The Witcher Netflix timeline explained

Netflix has provided confused viewers with a handy timeline to help map out the events of The Witcher TV series.

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The Witcher TV series has been a massive hit. It’s brought more people into the gaming scene to experience the equally impressive titles. It’s allowed the book readers to experience the world through another lens. And it’s given the game-players some more backstory on their gruff-yet-loveable Geralt of Rivia. But there are those viewers who have been left slightly puzzled by the sequence of events, which is why Netflix has released an official timeline of The Witcher TV series.

The Witcher Netflix TV series timeline

For those who may have struggled with working out the timing of events in The Witcher TV series, you’re apparently not alone. The series jumps around a lot when it comes to telling its narrative, choosing a unique format that allows non-critical information to be interspersed with the main plot point of Ciri. Netflix was nice enough to share a cleaned-up look at the character timeline of The Witcher in an easy-to-digest infographic.

the witcher timeline netflix tv series
  • Episode 2 – Yenn is sold to Aretuza
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  • Episode 3 – Yenn’s body is transformed
  • Episode 1 – Geralt becomes the Butcher of Blaviken
  • Episode 2 – Geralt and Jaskier are abducted by elves
  • Episode 4 – Yenn’s Queen is assassinated, she goes rogue
  • Episode 3 – Geralt fights the Striga
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  • Episode 4 – Ciri’s mother promises her to Geralt as a child of surprise
  • Episode 5 – Yenn and Geralt meet
  • Episode 6 – Yenn and Geralt meet again to hunt for a dragon. Geralt’s wish is revealed and she servers their relationship
    • 1263
  • Episode 7 – Geralt returns to Cintra to claim Ciri and save her from destiny, is imprisoned
  • Episode 1 – Calanthe loses the Battle of Marnadal Valley
  • Episode 7 – Yenn returns to Aretuza in advance of the Nilfgaardian attack
  • Episode 1 – Cintra is sacked and Calanthe commits suicide. Ciri flees
  • Episode 8 – Yenn vanishes after using her chaos to win the Battle of Sodden Hill
  • Episode 8 – Geralt and Ciri meet

As you can see, this timeline puts the major events from each episode into chronological order. What this means is that parts of an episode could happen at either end of the timeline. For example, Episode 1 includes an early event, Geralt becoming the Butcher of Blaviken, as well as a latter event, Cintra being sacked, Calanthe committing suicide, and Cirilla fleeing.

If the TV series was to follow this more straightforward approach to the story, we would have had the back end of the series focused entirely on Ciri fleeing an Geralt searching for her. What we have instead is the main plot of Ciri escaping capture, intercut with the scenes showing Geralts proficiency as a Witcher and hunter of beasts.

Now that you’ve got a better grasp on The Witcher Netflix TV series with this helpful timeline, be sure to stop by the Shacknews The Witcher 3 page for some helpful guides!

Guides Editor

Hailing from the land down under, Sam Chandler brings a bit of the southern hemisphere flair to his work. After bouncing round a few universities, securing a bachelor degree, and entering the video game industry, he's found his new family here at Shacknews as a Guides Editor. There's nothing he loves more than crafting a guide that will help someone. If you need help with a guide, or notice something not quite right, you can message him on X: @SamuelChandler 

From The Chatty
  • reply
    February 18, 2020 11:30 PM

    Sam Chandler posted a new article, The Witcher Netflix timeline explained

    • reply
      February 19, 2020 1:11 AM

      thank you for this. i was kind of wondering what the timeline really looked like.

      • reply
        February 19, 2020 2:16 AM

        Does the timeline break down anything from the games too?

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          February 19, 2020 4:52 AM

          No and as far as I can piece together, most of everything that happens is before any of the games. Though I never got far in any of the games. The series is making me want to try again. Maybe I'll be able to stand Geralt more? Something about him in the games finds him really repulsive and unlikable.

          • reply
            February 19, 2020 5:22 AM

            That's how all the NPCs feel. Maybe you're an NPC.

            Seriously though, I'm just playing it for the first time too thanks to the TV series. I feel like I'm playing with a digital Henry Cavill.

          • reply
            February 19, 2020 5:43 AM

            Games are all post-books.

    • reply
      February 19, 2020 4:48 AM

      Thank you. I got the time line but this will be helpful to show to others I watched it with who were confused. I couldn't explain episode 4's place in the time line well enough.

    • rms legacy 10 years legacy 20 years mercury super mega
      reply
      February 19, 2020 6:49 AM

      There's also this map and timeline tool: https://www.witchernetflix.com/en-gb

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