Most Morally Gray Decisions In The Witcher 3

Key Takeaways

The Witcher 3 presents players with morally complex decisions that lack clear good or evil outcomes.
Key decisions in the game involve sparing abusive figures, sacrificing for the greater good, and navigating political alliances.
Players face dilemmas like choosing between harsh pragmatism and patriotic romanticism, questioning the impact of their choices.

As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the captivating world of The Witcher, I must say that the moral dilemmas and complex choices presented in this game are nothing short of extraordinary. Each decision we make as players shapes not only the narrative but also the very fate of the characters we encounter.

Few games manage to create a sense of moral dilemma as powerfully as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In this game, players encounter numerous intricate decision-making scenarios, such as navigating political machinations, interacting with monstrous beings, and sympathizing with human hardships. The game often refrains from providing clear-cut solutions in certain situations, instead leaving players to tread a morally ambiguous path where their choices may not significantly alter the outcome.

In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players assume the role of Geralt of Rivia, a character who frequently grapples with both personal allegiances and work commitments. Throughout the immersive main storyline and enticing side missions, players are often left pondering the consequences of their actions, as the game skillfully presents choices that aren’t always straightforwardly good or evil.

1 The Fate Of The Bloody Baron & His Family

Should An Abusive Father & Husband Get A Second Chance?

Quest: Family Matters
Key NPCs: The Bloody Baron, Anna, and Tamara

In Velen, one of the initial Non-Player Characters (NPCs) you might meet is The Bloody Baron. During your initial encounter with him, he requests Geralt’s help in locating his missing wife and child. As the story progresses, players will discover details about the baron’s violent past and learn how his family was mistreated.

In pursuit of finding the baron’s family, Geralt uncovers that his wife, Anna, is under a curse and imprisoned by the Crones, while his daughter, Tamara, has taken shelter with the Witch Hunters. The story’s conclusion hinges on the player’s decisions regarding the baron, leading to possible outcomes such as watching Anna succumb to her curse, Tamara failing to reconcile with her father, or even the baron meeting his end. Essentially, it’s the player who decides if a man like the baron, known for his abuse, deserves a chance at redemption or leaves his family in ruins.

2 Killing Or Sparing The Whispering Hillock

Will You Sacrifice An Entire Village Or Save Innocent Children?

Quest: The Whispering Hillock
Key NPCs: The Whispering Hillock, the Crones

As I ventured through Whispering Hillock, I stumbled upon a spectral entity ensnared within an ancient tree. Faced with a tough decision, I was offered two paths: save or slay this tormented soul. Regrettably, both choices had their repercussions, the main disparity lying in the intensity of these consequences.

The predicament with Whispering Hillock is tricky since this spirit presents Geralt a chance to rescue the orphans who have been captured by the crones. But liberating the spirit could result in the destruction of Downwarren village. Consequently, it’s on the players to decide between two difficult choices: the lesser and greater evils.

3 The Fate Of Kiera Metz

Will You Vouch For Her Freedom Or Stand For Responsibility

Quest: For The Advancement Of Learning
Key NPCs: Keira Metz

In Velen, one of the first acquaintances Geralt encounters is Kiera Metz. Interacting with the sorceress initiates a chain of new missions that not only shed light on the region’s political climate but also reveal her personal objectives. As the game unfolds, Kiera contemplates striking a deal with Radovid to free herself from the Lodge’s influence. She proceeds with this strategy fully aware of King Radovid’s intense dislike for mages and sorceresses.

Making the decision to aid Kiera in forming an alliance with Radovid ultimately leads to her brutal demise later in the game. If Geralt discourages her from handing over the notes to the king, it sets up a hostile confrontation, leading to a bitter fight. However, an alternative choice for Geralt is to persuade Kiera to find sanctuary at Kaer Morhen, transforming her into a valuable ally during the Battle of Kaer Morhen. The moral ambiguity in this decision stems from the fact that the player can’t predict the long-term effects of their action, with two outcomes unfolding throughout the game and one happening instantly.

4 The Vampires Of Toussaint

Should Geralt Punish A Killer Or Protect A Misunderstood Creature?

Quest: Tesham Mutna
Key NPCs: Dettlaff, Regis

In the expansion known as “Blood and Wine” within “The Witcher 3”, Geralt ultimately faces a dilemma: whether to eliminate or spare Dettlaff, a higher vampire notorious for a series of killings. As Geralt gathers clues about the enigmatic deaths, it becomes clear that Dettlaff is both a victim and an offender. He was tricked and compelled to commit the gruesome murders by a woman who he believed cherished him.

If a player decides to eliminate Dettlaff, there’s a chance they could strain their bond with Regis. On the other hand, sparing Dettlaff may result in the death of the Duchesses’ sister. At this point, players find themselves walking on a delicate line that divides humans and non-humans, needing to understand and manage the intricate relationships between both species.

5 Gaunter O’Dimm’s Final Bargain

Should You Give A Cruel Man A Second Chance, Or Let His Pact With The Devil Play Out?

Quest: Whatsoever A Man Soweth
Key NPCs: Gaunter O’Dimm, Olgierd Von Everec

Gaunter O’Dimm serves as a pivotal figure in the additional content known as “Hearts of Stone.” As players engage with him, it quickly becomes clear that he’s not your typical vendor; there’s a darker, sinister side to him. In this expansion, Gaunter O’Dimm captures an important NPC named Olgierd von Everec. This character, in his quest for immortality, sells his soul without fully grasping the dire ramifications of such a deal.

During the course of the expansion, Geralt uncovers Olgierd von Everec’s troubled past, including the mistreatment of his deceased wife. Now, Olgierd is a remorseful man who laments his past deeds and yearns for a tranquil end. It falls upon Geralt to decide whether he should offer redemption to this regretful man and grant him another chance at life, or abandon him and allow fate to take its course.

6 Allying with Dijkstra Or Roche

Should You Support A Calculated & Cunning Despot Or A Patriotic Freedom Fighter In Shaping The Future Of The North?

Quest: Reason Of State
Key NPCs: Sigismund Dijkstra, Vernon Roche, Ves, and Philippa Eilhart

In the “Reason of State” mission, Geralt faces a crucial decision about the North’s political destiny: either to eliminate King Radovid V or not. The players are presented with two options:

As a fervent supporter, choosing Dijkstra means upholding the independence of the North, albeit at the cost of civil liberties. On the other hand, Roche’s backing embodies resistance against oppressive rule, but it may lead to Nilfgaard’s dominance over the North. This decision forces us to grapple with the complexities of unyielding pragmatism versus passionate nationalism, with no clear-cut victory in sight.

7 Stand By Letho Or Leave Him Behind

Will You Assist The Hunted Kingslayer In Escaping His Enemies, Or Leave Him To Face His Fate Alone?

Quest: Ghosts of the Past
Key NPCs: Letho Of Gulet

In the Ghosts of the Past mission, protagonist Geralt comes across Letho of Gulet, a notorious kingslayer, who has been cast away by the emperor of Nilfgaard following their mutual use. Hiding from bounty hunters seeking his capture, you, as the player, are faced with a choice: either assist Letho or let Geralt handle his own affairs.

Deciding to save Letho means creating an illusion of his death and subsequently inviting him to find sanctuary at Kaer Morhen, a place where the renowned witcher can escape his violent history. The player’s decision hinges on whether a man who caused widespread upheaval and strife in the Northern kingdoms should be allowed to escape unpunished, raising questions about justice and compassion.

8 Help Or Hunt A Thieving Doppler

Should You Help A Struggling Doppler, Or Turn It Over To The Authorities To Serve Justice

Quest: An Elusive Thief
Key NPCs: The Doppler, The Villagers

In Novigrad, Geralt encounters an assignment to chase down a slippery thief, and this pursuit eventually reveals the thief as a Doppler. Confronting the thief exposes its reasons for stealing, which stem from its challenges in surviving in a society quick to condemn it, potentially leading to its demise.

In this situation, although Doppler’s actions are unlawful, they have not resulted in physical injury to anyone. Therefore, it is left to the player to determine whether to issue a warning and let the impostor go free or report them to the authorities, which could potentially lead to their punishment by legal means.

2024-11-22 08:04