No. The Witcher 2 tells its own story and introduces the people and politics you need along the way. If you want the background, our Witcher 1 hub covers the first game.

A Prologue at La Valette Castle, three chapters and an epilogue. Chapter 2 is completely different depending on whether you side with Vernon Roche or Iorveth at the end of Chapter 1. See our Roche or Iorveth guide.

Neither path is the wrong one. Roche's path follows Temeria's fight to survive at King Henselt's camp. Iorveth's path follows the defence of Vergen with Saskia. Pick the side you believe in and play the game twice to see both halves.

Yes. Without a Witcher 2 save you can simulate one: Morvran Voorhis asks Geralt about his past during Imperial Audience. Letho's fate matters most, so let him live if you want to meet him again. Details in our choices and endings guide.

Normal is the intended experience. Dark adds cursed armor sets you can only get on that setting, and on Insane the game ends for good when Geralt dies. More in the beginner's guide.