Have you ever wished to shuffle a Gwent deck in real life, just like Geralt of Rivia? That dream is about to come true. Hachette Boardgames has announced a partnership with No Loading Games to bring the iconic card game from The Witcher universe to physical tabletops in the UK and US by the third quarter of 2025.
Gwent’s journey from a beloved mini-game to a standalone experience has been nothing short of legendary. It all began with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, an open-world RPG that set new standards for immersive storytelling and gameplay. Tucked away in that sprawling game world was Gwent, a deceptively simple but endlessly strategic card game that quickly captivated players. What started as a side activity became a sensation, with countless Witcher players spending hours mastering their decks and challenging in-game NPCs, sometimes putting monster-hunting on hold just to win another round.
The love for Gwent grew so much that CD Projekt Red, the developers behind The Witcher, turned it into its own standalone digital experience in 2017. That game, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, built on the original concept, introducing new cards, mechanics, and even a competitive esports scene. With millions of players worldwide, it became a staple for fans of both strategy games and The Witcher lore. And now, after years of requests from its devoted community, Gwent is coming to life as a physical card game.
This new version will feature over 400 cards, designed to faithfully replicate the digital and in-game experience while introducing elements that make it ideal for physical play. According to Hachette Boardgames, the set will include everything players need to dive into the game, including a high-quality playmat to bring the battlefield to life. The pricing is set at £44 in the UK and $39.99 in the US, making it an accessible option for both newcomers and long-time fans. Pre-orders are already open, and excitement is brewing.
But what exactly can players expect from this physical Gwent? For one, the same rich lore and strategy that made it a hit in the digital world. Gwent’s gameplay is built around creating balanced decks, deploying cards strategically, and outsmarting your opponent with clever plays and resource management. The physical edition will offer multiple play modes, from casual matches to more competitive formats designed for tournaments. This means whether you’re a collector who loves the artistry of the cards, a casual player looking for a fun game night experience, or a competitive strategist aiming to master the meta, there’s something in this release for you.
The timing of this announcement couldn’t be better. CD Projekt Red has been expanding The Witcher universe in exciting ways, including new content for The Witcher 3 and the recent announcement of a new Witcher game, currently codenamed Project Polaris. Bringing Gwent into the physical world feels like a natural evolution for the franchise, offering fans yet another way to immerse themselves in the world of Geralt, Yennefer, and the monsters that haunt the Continent.
One of the most exciting aspects of a physical card game is the opportunity for face-to-face play. While the digital version of Gwent excels in its accessibility, there’s something uniquely engaging about sitting across the table from your opponent, reading their expressions, and physically playing your cards. The tactile experience of shuffling your deck, holding your hand of cards, and seeing a beautifully designed playmat unfold adds an extra layer of immersion that digital gaming simply can’t replicate.
This isn’t just a win for fans of Gwent — it’s a testament to the lasting impact of The Witcher franchise as a whole. What began as a series of novels by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski has grown into a global phenomenon, spanning books, games, TV adaptations, and now physical games. Gwent’s leap into the real world is a celebration of the passion that fans have for this universe, and it’s an opportunity to welcome even more players into the fold.
Whether you’re a seasoned Witcher fan who’s spent hours perfecting your strategy in the digital version of Gwent or a curious newcomer intrigued by the chance to explore a game steeped in fantasy and strategy, this release promises to be a memorable milestone. With over 400 cards to collect, strategies to explore, and battles to win, it’s time to start preparing your decks and assembling your friends.