Well I can’t really help with lore. There’s just so much that happens before 3 that I can’t really write it down in text without grossly oversimplifying it. I’d recommend looking up some lore videos for beginners to help out with that.
As for gameplay I can tell you a few tips that definitely can help new players.
Always keep a ready supply of alcohest. This is needed to replenish your potions and bombs so be sure to search containers to buy them at shops to always have bombs and potions.
Don’t make the mistake I did when I first started and don’t just rely on random armors you find or buy. Instead invest time in searching for Witcher gear it’s by far the best in the game and will be more reliable than random ones you find. You can get the quests for finding them either by purchasing maps for them at blacksmiths or armorers or by simply finding them in the world and it’ll start the quests automatically. I’d recommend either the cat school or bear school for beginners.
Dont feel like you need to sell all your gear. If you can, get a blacksmith/armorer to dismantle them and it’ll give you the materials it had such as metals and monster parts which you can than use to craft other items.
Lastly always do side quests first, this isn’t a game where you can put them off for after the main story some of them will straight up fail if you progress too far into the story.
Thats really the best advice I can give to a new player. If you a more specific question feel free to ask. Good luck on the path Witcher.
