In the world of RPGs, Geralt of Rivia stands out as one of the most morally complex protagonists, often grappling with challenging decisions. Despite his inclination to avoid choosing between two evils—a sentiment he often expresses—Geralt consistently demonstrates kindness and a willingness to help those he cares about, even at a personal cost. This intriguing character dynamic is particularly evident in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, where players have the freedom to shape Geralt’s decisions, sometimes leading him to choices that starkly contrast with his noble persona.
As anticipation grows for the upcoming The Witcher 4, let’s revisit some of the more morally questionable decisions Geralt faces in Wild Hunt. Below are decisions ranked from less heinous to most egregious, highlighting the cruel paths a player can take.
Warning: The following content contains spoilers for The Witcher 3.
8. Taking Emhyr’s Gold
Betraying Ciri’s Trust for a Large Bounty
At the beginning of The Witcher 3, Geralt is offered a bounty by Emhyr var Emreis, Ciri’s biological father, to locate her. This scenario reveals Emhyr’s perception of Geralt merely as a bounty hunter unconcerned with familial bonds. While Ciri desires to reunite with Emhyr, accepting this bounty implies to her that Geralt values money over their relationship, which can devastate her emotionally and alter the game’s ending. By this stage, Geralt has ample wealth and gear, making this choice indicative of a heartless character.
7. Trying to Romance Yennefer and Triss at the Same Time
You Really Thought You Could Have Them Both?
The romantic paths in The Witcher 3 can be highly divisive, with players often torn between Yennefer and Triss. A morally compromised Geralt might find himself attempting to juggle both relationships simultaneously. While humorous endings may ensue, this ultimately leads to feelings of betrayal and disdain from both women. This choice not only reflects poorly on Geralt’s character but also showcases a lack of emotional maturity.
6. Forcing Out the Godling
Refusing to Compromise
In Novigrad, Geralt encounters Corinne Tilly, plagued by nightly nightmares linked to an innocent Godling residing in her home. Players can choose a peaceful resolution with the Godling, but opting to expel it into the wilderness showcases cruelty. This choice may not rank as heinous compared to others, but it still highlights Geralt’s darker potential.
5. Killing the Botchling
A Very Short-Sighted Shortcut
During the quest involving the Bloody Baron, players learn about a Botchling—an outcome of his wife’s tragic miscarriage. Though a ritual exists to turn the Botchling into a guardian spirit, a ruthless choice would be to simply kill it. This decision, while expedient, is cruel as it prevents the Botchling from joining its family and aids in the search for Ciri.
4. Hanging the Deserter
Letting an Innocent Man Die
In an unmarked encounter, Geralt witnesses a Nilfgaardian deserter being unjustly condemned to death by a mob in Hangman’s Alley. Allowing this execution to occur violates the principles of justice and mercy that Geralt often espouses. The act serves as a stark reminder of the game’s moral struggles.
3. Killing Roche
Choosing Politics Over Friendship
In the quest titled Reason of State, a rift forms as Roche reveals his treacherous allegiance to Nilfgaard. When misunderstanding leads to a potential confrontation, choosing to side against Roche—Geralt’s close ally—demonstrates a prioritization of political intrigue over personal loyalty. Only a deeply misguided Geralt would betray a trustworthy friend for political gain.
2. Killing Keira
Directly or Indirectly
Keira Metz seeks to cure the Catriona plague and aims to sell her research to the tyrannical King Radovid in hopes of amnesty. Players face a choice that could lead to her death either through direct action or by enabling her fate. In both scenarios, Geralt’s choice results in Keira’s grim downfall, reflecting a deeply troubling aspect of his moral compass.
1. Killing Feature
Betraying Your Adopted Daughter
The ultimate betrayal occurs when Geralt allows Ciri to perish at the hands of the Wild Hunt. Failing to support her emotionally throughout the narrative leads to this heart-wrenching conclusion. This outcome embodies the most severe choice in the game, concluding that a player who guides Geralt down such a path has made the most tragic and evil decision possible.
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