The Witcher Season 3 Part 1 Episode Guide: Plot, Release Date & How to Watch

The first volume of The Witcher season 3 is almost upon us – and things are changing. While the focus of the show remains the family unit of Geralt, Ciri and Yennefer, everything that has gone before in seasons 1 & 2 has made Geralt (in particular) a different person.

Showrunner Lauren Schmidt-Hissrich said that while Geralt has previously 'claimed neutrality, shunned politics and publicly asserted that witchers don't have emotions,' in season 3 he's no longer able to shut off his feelings. And he's got a hell of a job protecting Ciri, with threats coming at her from all angles.

So far, we only have details of the first 5 episodes (that make up volume 1) which begin airing on June 29. But don't worry – volume 2 is just 4 weeks behind and is set to hit our screens on July 27.

Here, we break down what viewers can expect from the first 5 episodes:

Episode 1: Shaerrawedd (Release Date: June 29)

The season starts 12 months on from the end of season 2 and opens with a montage that brings viewers up to date on pertinent goings on since we last saw the intrepid trio.

After the events of season 2, there is tension between Geralt (Henry Cavill) and Yennefer (Anya Chalotra). But there are also real dangers to face – including a mage intent on destroying the family and a shaelmaar that threatens them while they're attending Belletyn – a fertility festival.

Over at the Redanian court, Jaskier is at the centre of a whole load of scheming – but he will join up with the others.

Quick spoiler – Geralt kills the shaelmaar in double-quick time before the highly anticipated fight scene takes us to the end of the episode. This battle scene is one that Netflix are proud of and fans can't wait to see it. Choreographed by none other than Wolfgang Stegemann (fight coordinator on movies including Mission Impossible, Jack Reacher and Luther: The Fallen Sun), the fight scene is huge and sees three sides pitted against each other.

Episode 2: Unbound (Release Date: June 29)

As part of his commitment to protecting Ciri, episode 2 sees Geralt tracking down Rience who is a constant threat to the crown princess of Cintra portrayed by Freya Allen.

While searching for the scar-faced mage, though, Geralt finds something so grotesque he has to believe it's the work of somebody even more unbalanced than Rience – a creature formed from the body parts of dead girls. He'll also rescue a girl in this episode.

While Geralt is facing this terrifying monster, Yennefer and Ciri are making their way to Aretuza where they will meet up with a royal messenger in a scene that fans of the book series will recognise.

Episode 3: Reunion (Release Date: June 29)

We know The Witcher season 3 is more faithful to the source material than previous seasons – and this is where the book and show start to feel more familiar.

Anyone who has read Time of Contempt will know a lot goes on when Yennefer and Ciri arrive in Gors Velen, and their story in this episode is largely based on those events. Without giving too much away, there are several sorceresses, the Wild Hunt, and an appearance by Fabio Sachs.

Meanwhile, Geralt takes the girl he rescued in episode 2 to a healer before being called into action once more as Ciri comes under threat from the Wild Hunt.

Episode 4: The Invitation (Release Date: June 29)

Valdo Marx joins Geralt, Ciri and Jaskier on a boat headed for Thenedd Isle. The official trailer for the show highlights that the trip isn't without its interruptions, but the awesome foursome makes it to the shore.

Once on land, Yennefer and Geralt swallow their pride and apologise to one another, finally bringing to an end the rift between them that has been carried over from season 2.

This episode also sees the start of preparations for the Thanedd Ball.

Episode 5: The Art of Illusion (Release Date: June 29)

Episode 5 brings Volume 1 to its conclusion and ends with a cliffhanger. The Thanedd Ball is The Witcher's version of Game of Thrones' Red Wedding in that it is a major pivotal event in all that follows.

Those who remember the scenes from season 1 in which viewers witness scenes from different perspectives can look forward to more of the same at the Thanedd Ball.

As you might expect, there is lots of plotting and scheming throughout the event which is accompanied by a sense of foreboding. Although the newly reconciled Geralt and Yennefer only have eyes for each other.

Summary:

Season 3 is Henry Cavill's last on The Witcher and if the reports are to be believed, he's going out with a bang in a season that promises to stay more faithful to the book series and deliver plenty of action, intrigue and suspense that we've come to know and love from the show.

The Witcher Season 3 part one (episodes 1 to 5) will be available on Netflix on June 29, and we expect part two (episodes 6 to 8) to be available on July 27.

Source: Netflix.