The Ultimate Gothic 3 Guide

A collection of useful stuff... NOW WITH A TL;DR VERSION.
Patches, mods, fixes... anything you'll need to get the game running, as well as some other useful things.

Introduction

Welcome, Nameless Hero!

Whenever you need help with something, you usually try to google it. But why google, if you can have (mostly) everything in one place? I will try to make this guide as complete as possible, but it will most likely not contain a full walkthrough, that means all the quests etc. I'll do my best at listening to the community and add more stuff as i get more ideas from you, guys. For now, enjoy my guide.

Union+ Modpack

In July 2024 a modpack called Union+ was created. It's an even easier way to install mods that puts them all into one big package with a user-friendly installer. The game needs to be patched, either using the patches listed below or by using the "Gothic 3 Patches" package on the Nexus Mods page for Union+.

You can download it here.[www.nexusmods.com]

CP 1.75.14 REQUIRED, PARALLEL UNIVERSE PATCH REQUIRED, UPDATE PACK REQUIRED

tl;dr - Patching the game for the lazy

For anyone that doesn't like to read, I present to you, the optimal installation order for a smooth experience. Just follow the steps and everything will be fine. If you like to read, skip this part and read the rest of the guide.


1. Install Gothic 3. Run the game once. If there's no text in the main menu, use ESC and the left button to quit the game.

2. Install the Community Patch 1.75.14 and run the game once. Download at the bottom. 1.48 GB file.
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]

3. Install the Parallel Universe Patch 1.1.1 and run the game once. It also fixes mouse issues.
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]

optional 4. Install the Update Pack 1.04 and run the game once.
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
optional 4.1. Update Pack not working with PUP? Install the UP public beta 1.05.10 on top of it.
Download[forum.worldofplayers.de]

Done. If you want a vanilla experience, this is where you stop reading and go play the game. If you want to install mods, carry on.

5. Install Questpaket 4.2
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
and the update for the 1.75 version of the game for it.
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]

6. if you want to, in addition to Questpaket 4.2 choose ONE of the mods listed below

6.1. Install Content Mod 3.1. Includes Consequences 2.0,
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]

6.2. or install Ring des Wassers,
Download[forum.worldofplayers.de]

6.3. or install only Consequences 2.0 without Content Mod 3.1.
Download[www.worldofgothic.de]

The Big Ones

This section will be dedicated to the patching/modding of the game. In case you want to install everything from this list, it's already in the correct installation order. Mixing it up might cause problems within the game itself or in worst cases the game won't even run. Just follow the guide and everything should work just fine.

Community Patch 1.75.14 (required)

The so called "must-have" for the game to even get it running on a newer OS. Before installing run the game at least once. Simple installation, run the .exe and you are done. New game must be started, older saves will not work. Before starting the installation, delete any mods (if you have any installed), otherwise the installation might not finish successfully. Bugfixes, widescreen support, working mouse and much more!

Originally posted by D'amarr from Darshiva:

The PDF manual explaining the community patch team's changes is found here:

1) If using the "beta" channel at Steam to upgrade to v1.75.14, it is
...\Steam\steamapps\common\Gothic3\Docs\CP_1_7x_Manual.pdf

2) If applying the separate community patch to v1.75.14, it is
...\Steam\steamapps\common\Gothic3\CP_1_7x_Manual.pdf

Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
(Download at the bottom of the page)

Slow download speed on the link above?
The download speeds seem to differ for everyone, so either you're stuck with a slow download or try the mirror links listed on this site under the section Mirrors.
Link[forum.worldofplayers.de]

Another download link provided by the user Alexis:
Link[www.gamepressure.com]

Download not working?
Check the last section of this guide or try a different browser.

Optional way of getting the patch (not recommended)
Steam offers the "latest" Community Patch 1.75.14 under the Betas tab of the game. The exact version differs from the original CP 1.75.14, that's why I don't recommend using it. It causes problems for a lot of people and you won't be able to install any mods (you can still install the Update Pack) when doing it this way. If you insist on using it though, you can download it by right-clicking on Gothic 3 in your library, clicking on Properties..., choosing the Betas tab and selecting cpt_1.75_testbranch from the drop-down menu. Reinstall the game.

Gothic 3 Parallel Universe Patch (optional, strongly recommended)

CP 1.75.14 REQUIRED, MOD COMPATIBILITY NOT TESTED, MOUSEFIX INCLUDED Recently released patch that almost entirely removes stutters and cuts the loading times by half.

Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
(Download at the bottom of the page)

Update Pack (optional, recommended)

REQUIRES CP 1.75.14, SHOULD BE COMPATIBLE WITH MODS Contains even more bugfixes for the game, as well as new features such as the ability to block animal attacks, alternative diary mode, "quick looting" when pressing RMB even for items on the ground, drinking/eating while running, etc. More in the link underneath.

Download[forum.worldofplayers.de]

Fix for Parallel Universe Patch not working with Update Pack
Install the Update Pack v1.04.11 and then, on top of it, the public beta v1.05.10. The download for that is on page 15, post #293

Download[forum.worldofplayers.de]

Questpaket 4.2 + QP Update for CP 1.75 (optional, not recommended for first playthrough)

REQUIRES CP 1.75.14 Now this is a nice one. It adds tons of quests (voice acting - only German). More content is always nice! Installation, as always, easy peasy, just run the .exe for both files (G3_Questpaket_4_Update2_Vollversion.exe + QP_Update_for_patch_1.75.exe)

Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
(Download at the bottom of the page)

READ BEFORE CONTINUING

If you've installed Questpaket, you can only install a single additional mod listed underneath, marked with a +, as they are not compatible with each other.

+ Content Mod, different versions (optional, not recommended for first playthrough)

CP 1.75.14, QP 4.2+UPDATE REQUIRED As i said a second ago, more content is always good. More armors, weapons, NPC models, new recipes, books.. and so much more! CM 3.1 also includes Consequences 2.0.2 as an optional component of the installation. Please choose only one you want to install, ideally 3.1.

Download, version 3.1[www.worldofgothic.de]
Download, version 2.6[www.worldofgothic.de]
Download, version 2.5[www.worldofgothic.de]

or 2.4 if you want to play with Orkmod (Gothic 2 orc looks)

Download, version 2.4[www.worldofgothic.de]
+ Download Orkmod 2.1[www.worldofgothic.de]
(All downloads at the bottom of the page)

Fix for Content Mod 3.1 - NPCs (Gorn, Lester, etc.) not leaving Ardea
A confirmed fix for this is by talking to Jens, the huntsman in front of Cape Dun. After talking to him they should respawn in their proper spots. An unconfirmed fix is to simply wait, do other things far enough from Ardea.

+ Consequences 2.0 (optional, not recommended for first playthrough)

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH CONTENT MOD. CAN BE INSTALLED WITH G3 1.75+QP4.2+QP 1.75 PATCH. INCLUDED IN CONTENT MOD 3.1 AS AN OPTIONAL INSTALL This adds, well, just like it says in the name, consequences for certain actions. When you are, for example, wearing a rebel armor in a city occupied by orcs, they will attack you without any warning. More information in the handbook on the official forum page (german only!).

Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
(Download at the bottom of the page)

+ Ring des Wassers BETA

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH ANY OTHER MOD. REQUIRES G3 1.75+UPDATE PACK+QP4.2+QP 1.75 PATCH. Für die Gothic-Fans gibt es seit Oktober 2022 eine neue Mod von ZixZax. Laut dem Autor ist Ring des Wassers auf Basis der alten Consequences Mod und großen Teilen der Content Mod entstanden, geht aber weit über die beiden Mods hinaus und überarbeitet nahezu alle Teile des Spiels. Die Mod befindet sich aktuell in der Beta-Phase. Bis dato wurde die Version 0.2 veröffentlicht. Aus dem Grund kann ich die Mod nur für Spieler, die Gothic 3 bereits mehrfach durchgespielt haben empfehlen. Reihenfolge der Installation bleibt w. o. For english fans, use a translator on the provided WoG link.

Ring des Wassers auf World of Gothic[forum.worldofplayers.de]

Inventory Mouse fix (obsolete, see Parallel Universe Patch)

ALREADY INTEGRATED INTO PARALLEL UNIVERSE PATCH Use this patch if you cannot use items in the inventory with a mouse click. Extract and copy the file Script_MouseDrag.dll into the directory Gothic3\scripts. Only compatible with Community Patch 1.75.14.

Alternatively you can use Enter/Return to use and equip items in your inventory instead of this fix.

Download[www.worldofgothic.de]
(Download at the bottom of the page)

Other

Enabling cheat mode (Marvin Mode)

Go to ...\Gothic 3\Ini and open the ge3.ini file using a text editor and search for TestMode=false, change it to TestMode=true. Now, using the ~ key you can open the console.

Disable HUD

This one was done by a guy who created his own guide for it, so i'll just give you the link to it. All credits to him.

Guide - Gothic 3 HUD off | Free Camera

Skip intro videos

1. Go to <path-to-game>\Data\Video\
2. Delete G3_Logo_01.bik, Publisher.bik and CPT.bik.

Custom FOV (Field of View)

1. Go to <path-to-game>\Ini\
2. Open ge3.ini.
3. Change Camera.FOV= to the value you want (default is 60°).
4. Save your changes.
(Personally, i recommend values between 75-80° for 16:9 resolutions.)

Windowed Mode

1. Go to <path-to-game>\Ini\
2. Open ge3.ini.
3. Change Fullscreen=true to Fullscreen=false.
4. Save your changes. Reverse this change to go back to fullscreen mode.
(System cursor will be visible.)

Disable mouse smoothing

It's in the options menu. If you want stiff, accurate controls, decrease it to about -87%/-90% on both axes. Don't go all the way down to -100%, it's.. awful. -87% is the sweet spot for me.

Stutter issues

Gothic 3 Optimization Steps

(PL) Polski język nie jest dostępny pod zakładką Język

Aby polski język pokazał się pod zakładką Język w oknie Właściwości, klikając na Gothic 3 w bibliotece Steam, należy zainstalować najnowszą wersję Community Patch'a (1.75.14). Opcja wybrania języka polskiego powinna być wtedy znowu dostępna bez potrzeby pobierania spolszczenia spoza Steama.

(PL) Brak napisów i polskiego dubbingu

Czasem język gry zmienia się podczas pobierania na angielski, przez co po uruchomieniu gry nie wyświetlają się napisy i nie ma polskiego dubbingu. Aby temu zapobiec, zmień język ponownie na polski we właściwościach gry PODCZAS GDY GRA SIĘ JESZCZE POBIERA (prawy przycisk myszy na Gothic 3 w bibliotece Steam -> Właściwości).

G3SI

You can use this tool to modify the draw distance values of the game, increasing the texture quality of objects and landscaped further away from the character. It also includes .ini modifications where you can decide how much experience you get from killing monsters, disabling/enabling Marvin mode and tweak the colours of the game.

Download[www.worldofgothic.de]

Steam Deck controls issue

If you're having issues with the controls while playing on the Steam Deck, install the game on your PC first, update it to version 1.75.14 and after that transfer it to your Steam Deck.

World Map

The map is huge. I love it. The world in Gothic 3 is so beautiful...

Gothic 3 Interactive Map

This tool lets you find anything you want in the game. Plants, people, weapon bundles...

Interactive map[www.worldofgothic.de]
(Contains only the location of vanilla NPCs, items, etc.)

In-game, rendered maps

Pretty nice to have these for people new to the game. If you can't find something that is in the near proximity of a certain town/camp, use them to help yourself out.



More maps[www.worldofgothic.com]

Heavy chests

Some equipment can only be obtained from Heavy Chests. The first few weapons might not be great, but be patient and open all HC you come across, it's worth it after a few have been opened.

It only matters how many chests you've opened so far, not which number you open. For example, if you open your first chest somewhere in Northmar, you'll always get the Hashishin Knife. It's the amount of chests you've opened so far that matters.

Let's say you've opened 18 so far and just found the 19th. You open it and you get the Meat Axe. It doesn't matter if it was number 19 on the map. It's the 19th chest you've opened.

01. Hashishin Knife (It_1H_AssDagger_01)
02. Hashishin Bow (It_Bow_Ass)
03. Bone Bow (It_Bow_Bone)
04. Rapier (It_1H_Epee_01)
05. Headhunter's Crossbow (It_Crossbow_Bounty)
06. Hashishin Sword (It_1H_AssSword_01)
07. Composite Bow (It_Bow_Composite)
08. Slave Death (Crossbow) (It_Crossbow_SlaveKiller)
09. Mercenary Crossbow (It_Crossbow_Merc)
10. Skull Shield (It_Shield_Skull_01)
11. War Bow (It_Bow_War)
12. Blood Harvest (Crossbow) (It_Crossbow_BloodHarvest)
13. Bearded Axe (It_2H_Bardiche_01 or It_Axe_Bardiche_01)
14. Katana (It_1H_Katana_01)
15. Paladin Sword (It_1H_PaladinSword_01)
16. Ruby Blade (It_1H_Rubyblade_01)
17. Wolf Ripper (Bow) (It_Bow_WolfRipper)
18. Order Sword (It_2H_OrderSword_01)
19. Meat Axe (It_2H_Waraxe_01 or It_Axe_Waraxe_01)
20. Ice Blade (It_1H_Iceblade_01)
21. Oak Bow (It_Bow_Oak)
22. Cutlass (It_1H_Scimitar_01)
23. Nordmarian Crossbow (It_Crossbow_Nrd)
24. Warhammer (It_Axe_Warhammer_01)
25. Army Bow (It_Bow_Army)
26. Ore Two-Hander (It_2H_Sword_Ore_01)
27. Rune Shield (It_Shield_Rune_01)
28. Horn Bow (It_Bow_Horn)
29. Rune Sword - Blueprint (It_1H_Runesword_01)
30. Rhino Killer (Crossbow) (It_Crossbow_Rhino)
31. Inquisitor (It_1H_Inquisitor_01)
32. El B a s t a r d o (It_1H_ElBastardo_01)
33. Headsman's Sword (It_2H_Executioner_01)
34. Nimrod (Bow) (It_Bow_Nimroder)
35. Greatsword (It_1H_GreatSword_01)
36. Master Sword (It_1H_MasterSword_01)
37. Barbarian Battleaxe (It_2H_BarbarianAxe_01 or It_Axe_BarbarianAxe_01)
38. Heavy Crossbow (It_Crossbow_Heavy)
39. Sword of the Ancestors - Blueprint (It_1H_AncestorSword_01)
40. Rune Bow (It_Bow_Rune)
41. Great Inquisitor (It_2H_GreatInquisitor_01)
42. War Crossbow (It_Crossbow_War)
43. Power of the Ancestors - Blueprint (It_2H_AncestorMight_01)
44. Demon Bow (It_Bow_Demon)
45. Berserker Axe (It_2H_BerserkerAxe_01 or It_Axe_BerserkerAxe_01)
46. Krash Morra (Crossbow) (It_Crossbow_KrashMorra)
47. Berserker's Wrath (Axe) (It_Axe_BerserkerRageAxe_01)
48. Wrath of Innos (It_2H_InnosWrath_01)

Teleporter Stones

Myrtana

Ardea - On the bench at the starting point.
Reddock - Southern caves of Reddock.
Cape Dun - Inside the Urkrass' warehouse.
Montera - In the abandoned house next to Marik's house.
Gotha - Chest in the orc boss hut. Second inside Gotha, at the smithy.
Faring - Inside the first cavern where you met Rocko, at the end of the right tunnel.
Vengard Temple - Caves inside Gotha.
Vengard Throne Room - Above the throne room, where Karrypto is standing.
Okara - On a stone just left from the entrance, facing towards Okara.
Silden - North of town, on a stone near a stone circle. Second is on Grompel.
Geldern - On a stone outside the southern exit, next to a chest. Second on Mirzo.
Trelis - Inside a chest behind the Beliar Shrine outside the SW entrance.
Nemora - Right side of the entrance, halfway up the hill, inside a chest. Also on Treslott in the bottom cave.

Varant

Braga - Bernado has it. You have to beat him to get it, but this is a part of a quest anyway.
Ben Erai - On a barrel, just below the slope to the mines. Another one is in the top-most mine tunnel.
Lago - In the weed dump, nearby Rasul.
Ben Sala - Around the smithy.
Bakaresh City - Near Silvio at the west entrance.
Bakaresh Temple - Inside the temple, in the center of "living quarters", the stairs lead down to the vault. The stone is in the second room.
Mora Sul - On a bench next to Bandaro.
Ishtar - One by the main entrance on a table. One in the very back of Zuben's palace by his bed. It teleports to his palace. It is guarded by a single hashishin and there is no way to get it without setting him off.

Nordmar

Wolf Clan - Inside Ronar's house.
Hammer Clan - Inside Ingvar's smithy.
Fire Monastery - Bottom level in the library in a locked chest, right side of the stairs.
Fire Clan - In the first secluded house. Second in the Chieftains house.
Xardas - On the first floor of his tower.

Teachers

You can be whoever you want. Warrior, archer, mage... but to find the right teacher, you either search for a long time, or write every single one you met down on a piece of paper. Here's a shortcut. Just use the link below. Our fellow friend from World Of Gothic made this little list, where he specified each and every teacher in the game, what skills they teach and where they are.


List of every teacher in the game[forum.worldofplayers.de]

WoG downloads not working

Should it be impossible for you to download through World of Gothic, there is a simple workaround for that, provided by boogedybopcannon, thanks a lot for pointing that out!

1. When on the download site provided in the sections above, we want to focus on the file we need. Not the mirror, but the file itself.
 
2. We then right-click on the link and select "Save link as...". Select the path where you want to save it and allow your browser to download it, as it will most likely block the download, at least Chrome does.

[giltheone]

Hmmm.... I started a new game, and it began with a narration in German. The last time I played over 9 years ago (I believe with a version of the Content Mod since I recall I wanted to mod the head of the Unnamed Hero since I didn't like the vanilla version, and also wanted orks closer to the ones from Gothic 2), I don't recall I got to encounter anything in German --- I didn't finish the game, but it certainly didn't BEGIN with the opening cinematic in German.

[giltheone]

@SHUGO thank you. Now I'm wondering whether I want the Orkmod or not, and consequently if it outweighs the benefit of installing Content Mod 3.1 vs 2.4+Orkmod. I've installed everything up to Questpacket 4.2 + update.

I do have one observation. I installed the Questpacket 4.2 and all seemed fine, but when I installed the update, it failed a couple of times. I had to change its compatibility settings for the update to Windows XP Service Pack 3; the default compatibility was Windows Vista Service Pack 2. My OS is Windows 11 25H2.

[SHUGO]

@giltheone The game shows you the current version in the main menu. The default branch installs Gothic 3 with the version number 1.60.29, which is not the one needed for further patches/mods. Then manually install the separate CP1.75.14 on top of it.

[giltheone]

One thing that's not clear to me is what version Steam installs by default, the one called "Default Public Version", I don't know if that is the Steam cpt_1.75_testbranch, or if it's the gothic3_1.6_legacybranch, and if it matters which one it is if I want to MANUALLY install the 1.75.14 version.

I've uninstalled whatever I had, and reinstalled whatever "default" Steam wanted, and I'll try to see if it matters or not by then installing the manual version of the 1.75 patch, but it would be nice to know in advance if I should install the legacy 1.6 version and then manually install the 1.75 version.

[Aszek]

Dzieki, przydalo sie. Thanks

[SHUGO]

@Hauptmann

1. Yes. Don't use the Steam Beta Branch if you plan to mod the game. It is technically not the same version of the Community Patch. This might cause issues when installing other patches/mods.

2. QuestPaket only has german voice-over but also english subtitles.

3. Not really. It's mainly just additional quests, armours, balance/difficulty changes etc.

[Hauptmann]

Really appreciate your guide, man. I have installed the first two mods and the performance boost is substantial.

For the most optimal gaming experience, I would appreciate answers to these questions:

1. Does it matter which "version" of the base game (1.75 in the Steam Beta selection menu or completely vanilla) is selected when the first two/three mods are installed?

2. Do any of the mods that add content change ANYTHING language-related to German? Be it dialogue, subtitles, audio (both in-game and in cinematics), etc.? I noticed QuestPak's manual is in German, for example, but it seems to add a lot of cool features and improvements to the game... will it change anything in the game to German?

3. Do any of the mods mentioned do anything to improve Gothic 3's narrative impact on gameplay? Do they improve the narrative's flow, faction attributes/distinction, character interactions, etc.? This one is super important, and all the better if it doesn't change the language to German!

[RuThaN666]

Lost of people want to remove that stupid 3 cities liberated, no more liberation with help of npc, hostile leaders.. So doing all these resistance quests and getting reputation does not make sense.. there it will give you the same result as attack city from the start.. Well except some quest rewards, but your are doing quest to get reputation to speak with boss.. was is needed to progress with liberation..
https://forum.worldofplayers.de/forum/threads/423949-Solution-for-the-hostile-orc-leaders

I im still failing with ressurecting friedly dead npc.. I can resurect it by this way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovfaYN7m2Gs
but npc still have 0 hitpoints, its alive, but 1 damage kills. i have tried to change hitpoint value in..
gcDamageReceiver entity, but i unable to update value, is happening for lost of entity values.. in edit mode, there has to be solution.

[RuThaN666]

Is there mod, or can someone do it for like much longer Light spell duration? Its very annoying to cast it over and over.. In whole series of Gothic games, it was 5 minutes in Gothic 1 and Gothic 2. Now its 2 minutes and its needed because no torch with Bows and 2hand weapons and no shield with 1 handed.

[RuThaN666]

I have created Autokey 1 (!= not compatible with 2), for sneak as toggle - as in Gothic 1+2 not not to hold it..
https://www.reddit.com/r/worldofgothic/comments/r8n8gr/g3_sneak_toggle_button/