Originally released in 2015 and seeing a massive resurgence with "next-gen" updates and new 2026 expansions, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an open-world action RPG. You play as Geralt of Rivia, a "Witcher"—essentially a genetically mutated monster-slayer-for-hire.

The game is based on The Witcher books by Andrzej Sapkowski, and it’s famous for its "grey" morality. Unlike Star Wars where there’s a clear Light and Dark side, this game forces players to make impossible choices where there often isn't a "right" answer. With the new 2026 content drops, the graphics are more realistic than ever, which—fair warning—makes the gore and adult themes much more impactful.

If your teen is lobbying for this game, they probably aren't just looking for "brain rot." The Witcher 3 is widely considered one of the best games ever made.

We don’t pull punches here: this is a hard M-rated game. If you’re used to the cartoonish violence of Fortnite or the blocky combat of Minecraft, this is a massive jump.

We aren't just talking about "defeating" enemies. Geralt’s combat involves decapitations, severing limbs, and finishing moves that show internal organs. The monsters are nightmare fuel—think rotting corpses, hags who eat children, and cursed creatures that are genuinely disturbing. The "investigation" scenes often require Geralt to examine mutilated bodies to figure out what killed them. It’s CSI: Middle Ages, and it’s gruesome.

This is usually the biggest "red flag" for parents. The Witcher 3 features multiple romance subplots that include explicit, non-interactive sex scenes. There is full-frontal nudity (both male and female). While you can technically skip some of these scenes or avoid certain romances, nudity is also present in the environment—brothels are locations you can visit, and some monsters (like sirens or succubi) are depicted topless.

The dialogue is "salty" to put it mildly. Every four-letter word you can think of is used frequently. More importantly, the themes are heavy. The game deals with racism (humans vs. "non-humans" like elves), domestic abuse, alcoholism, and the devastating effects of war on civilians. It’s "prestige TV" in game form.

Ask our chatbot for a specific breakdown of the Witcher 3 sex scenes

So, when is a kid actually ready for Geralt?

If your 12-year-old wants a "big open world with swords," but you aren't ready to explain medieval brothels to them, try these:

The gold standard for open-world exploration. It has the sense of adventure and "cool" monsters without the gore or explicit content. Read our guide on why Zelda is the perfect Witcher alternative

If they want a deep RPG with gear, leveling up, and a massive world to explore, this is a much safer bet for the 10-14 age range. Check out Hogwarts Legacy

It’s also rated M, but it’s "M-lite" compared to The Witcher. The violence is less visceral, and the sexual content is almost non-existent. It’s a great "stepping stone" RPG. Skyrim Media Page

This is for the kid who wants a challenge. It’s dark and violent, but it lacks the explicit sexual content of The Witcher. It’s "fantasy-horror" rather than "adult-drama." Is Elden Ring too hard for my kid?

If you decide to let your older teen play, or if they’re already deep into it, use it as a jumping-off point for some real conversations:

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a 10/10 game that offers a deeper narrative experience than almost anything else on the market. However, that depth comes with a heavy dose of "adultness."

This is not a game you buy for a kid to keep them busy. This is a game you allow a nearly-adult teen to play when you’re confident they can handle themes of war, trauma, and explicit sexuality.

If they aren't there yet, stick to Zelda or Hogwarts Legacy. Geralt and his monsters will still be there when they’re 17.

Check out our guide on the best RPGs for every age Ask our chatbot about other M-rated games