The Witcher universe on Netflix is a captivating journey—full of monsters, magic, and timelines that can easily confuse even the most seasoned fantasy fans. If you’re wondering what’s the best order to watch The Witcher, this guide breaks it all down for you—whether you’re a first-time viewer, a returning fan, or someone diving in after playing the games or reading the books.
📺 Why the Watch Order Matters
Netflix’s The Witcher series doesn’t follow a traditional linear narrative. Season 1, for example, jumps across timelines without warning, while spinoffs like Blood Origin and Nightmare of the Wolf add even more layers to the lore.
To fully appreciate character arcs, political intrigue, and the rich worldbuilding of The Continent, watching in the correct order makes a big difference.
🎯 Best Chronological Order to Watch The Witcher (By Timeline)
This order follows the chronological events in the Witcher universe. It’s ideal for viewers who want a smooth, logical storytelling experience.
🧱 1. The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022)
- Type: Miniseries (4 episodes)
- Set: 1200 years before Geralt’s timeline
- Why watch it first: Explains the origin of Witchers, the Conjunction of the Spheres, and the first prototype Witcher.
🗡️ 2. The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf (2021)
- Type: Animated film
- Set: Decades before Geralt
- Focus: Young Vesemir, Geralt’s mentor
- Why it matters: Lays the foundation for Kaer Morhen and Witcher lore.
🧙 3. The Witcher Season 1 (2019)
- Set: Multiple timelines
- Main Characters: Geralt, Yennefer, Ciri
- Pro tip: Pay attention to time jumps. All three main arcs (Geralt, Ciri, Yennefer) eventually converge.
⚔️ 4. The Witcher Season 2 (2021)
- Set: More linear
- Plot: Geralt and Ciri begin their journey together; the Wild Hunt is teased.
🐺 5. The Witcher Season 3 (2023)
- Set: Direct continuation of Season 2
- Plot: Builds up the conflict with Nilfgaard, explores Ciri’s destiny, and sets the stage for Season 4.
🧭 Recommended Watch Order for First-Time Viewers (With Context)
If you’re watching for the first time and want the best emotional impact with story reveals intact, follow this release + context order:
- The Witcher Season 1 – Get introduced to Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri.
- The Witcher Season 2 – Continue their journeys as their destinies intertwine.
- The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf – Understand Vesemir and Kaer Morhen.
- The Witcher Season 3 – Unfold the larger stakes and world politics.
- The Witcher: Blood Origin – A look back at the universe’s deep past (bonus lore).
Why this works: You experience the main storyline first, then explore the mythological roots without interrupting the character development.
🤔 Should You Watch the Spinoffs First?
Some fans wonder: “Should I watch Blood Origin or Nightmare of the Wolf before the main series?”
🔎 Our Recommendation:
- Watch the main seasons first, especially if you’re new to the world.
- Save the spinoffs as lore-rich side stories to deepen your understanding.
- This approach maintains suspense and makes reveals in the main series more impactful.
💡 Bonus Tips for Watching The Witcher on Netflix
🕹️ Played the games? You’ll spot Easter eggs in Kaer Morhen and hear familiar music themes in Season 2 and 3.
📌 Turn on subtitles – Helps catch terms like “Aretuza,” “Conjunction of the Spheres,” and names of monsters.
📚 Consider reading summaries between episodes – Especially for Season 1’s time jumps.
🧝 Spin-Offs and Future of The Witcher on Netflix
Netflix has made it clear that The Witcher is a flagship fantasy franchise, much like Game of Thrones was for HBO. The introduction of spinoffs like Blood Origin and the animated Nightmare of the Wolf is only the beginning.
Upcoming expansions may include:
- The Witcher: Rats – A rumored spinoff about the gang Ciri meets in Season 3
- More animated films exploring side characters or earlier Witcher generations
- Season 4 and 5 already in development, transitioning into the new Geralt era
For fans who love sprawling fantasy worlds, this means now is the perfect time to catch up, revisit episodes, and even explore the books for deeper context.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Ride Across the Continent
Whether you’re here for Geralt’s grunts, Yennefer’s power, or Ciri’s destiny, watching The Witcher in the best order elevates your experience. The timelines may twist and turn, but with this guide, you’ll stay one step ahead of the chaos.
What makes the universe of The Witcher so compelling is its blend of Slavic folklore, medieval politics, and deep character studies. Geralt of Rivia, our stoic monster hunter, is far more than a sword-wielding warrior—he’s a man constantly caught between worlds: human and monster, neutrality and duty, survival and morality.
