A Comprehensive Guide on Navigating "The Witcher 3" for the Absolute Best Ending

"The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt" is not just a game; it is an exceptional adventure that gives players the opportunity to create their own story. With up to 36 different game states, your choices throughout the game have the power to orchestrate your very own ending. Luckily, if you're looking for the ultimate conclusion, this guide will direct you through the various decisions and steps to lead you toward the best ending.

Deciphering Ciri's Destiny

Irrespective of what you do, the epilogue mission is named "Something Ends, Something Begins," and the outcome largely lies in the fate of one character, Ciri. Ciri's fate is determined by the following seven decisions you make throughout the game. Based on your choices, Ciri can face three possible destinies:

Ciri's Demise

In this case, Ciri succumbs because she harbors self-doubt about her battle with the White Frost. This is triggered by making at least three "negative" conversation choices. While the game ends somberly, you can determine your decisions to avoid this outcome.

Ciri's Transformation into a Witcher

If Ciri feels she's worthwhile and has self-confidence, she survives her battle with the White Frost and embraces the prospect of becoming a witcher. Achieving this outcome involves careful dialogue choices and not taking Ciri to see the Emperor. Undertake a minimum of two positive decisions to ensure this ending.

Ciri Ascends to become Empress

Similarly, if Ciri has an inner confidence and has met her biological father, she realizes the good she can do as Empress and survives the White Frost. To trigger this ending, you must take Ciri to visit the Emperor and complete a series of secondary quests in Act Two of the game. Also, at least three out of five "positive" dialogue choices will set up this successful ending.

The Determinants of Geralt's Destiny

There are three possible endgame states your main character, Geralt, can find himself in, which are determined by who you successfully romance or not. These states determine who will show up in the game's expansion, Blood and Wine.

Geralt's Life in Kovir with Triss

If you manage to romance Triss, Geralt moves to Kovir, living comfortably with Triss being an advisor to the king.

Geralt's Retirement with Yennefer

If you successfully romance Yennefer, both of them retire from worldly matters and live blissfully with each other.

Geralt as a Wandering Witcher

If you don't win the affection of Triss or Yen or if you try to win both their hearts, Geralt ends his days alone, save for Dandelion, as a traveling witcher.

The Fate of Rulers and Kingdoms

Geralt's actions throughout the game shape global politics, with the holder of the power at Novigrad and Velen, Skellige, and the Emperor of Nilfgaard all being determined by your choices. These will play out through cutscenes or be reflected in the world state during the three possible epilogues.

Meaningful Mid-game Consequences

Several "mini endings" come to light as you progress through the game, determined by specific choices you make about certain characters like the Bloody Baron, Sara the Godling, Keira Metz, Whoreson Junior, and the fate of mages in Novigrad.

Conclusion

Every choice brings about a series of cascading events in "The Witcher 3", enabling you to orchestrate your unique narrative journey. Through careful and thoughtful decision-making, you can guide Geralt and Ciri toward the best possible ending. Your path through this epic world is yours to walk, so make every choice count.