As far as RPGs are concerned, two of the most influential series on the market today are undoubtedly The Witcher and Fallout franchises. Their latest mainline entries, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Fallout 4, show no signs of slowing down in terms of their massive popularity and the interest they still generate.
But which game is actually better? Both titles undoubtedly have their strengths and weaknesses. Although both games share many similarities, they ultimately take different approaches to how they leave their mark on the RPG genre. Regardless, players can never go wrong when it comes to experiencing either of these two games.
11 The Main Quest - The Witcher 3
Open-world RPGs always start off by acquainting the player with the main questline. In the case of The Witcher 3, Geralt must protect Ciri from the clutches of the malevolent Wild Hunt, who seek to claim the latter's Elder blood. Along the way, Geralt forges both new and old alliances in his efforts to locate and defend Ciri.
Like any great fantasy story, the scope of the main quest is epic in its proportions. The stakes build slowly until they reach a fever pitch, and the climax is spot-on in its delivery. In addition, the relationships that Geralt cultivates feel like they matter by the end of the game. It's a grand tale that's hard to beat, and ends up being more interesting compared to Fallout 4's tired premise of "I need to find my missing son."
10 The Side Quests - Fallout 4
Obviously, both games have a stellar collection of side quests. However, as with many Bethesda titles, Fallout's side quests are oftentimes more memorable than the main missions. Just like its predecessors, Fallout 4 has its fair share of noteworthy side quests that tend to stick in the player's mind after they've been completed.
Some great examples include stumbling upon the macabre Pickman's Gallery, visiting the horrific Museum of Witchcraft, helping a band of robots defend the U.S.S. Constitution, and many more. These little self-contained stories make exploration of the Commonwealth much more rewarding.
9 The Dialogue - The Witcher 3
Video games that try to convey a narrative are nothing without competent writing. Although voice actors sometimes miss the mark tonally, the quality of the writing itself is paramount. Dialogue in The Witcher 3, particularly from the main characters, is superb.
Much of the dialogue is centered around Geralt himself. The man possesses a dry wit and matter-of-fact demeanor that make him hard to dislike. Yennefer, Vesemir, Triss, and Ciri all have their great moments as well. Written dialogue is at its best when it's immersive, and The Witcher 3 has it in droves. By comparison, Fallout 4 has many more dialogue options, but not all of them hit the mark.
8 Companions - Fallout 4
Players never have to adventure alone in a Fallout game. A small handful of diverse individuals are usually willing to accompany the player whenever their requirements are fulfilled. In addition to having an ally in combat, the player typically gets to learn more about their companion's backstory over the course of the game.
This is one area that Fallout 4 nails. Companions like Nick Valentine, Piper, Cait, MacCready, Hancock, and Curie all possess intriguing backstories and motivations that are worth taking the time to uncover. Geralt, of course, has his friends and allies that periodically assist him. Nevertheless, he's still more of a solo act since there are no permanent companions in The Witcher 3.
7 Combat - The Witcher 3
Even in an RPG, a good story typically can't carry a game on its own. The actual gameplay elements need serious attention too. For The Witcher 3, much of that gameplay revolves around combat, specifically swordsmanship. Geralt is a monster-hunter, and it takes a lot of skill and quick thinking to beat the varied enemies he comes across throughout his adventures.
Very few enemies are built the same in The Witcher 3. Each one requires a different strategy to defeat, which enriches the overall gameplay by creating variety. Bosses, in particular, require forethought and strategy to overcome. The combat in Fallout 4 is simplistic by comparison, boiling down to "shoot it until it dies."
6 Freedom Of Choice - Fallout 4
Bethesda games are so popular due in part the startling levels of freedom they grant players. Roleplaying stands at the core of any Fallout game. Players have a lot of agency in how they want to craft the personality of their character.
If the player wants to make the Sole Survivor an exemplar of chivalry, they may do so. Conversely, if the player would rather their character be a homicidal maniac, that's an option too. Morality is what the player makes of it. Roleplaying as Geralt is a bit tougher, since he already has an established personality that's difficult to alter in any drastic fashion.
5 Crafting - The Witcher 3
When Geralt isn't slaying monsters, the rest of his time can be utilized for crafting. Unlike other open-world games that often incorporate crafting as an afterthought, The Witcher 3's crafting system is actually quite useful. Oils and potions can mean the difference between life and death when Geralt is in the midst of battle. Neglecting to craft enough of either can seriously handicap the player when trying to defeat an enemy.
Crafting in Fallout 4, on the other hand, is rather negligible. The entire game can be experienced without crafting a single item, and the player will be none the worse for wear as a result of it.
4 Settlement Building - Fallout 4
People in the Fallout universe do the best they can to scratch out an existence amidst the ruins of the old world. Rebuilding the world is a tough proposition, but the player can attempt to do just that in Fallout 4. If the player is diligent about collecting resources, they can establish some pretty elaborate settlements.
It's not a perfect feature, as the controls are a bit haphazard. However, it's still a nice touch, one that fits well with the game's atmosphere. The mechanic is yet another example of the freedom that Bethesda's games offer. The Witcher 3, by contrast, has no equivalent feature in its repertoire.
3 Exploration - The Witcher 3
The whole point of an open world is to allow the player to explore. As technology becomes more robust, maps get bigger as well as more detailed. Both games contain sizable maps with plenty of areas to explore.
When it comes to rewarding exploration though, The Witcher 3 is the winner. Exploring every nook and cranny usually results in a valuable reward for Geralt, especially when it comes to upgrades to his equipment. Rare and valuable equipment not only makes Geralt look better, but also makes him a more effective witcher.
2 Customization - Fallout 4
Playing Fallout 4 can be a vastly different experience with every new game. Customization, especially when it comes to character creation, offers a wide range of play styles depending on which attributes are invested in at the beginning.
Characters can be fearsome, sledgehammer-wielding juggernauts or silent, stealthy assassins. They can specialize in explosives, energy weapons, or more conventional firearms, to name just a few. The Witcher 3 does include options when it comes to leveling up Geralt's abilities, but it's not quite as in-depth when compared to Fallout 4.
1 The Verdict - The Witcher 3 Wins
Based on the evidence, it's clear that both games have their merits, many of which overlap. Stylistically, however, they are very distinct. One is heavily based on and influenced by fantasy, while the other explores the horrors and savagery of a post-apocalyptic world.
Regardless of taste, The Witcher 3 is the smoother experience, both from a narrative and gameplay perspective. Fallout 4 brings more freedom of choice to the table, but falls just short of the mark when it comes to the other facets that make The Witcher 3 such a joy to play.