"The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone" is a DLC expansion of the game that has gotten mixed reviews from critics because of its expansion concept.

Eurogamer thinks that the "Hearts of Stone" DLC expansion is a bit off, considering it's being sold for around £8. The price may seem cheap compared to other expansion games that retail at £35, but it is also expected to have a more complex, detailed and fully developed storyline rather than just an additional 10-hour game exploring what's already been treaded upon.

The Poland-based CD Projekt Red developer has apparently made "Hearts of Stone" a more relaxing game, taken out of context from the original one. However, from Eurogamer's point of view, the new expansion "never feels as shiny and new as the best expansions do, and it takes a while to stand apart and resemble something more than yet another quest in an already abundant game." "Hearts of Stone" turns out to be a rather subtle version of its other counterparts, but it does not compromise the level of challenge needed in order to win.

According to Gamespot, the open world game's new content is rather easy to access and players will have the option to complete it before or after they have finished playing the main game.

The storyline begins in the town's bulletin board, giving instructions, warnings and hints to players on how to go ahead with the game. Taking into consideration the different whereabouts of the enemies, the story can also deter the player to a sharp turn when other characters appear with no clear motives on the enemies.

From Gamespot's point of view, it is "so story driven, and laced with power moments, a facet that's hard to come by in an open world RPG." "The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone" is a game that "deserves just as much attention on Oct 3."

Meanwhile, VG247 commended the game expansion for its quality game concept that comes with a reasonable download price. From the news outlet's point of view, "Unconventional as much of their approach might be, it appears to be working. The Witcher 3 has seen huge success, and my short hands-on with 'Hearts of Stone' seemed to mark it as a quality
expansion, especially for its $9.99 digital price tag. I'm certainly looking to getting my teeth into it more properly."