If you’re craving more time in The Witcher universe but want something a little different from the mainline games, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales is an easy recommendation—especially right now. This story-driven, single-player RPG from CD Projekt Red blends classic adventure storytelling with strategic card-based battles, and it’s currently available at a steep discount on Steam.
Set in the world of The Witcher, Thronebreaker follows Meve, Queen of Lyria and Rivia, as war closes in on her kingdom. An invasion is looming, and survival means more than swinging a sword. You’ll be forced to make tough decisions, rally troops, and rebuild strength from the ground up as you push back against overwhelming odds.
What makes Thronebreaker stand out is how it mixes exploration and narrative choice with tactical encounters. As you travel across meadows, villages, and castle territories crawling with danger (including monsters), you’ll gather resources, recruit soldiers, and assemble companions to strengthen your traveling war camp. Progress isn’t just about winning fights—it’s about how you prepare, who you bring with you, and what you’re willing to sacrifice to reclaim your lands.
Combat is built around card battles, where every move matters. You’ll need to think ahead, construct a well-balanced army, and use skills and abilities at the right moment to outplay enemies. It’s a strategic format that rewards careful planning and smart deck building rather than brute force. For players who enjoy tactical decision-making, this approach can be deeply satisfying.
The value is even better thanks to extra digital goodies included with the game, such as a digital version of Gwent: Art of The Witcher Card Game and the graphic novel The Witcher: Fox Children.
Since launching on November 9, 2018, Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales has built a strong reputation among players. On Steam, it has received more than 17,000 user reviews, with 88% rated positive. The broader critical reception is also strong, with an 85 Metascore and an 8.3 user score on Metacritic. Fans frequently praise its Witcher-style worldbuilding and artistic direction, along with voice acting that helps bring the characters to life. The story is also often highlighted for its twists and turns, delivering the kind of morally complex narrative many people associate with The Witcher franchise.
That said, it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. Some players feel the gameplay style won’t appeal to those who prefer traditional real-time combat, and a portion of the audience has been less impressed by certain puzzle sections. Still, if you enjoy narrative-heavy RPGs and strategic card combat, it remains one of the more distinctive Witcher spinoffs available.
The current Steam deal drops the price by 80% until May 3, 2026, bringing it down to $3.99 from $19.99 (as reflected by Steam price tracking). Similar discounts have appeared in recent months, but this remains one of the best times to pick it up if it’s been on your wishlist.
