You might think the biggest danger inThe Witcher 3is wandering into a Griffin’s nest or ticking off the wrong sorceress, but try owning property in Velen. Most towns in Geralt’s world are one bad night away from total ruin, whether that’s fromharpy swarmsor werewolf infestations.
In this list, we’re ranking every major town in The Witcher 3 based on one critical factor: how often you’d be hammering planks back onto your roof after yet another monster attack. Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard in Toussaint or house-hunting in Novigrad, here’s how fast it’ll fall apart.
10Beauclair
Beauclair might be filled with arrogant nobles and too much wine, but monsters? Not so much. Toussaint’s chivalric knights and constant guard patrols tend to keep this city mostly monster-free.
Of course, you mightget a stray vampireor a cursed beast every now and then, but the damage is probably minimal. Monsters won’t pop up as a constant worry, like they are in some other towns. Plus, the locals take pride in appearances, so repairs will happen fast.
9Novigrad
Sure, Novigrad isn’t the best place to settle down given that it’s corrupt and full of religious fanatics. However, monsters do rarely make it past the city walls. Instead, humans are the biggest threat here, and they can absolutely destroy your house to.
“Safer” towns like Beauclair and Novigrad might have fewer monsters, but political chaos can be just as destructive to your property.
Stay away from the docks at night, and you might just save your roof (but maybe not your moral compass). That said, you might get unlucky and run into something strange in the back alleys, especially once the Eternal Fire starts “cleansing” non-humans. But as actual property damage goes, you’re probably mostly safe.
8White Orchard
At first glance, White Orchard seems like a sleepy farming hamlet. It even has apple trees. You start the game here, but that griffin attack isn’t the only thing the village has dealt with.
Monster attacks often vary by time of day. If you’re moving into any village, avoid basements and wells.
Wraiths, drowners, and the general chaos of Nilfgaardian occupation mean you’d get maybe two weeks of peace before something sets your barn on fire. It’s a very charming town, but exceptionally fragile, like a cabin made of bread.
7Kaer Trolde
Kaer Trolde is technically “safe.” However, that still means fighting off a cyclops before breakfast. While the city itself has sturdy defenses, you can’t ignore the constant threat from sirens and sea monsters constantly crashing ashore.
Plus, the harsh weather alone might be enough to tear off your roof, even without the monsters. You’ll probably survive, but your house might not be so lucky.
6Oxenfurt
Oxenfurt looks cozy on the outside with its riverfront charm and academic vibe. However, the monsters seem to love interrupting study sessions. Ghouls anddrowners lurk just outside of town, and they tend to get too close.
The Redanian army provides some defense. But, let’s be honest, you’ll probably be boarding up your windows at least once a month. When the war isn’t tearing up the town, the sewers are vomiting up new surprises. It’s the kind of place where your roof might be fine one day, and the next, it’s missing thanks to something slimy with six arms and a taste for drywall.
5Oreton
Oreton is one of those towns that sounds peaceful until you realize it’s practically built on cursed soil. It’s surrounded by haunted woods and swampy monster bands.
Swamp towns like Oreton and Downwarren aren’t just home to monsters, they’re practically built on haunted ground.
You’ll either be fighting off the drowners and nekkers or rebuilding what they destroyed. If you must build here, build underground or get good with a hammer.
4Benek
Benek is barely holding it together. It’s constantly haunted by ghouls and plagued by wolves. It’s even occasionally visited by supernatural horrors that require Geralt’s attention. Every house is half-burnt or missing walls. One look at the notice board reveals just how many problems this town has.
Even if you manage to escape being eaten, something is always going to be banging down your door.
3Downwarren
Downwarren has an “accused forest energy” vibe. It’s close to the Crookback Bog, and if the swamps don’t get you, the twisted folklore monsters probably will. Wraiths and forest spirits aren’t just stories here. They’re your neighbors.
You could try living off-grid, but you’ll be rebuilding your shack after every full moon. It’s a cozy place, in theory, but we wouldn’t recommend buying property here.
2Lindenvale
Lindenvale is peak “quiet little village constantly under siege.” Whether it’s a grave-hag in someone’s well or a botchling haunting the outskirts, you’ll be patching up fences and praying to Melitele weekly.
There’s probably always a notice on the board asking for help with something that is definitely eating livestock (or worse). Even if Geralt clears the threats, three more pop up by morning. Lovely place, if you like adrenaline and splinters. Just don’t plan on finishing your second story.
1Crow’s Perch
Want to rebuild your houseevery week?Crow’s Perch is the place for you! When you combine the miserable swamps with endless ghouls and wild dogs, you’re just asking for trouble. You’re surrounded by rotfiends on one side and botchlings on the other. Even the peasants seem cursed.
And let’s not forget the crumbling keep in the center, which is hardly a beacon of stability. If you buy property here, you can expect to have a hard time getting home insurance.
