Just finished my second playthrough of the base game and first time through the DLCs. The base game is largely about as great as I remember it—quality drops off somewhat towards the end, and you can tell when something was meant to be expanded upon but had to be cut down and shipped for time reasons (cough cough Reason of State cough cough) but overall engrossing and thoughtfully conceived.
Hearts of Stone is my favorite of the two DLCs purely based on vibes. It's that Brothers Grimm style bleak folk tale energy amped up to 11, with great character building and atmosphere.
Blood and Wine was also cool. Toussaint's storybook beauty is certainly a change of pace from bleak Velen, seedy Novigrad, and ruggedly scenic Skellige. Main quest is interesting, love my boy Regis, and even knowing he's a fictional character it makes me happy that Geralt gets to retire and hang out in beautiful wine country with his partner (team Yen btw). Even went and watched the 10 year anniversary video after finishing and it was very :bloomer:
Now I'm gonna replay Thronebreaker since I've got it on steam now and am thoroughly gwent pilled again. Then maybe perfecting my Fallout Tale of Two Wastelands modlist and finally experiencing Fallout 3??
Imo play at least 2 before 3, as your decisions in 2 changes the world politics for 3 (thats simulated if you didnt play 2).
1s story is basically completely standalone and doesnt have much relevance to the plot for the other 2 witcher games. You just get to learn more about Shani (who isnt in the second game) and more about the world backstory in the northern kingdoms, primarily Foltest.