All Hearts of Stone DLC Locations: The Witcher 3 Guide

The Hearts of Stone DLC for The Witcher 3 introduces an entirely new questline and area filled with unique content, powerful equipment, and memorable characters. This expansion takes Geralt through the mysterious world of Olgierd von Everec and his supernatural bargain, offering some of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in the game. Using The Witcher 3 Interactive Map filtered for Hearts of Stone DLC content helps you navigate this expansion efficiently, ensuring you don’t miss critical quest items, rare gear upgrades, or valuable merchants that only appear during specific story moments.

What Hearts of Stone DLC Are Used For

Hearts of Stone DLC content provides access to high-level equipment, unique gameplay mechanics, and story-critical progression through one of The Witcher 3’s most acclaimed expansions.

  • Unlock the Runewright crafting system for weapon and armor enchantments
  • Obtain Viper School witcher gear and other exclusive equipment sets
  • Access challenging boss fights and unique monster encounters
  • Complete intricate puzzle sequences and riddle-solving mechanics
  • Earn substantial experience points and crown rewards for high-level character progression

Hearts of Stone DLC Types

The Hearts of Stone expansion features nine distinct marker types that cover everything from main story progression to optional treasure hunting and character upgrades.

Main Quest

These markers guide you through the primary Hearts of Stone storyline, following Geralt’s involvement with the mysterious Man of Glass and Olgierd’s three impossible tasks. Each main quest location represents a critical story beat that cannot be missed for expansion completion.

Secondary Quest

Optional quests that expand the Hearts of Stone narrative while providing additional experience, gear, and world-building details. These often involve helping NPCs affected by the main story events or exploring the consequences of Olgierd’s past actions.

Hidden Treasure

Concealed loot caches scattered throughout the expansion areas, typically containing rare crafting materials, valuable items, or unique equipment pieces. Many require solving environmental puzzles or defeating guardian creatures to access.

Horse Race

Special racing events exclusive to the Hearts of Stone content, offering unique rewards and serving as both entertainment and skill challenges. These races often feature modified rules or special track layouts not found in the base game.

Shopkeeper

Merchants who sell expansion-specific items, including rare crafting components, unique armor pieces, and specialized consumables. Some vendors only appear during certain quest phases or after completing specific story requirements.

Runewright

The master craftsman who provides the expansion’s signature enchantment system, allowing players to add powerful magical effects to weapons and armor. This location becomes available after investing in the craftsman’s workshop setup.

Quest Item

Critical objects required for story progression or puzzle solving within the Hearts of Stone questline. These items are often hidden or require specific actions to obtain, making their map locations essential for smooth progression.

Witcher Gear

Locations containing diagrams and components for crafting Viper School equipment and other expansion-exclusive gear sets. This equipment often features unique visual designs and enhanced stats compared to base game alternatives.

Gwent Player

NPCs who offer Gwent matches with expansion-specific cards and rewards. These players often possess rare cards not available from base game opponents and may only be accessible during certain story windows.

How to Use the Map Efficiently

Hearts of Stone content is heavily story-gated, requiring careful timing and route planning to access all available markers during their respective availability windows.

  • Complete main quest objectives before exploring nearby secondary content, as some locations become inaccessible after story progression
  • Visit the Runewright early in the expansion to begin workshop upgrades while collecting materials from other locations
  • Check Gwent players and merchants during each main quest phase, as their availability often changes with story progression
  • Use fast-travel points strategically since some Hearts of Stone areas are only accessible during specific quests
  • Collect quest items and witcher gear diagrams immediately when discovered, as returning to certain locations may require replaying story sections
  • Prioritize hidden treasures in areas you visit during main quests to maximize efficiency and avoid backtracking

Hearts of Stone DLC Locations Table

Each Hearts of Stone marker type serves a specific purpose in the expansion’s progression and reward systems.

TypeWhat You GetNotable Detail
Main QuestStory progression and major rewardsRequired for expansion completion
Secondary QuestExperience points and optional gearOften time-sensitive availability
Hidden TreasureRare materials and unique itemsMay require puzzle solving
Horse RaceRacing rewards and entertainmentModified rules from base game
ShopkeeperExpansion-specific merchandiseInventory changes with story progress
RunewrightWeapon and armor enchantmentsRequires workshop investment
Quest ItemStory-critical objectsEssential for puzzle completion
Witcher GearViper School equipment diagramsUnique visual designs
Gwent PlayerRare cards and matchesLimited availability windows

Tips for Hearts of Stone DLC Hunting

  • Save before major story decisions as some choices permanently lock out certain locations and rewards
  • Invest in the Runewright’s workshop as early as possible to unlock the full enchantment system
  • Explore thoroughly during main quest visits since many areas become inaccessible afterward
  • Keep multiple save files during the expansion as some content requires specific story states to access
  • Check your inventory regularly for quest items that may trigger additional content when used in specific locations
  • Complete all Gwent matches and merchant transactions before progressing past major story milestones

FAQs

Can I return to Hearts of Stone locations after completing the main questline?

Most locations remain accessible, but some story-specific areas and NPCs become unavailable after completing the main Hearts of Stone quest. It’s best to explore thoroughly during your initial visits.

What level should I be to start Hearts of Stone content?

The Hearts of Stone DLC is designed for characters around level 30-35. Lower level characters may struggle with the challenging combat encounters and boss fights.

Is the Runewright worth the investment cost?

Yes, the Runewright provides powerful enchantments that significantly improve weapon and armor effectiveness. The initial investment pays off through enhanced combat capabilities and unique magical effects.

Can I miss any Gwent cards in Hearts of Stone?

Some Gwent players are only available during specific story phases, so it’s possible to miss certain cards if you don’t challenge them before progressing. Check all available players during each quest phase.

Credit: The Witcher 3 by Wand