralt and Hemsworth's Geralt are three distinct appearances – and the merchandise follows.
Where to start
The question everyone asks, with a clear answer:
- If you play: start with The Witcher 3. Despite being the third, it stands alone and is by far the best entry point. You do not need the first two.
- If you read: start with the short stories – The Last Wish. That is where you meet Geralt as Sapkowski wrote him.
- If you watch: from season one, with one warning: it tells three timelines at once without making that clear, and a lot of people get lost.
The four schools
Witchers are not one uniform group. They belong to schools, and their medallion shows which:
Geralt's school, based at Kaer Morhen. The best known.
A darker reputation – witchers who work as mercenaries.
Specialists in signs and magic.
The twin-sword school, with a reputation for assassination.
The characters
- Geralt of Rivia: the white-haired witcher. A monster hunter who is paid for the work.
- Ciri: the young woman of the Elder Blood, whom Geralt protects. She will lead the next game.
- Yennefer: the sorceress – her relationship with Geralt is the emotional core.
- Jaskier: the bard. The one character who brings lightness to a dark world.
What is coming
The Witcher 4 – led by Ciri
CD Projekt RED's next game changes its lead character for the first time: Ciri takes the role, not Geralt.
The series ends
Season five is the last and arrives during 2026. It was filmed back-to-back with season four, with Liam Hemsworth as Geralt – a change that divided viewers after Henry Cavill's departure.
What is worth collecting
- School medallions: the signature object – the wolf is the safe choice.
- Figures & statues: Geralt, Ciri, Yennefer and monsters of the Continent.
- Funko POP: from both the games and the series.
- Console games: the titles in the series.
- Maps & posters: of the Continent – among the most popular decorative pieces.
Frequently asked questions
- Where should I start with The Witcher?
- If you play, with The Witcher 3 – it stands alone and needs no prior games. If you read, with the short stories (The Last Wish). If you watch, from season one of the Netflix series.
- What is the difference between the books, games and series?
- Sapkowski's books are the source. CD Projekt RED's games continue after the books rather than adapting them. Netflix's series follows the books with its own changes. Geralt does not look the same across the three.
- Who plays Geralt now?
- Liam Hemsworth, from season four onwards. He replaced Henry Cavill, and the change divided viewers. Season five is the last.
- What will The Witcher 4 be?
- CD Projekt RED's next game, with Ciri as the protagonist instead of Geralt – a first for the series.
- Where can I find The Witcher collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
