Khorinis may have been saved - but the mainland has not. The Orcs have enslaved the human kingdom and deposed the King, and the remaining free humans now survive in frozen wastelands, harsh deserts or the high forests. However, this deadlock is soon to end, as the player has arrived - and his choices can turn the tide of the conflict once and for all.

Gothic 3 is a uniquely non-linear game, where the story and its outcome rests entirely on the player's decision and the entire balance of power can tip in an unpredictable game world where every decision matters, and can have far-reaching consequences.