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How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 89 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 90 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 95 | 750 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 94 | 750 |
| Xbox store ratings | – | 86 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 1h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (37)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 95
“With Geralt's final adventure coming to an end, CD Projekt Red did a masterful job. Action, intrigue, love and Gwent - it's all there and it's better than ever. Truly a finale worthy of the legendary Witcher.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Hearts of Stone expansion is worth every penny. Even if you usually don't enjoy story-driven DLCs (that are often boring and offer very little) you have to believe that CDP Red has made is right. This is an example everyone should follow - a great story, new characters, new equipment, new places. Stunning work. The Witcher just became even better.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Hearts of Stone is an essential pickup if you’re playing The Witcher 3.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Runs the entire gamut of human pathos with extraordinary flair and an impeccable eye for direction and dramatic impact. Hearts of Stone is a stunning journey into the very heart of darkness and beyond. An absolute must play.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Another high quality entry from CD Projekt RED, Hearts of Stone keeps the tone and essence of The Witcher but gives a very interesting twist to the "stoic monster hunter finds that humans are the true monsters" framework of the saga. Also, Shani will rekindle the heart of true fans. A fantastic effort worth your money.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone may skirt the line between DLC and Expansion Pack by merely adding more of what was already in Wild Hunt, but gets away with it by being sizeable and awesome. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Hearts of Stone, despite not really adding that much new "stuff", tells an amazing, engaging story that is worthy of the $10 price tag. While The Wild Hunt was the conclusion to an epic, climactic saga, Hearts of Stone is simply another story in the life of Witcher Geralt.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“First expansion for Witcher 3 is an intriguing story and a great occasion to return to Northern Kingdoms. Hearts of Stone keeps your attention from beginning to the very end, including side quests.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“There's a point when a character whistles the boss fight music. And just when you're sure one such encounter is coming, he walks away to that haunting tune, without so much as a fistfight. This is what Hearts of Stone does best. It takes our expectations and runs with them.”
read full review ↗ - 82
“A satisfying, self-contained adventure that plays to the series' strengths, but doesn't add anything novel outside of its storytelling.”
read full review ↗ - 96
“Hearts of Stone has pulled me back into The Witcher Universe with its finely crafted story and menagerie of clever side characters. A cat burglar acrobat, a suicidal Firestarter dwarf, a lifelorn ghost, and more are all people that will stick with you for a while even after you are done playing. While this story may only take you 10 hours to complete make sure to set aside more time than that because you will probably need it.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Hearts of Stone adds new story-line and new locations on The Witcher 3. Runewords is a interesting mechanic for veteran Witcher players. If you loved The Witcher 3 and if you want some more, Novigrad is waiting you.”
read full review ↗
PLAY Zine
GRYOnline.pl
PC Invasion
LevelUp
GameWatcher
The Escapist
Eurogamer
GameSpot
PC Gamer
MMORPG.com…and 25 more tracked reviews.