I have to admit right from the start – I’m a huge Witcher fan. I’ve read the books, played the video games, watched the series… and now I’ve experienced Cesta osudu, in its Deluxe Edition, which completely drew me in.
But beware – this isn’t a game you just “play through.” To truly enjoy it, you have to let yourself be absorbed by the story. Step into your role, read between the lines, and feel the world pulsing with magic, blood, and humanity. Without that immersion, the game would lose the essence of The Witcher itself.
And that’s exactly what makes Cesta osudu so special. It’s not about the cards or victory points – it’s about the stories that unfold based on your choices. Even the smallest decision can change the course of destiny.
Zaklínač: Cesta osudu is, above all, a story-driven game. Each playthrough feels like reading one of Sapkowski’s short stories – except this time, you decide how the plot unfolds. Players take on the roles of Geralt, Yennefer, Dandelion, Ciri, or Vesemir and relive iconic tales like The Striga, The Lesser Evil, or The End of the World.
But this isn’t about “saving the world.” You all share the same story, yet you compete to leave the greatest mark upon it. Every turn is a fragment of fate that can alter history – and that’s where the real magic lies. You never know whether the story will follow a familiar path or take a completely unexpected turn because your rivals have different goals.
Mechanically, the game works surprisingly smoothly. Each player has their own character deck and plays action cards during each chapter, gaining symbols of four types – combat, diplomacy, magic, and exploration. These symbols influence the story indicators and determine how the chapter will develop.
Gameplay follows a clear structure that perfectly mirrors the rhythm of storytelling. Each round begins with players secretly choosing a card from their hand. Once everyone reveals their choice, the cards are placed onto each player’s timeline, representing the sequence of actions taken during the chapter. The effects of these cards can shift story indicators, grant experience, change initiative order, or influence other players. After all cards have been played, the timeline is resolved from left to right, and depending on whether the light or dark indicator dominates, the chapter’s ending is determined.
Each full story consists of three chapters, forming a complete narrative arc filled with decisions, consequences, and twists. Players gain experience and victory points throughout the story, which are tallied at the end. The result isn’t just a score – it’s a unique tale that will never play out the same way twice.
Every action matters, every choice leaves a mark. The Fate Tokens and shifting story paths make each game feel alive and reactive. This isn’t just a game “based on The Witcher” – this is The Witcher.
Another huge plus – all game components are completely language-independent. The only text you’ll find is in the Czech rulebook, which clearly explains everything you need to know to dive into the world of Zaklínač.
Playing Cesta osudu in its Deluxe Edition is a true treat. Each character comes with a detailed plastic miniature used on the initiative track, and a 3D scoring marker – a beautifully sculpted symbol of that character, used on the victory point track. These miniatures are wonderfully crafted and make the game feel like a true collector’s piece.
The 3D double-layered character boards feature slots for experience markers – everything stays perfectly in place and looks fantastic on the table.
Every card, illustration, and piece of text breathes with the dark humor, tragedy, and irony of Sapkowski’s world. The designers clearly worked hard to ensure that each story feels authentic, while still giving you the freedom to alter its outcome. Even Dandelion’s introduction in the rulebook is a little literary gem – ironic, confident, and poetic, exactly as you’d expect from him.
Unlike many other card-driven games, this one isn’t about combos or pure tactics. It rewards reading, observation, and immersion in the narrative. It’s a game that will delight even those who aren’t usually “board game strategists.”
There’s also a solo mode that works surprisingly well – the Automa simulates an opponent, letting you enjoy the story on your own.
Zaklínač: Cesta osudu (Deluxe Edition) isn’t just a board game – it’s an experience.
A true tribute to Sapkowski’s world, blending strong storytelling, beautiful components, and an atmosphere that even Dandelion himself would envy.
✅ Deep, story-driven gameplay
✅ Original system of influencing the narrative
✅ Stunning illustrations and high-quality production
✅ Deluxe edition with plastic miniatures and 3D scoring markers
✅ 3D character boards with slots for experience markers
✅ Fully functional solo mode
✅ Language-independent components with a clear Czech rulebook
If you’re a Witcher fan, you simply need this game.
And if you’re not – you will be after just a few chapters.
You can buy the game Zaklínač: Cesta osudu here.