Gothic 3

Gothic 3 is a fantasy-themed role-playing game for Windows developed by the German studio Piranha Bytes, and it is the sequel to Gothic II. Although widely available in English, the game’s native release is German. It launched across the European Union on October 13, 2006, and arrived in North America on November 20, 2006; the North American release includes two patches released after the initial UK edition. A Collector’s Edition was also released with bonus collectible material. JoWooD later released a standalone expansion, Gothic 3: Forsaken Gods, on November 21, 2008.

The third chapter begins with the Nameless Hero and his companions sailing to a new continent overrun by orcs. They arrive in Myrtana, the continent’s central region, only for the Hero to lose all his gear from the previous game when the ship is stolen while he is onshore with Milten, Diego, Gorn, and Lester. This is presumed to be connected to the orc invasion launched against Khorinis during the second chapter. Myrtana has no physical connection to Khorinis or the ruins of the penal colony. In these mountainous forests, the orcs have enslaved the human kingdom. Only a few free humans survive in the nearly uninhabitable icy north of Nordmar and the southern desert of Varant. The Hero must choose where he stands in the war: join the rebellion and remain loyal to the deposed human king, serve the orcish usurpers as they try to crush the last human stronghold, or follow a path driven by his own goals. Throughout the journey, he travels with multiple NPC companions, including returning allies. Alongside familiar characters from earlier games—Xardas, Diego, Milten, Gorn, Lester, Lee, and Vatras—the story introduces two major new figures: King Rhobar II, who was ultimately responsible for sending the Nameless Hero to the penal colony in the first game, and Zuben. Once known as a bold leader, Rhobar now faces near defeat as his fame fades. Zuben leads the Hashishin who control the southern region of Varant.