Everything You Need to Know About Gwent: The Legendary Card Game

Fans of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt know that Gwent was more than just a side activity. It became a phenomenon in its own right, with players spending countless hours building decks and outmanoeuvring rivals across taverns and battlefields. 

Now, to celebrate a decade since the game’s original release, CD PROJEKT RED and No Loading Games bring Gwent to the physical tabletop in the form of Gwent: The Legendary Card Game.

This officially licensed release is a faithful recreation of the digital experience, designed for collectors, competitive players, and casual fans alike. In this guide, we will take a complete look at what the game includes, how it plays, and why it matters.

The History of Gwent

Gwent began as a side activity in The Witcher 3 back in 2015. Its unexpected popularity led CD PROJEKT RED to create a digital standalone version in 2016. That version built a competitive scene with tournaments, expansions, and even spin-off campaigns such as Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales.

Although official support for digital Gwent wound down in 2023, the community has kept it alive through balance patches and tournaments. This physical release marks the next stage of Gwent’s legacy, ensuring it remains accessible for years to come.

What is Gwent: The Legendary Card Game?

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and won more than 250 Game of the Year awards. Within that masterpiece, Gwent became a cult favourite. It was the perfect mix of simplicity and depth, with iconic characters and unforgettable moments that fit seamlessly into the Witcher world.

The tabletop version is part of the franchise’s 10-year anniversary celebrations. Officially licensed by CD PROJEKT RED, it preserves the tactical gameplay fans know while introducing new modes and formats suited to board gaming.

Get Gwent: The Legendary Card Game here.

What’s in the Box?

The base game contains everything needed for one to five players to dive straight into Gwent. You will find:

Five faction decks with a total of 436 cards, covering:

• Northern Realms

• Scoia’tael

• Monsters

• Skellige

• Nilfgaard

And the following:

• Score tracking board and four round tokens

• Four gem tokens and one metal coin

• Two rulebooks (standard and advanced)

• Ten aid cards for quick reference

• One paper game board for structured play

The product is packaged in a 25 × 21 × 7 cm box, weighing 1.2 kg. The cards themselves use TCG standard size (63 × 88 mm), making them compatible with sleeves and accessories used by collectors and competitive players.

How Do You Play?

The rules remain true to the original Witcher experience:

• Each player selects a faction deck.

• On your turn, you either play a card or pass.

• At the end of the round, the player with the highest total strength wins.

• Matches are best of three rounds. Lose a round, you lose a gem. Lose all gems, and you are out.

The genius of Gwent lies in its resource management. Because you draw only a limited number of cards per match, you must know when to hold back, when to bluff, and when to commit your strongest units.

Game Modes

The tabletop edition introduces multiple ways to play:

• Initiation Mode – for absolute beginners using pre-selected starter decks.

• 2v2 Mode – team up for tactical pair battles.

• Free-for-All (3–5 Players) – a chaotic multiplayer format for group nights.

• Solo Challenge Mode – test yourself against AI-style scripted decks.

• Advanced Mode – deeper deck-building and tactical refinements for veterans.

• Tournament Format – competitive rules designed for organised play.

This breadth of options ensures the game appeals equally to collectors who want a premium set, casual players looking for variety, and serious competitors seeking tournament readiness.

Standard vs Deluxe Edition

Two editions will be available:

• The Standard Edition offers the complete game with all cards, tokens, and boards. It is compact, affordable, and ready for international distribution.

• The Deluxe Edition is aimed at collectors. It comes with tarot-sized cards (61 × 112 mm), a wooden engraved storage box, foil upgrades, gems, and additional premium components. It is both a playable set and a showpiece.

Why Go Physical?

You may wonder why a digital card game needs a tabletop version. The answer lies in the social and tactile aspects of gaming. Playing in person allows bluffing, reading body language, and enjoying the presence of friends around the table.

Beyond gameplay, the artwork is a celebration of Witcher lore. Each card is illustrated with characters, creatures, and spells from the series, capturing the dark fantasy tone that makes the franchise so iconic.

Tips for Beginners

If you are new to Gwent, start with the Northern Realms deck. It has straightforward mechanics and consistent power levels that make it beginner-friendly. Focus on card advantage and resist the temptation to blow all your best cards in the first round.

Experiment with bluffing. Passing early can bait your opponent into overspending resources, leaving you stronger in later rounds. Above all, play multiple factions to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

Welcome Back to the Continent

Gwent: The Legendary Card Game is a celebration of a decade of Witcher history. With its mix of easy-to-learn rules, deep strategy, and gorgeous production values, it’s a centrepiece for collectors and game nights alike.

Whether you are a Witcher fan reliving the glory days of 2015, a competitive card gamer seeking a new challenge, or a collector in search of a premium boxed set, this is not to be missed.

With locations conveniently located throughout Metro Sydney, finding the perfect hobby shop near you has never been easier. Experience the excitement of exploring our vast selection of games, expert advice, and exceptional customer service. Discover why Hobbyco is the number one hobby shop in Australia. Customers can buy products online through our platform.