The fate of Geralt, Ciri, and the Northern Realms in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is shaped by a multitude of player choices, leading to a complex web of potential endings. While there are not dozens of entirely unique cutscenes, the game features three primary endings concerning Ciri's destiny, which can be combined with various epilogue scenarios involving Geralt's romantic life and the political landscape of the North. Each major decision point can influence these outcomes.
Ciri's Fate
Ciri's story arc concludes with one of three main outcomes, largely dependent on the player's interactions with her and her choices throughout the game. Making a sufficient number of 'positive' choices generally steers her away from the bleakest conclusion.
Witcher Ciri
This ending sees Ciri embrace her path as a Witcher. She and Geralt meet at an inn, where she reveals she has secured a contract for them both, signifying a hopeful future. To achieve this, players must make specific choices, such as encouraging Ciri during the "Blood on the Battlefield" quest with a snowball fight, advising her not to visit Emperor Emhyr, and supporting her independence when facing the Lodge of Sorceresses. Allowing her to vent her anger after a difficult conversation and agreeing to accompany her to Skjall's grave also contribute. Notably, if Ciri meets Emhyr but he does not win the war, she also becomes a Witcher. If she never meets Emhyr, this outcome is virtually guaranteed regardless of political events.
Empress Ciri
In this bittersweet ending, Ciri is recognized as Emhyr's successor and gains the opportunity to enact change in the world. The parting between Ciri and Geralt is emotional, but her potential is vast. The requirements are similar to the Witcher Ciri ending: a positive interaction during "Blood on the Battlefield," taking Ciri to meet Emhyr, and refusing his reward. Crucially, players must then support Ciri's independence from the Lodge of Sorceresses and allow her to vent her anger, before accompanying her to Skjall's grave.
The Bad Ending
This conclusion implies Ciri has perished in the White Frost. Geralt, devastated, seeks answers and confronts a crone, ultimately finding Ciri's medallion amidst signs of a monster attack. This ending is triggered by a series of negative choices. These include advising Ciri to relax and drink during "Blood on the Battlefield," taking her to Emhyr and accepting his reward, telling her to calm down after her outburst, and refusing to accompany her to Skjall's grave. Making at least three such detrimental choices is generally sufficient to lead to this tragic outcome.
Political Landscape
The war for the Northern Realms presents three possible victors: Emperor Emhyr of Nilfgaard, the cunning Dijkstra, or the fanatical Radovid. The player's involvement in the "Reason of State" quest is pivotal in determining this outcome.
Emhyr Wins the War
If Emhyr emerges victorious, Nilfgaard solidifies its control over Novigrad and Redania, with Temeria becoming a vassal state. To ensure this, players must assassinate Radovid and subsequently kill Dijkstra while saving Vernon Roche. This alliance prevents Dijkstra from seizing power.
Dijkstra's Rule
Dijkstra's ascension leads to a prosperous but ruthlessly industrialized North. To achieve this, Radovid must be assassinated, but players must then betray and kill Vernon Roche, allowing Dijkstra to survive and consolidate his power. Emperor Emhyr is also implied to be assassinated by his own subjects in this scenario.
Radovid Wins the War
If Radovid is allowed to win, his brutal witch hunt intensifies, leading to widespread persecution. To attain this ending, players must simply avoid assassinating Radovid during "Reason of State," either by abandoning the quest or choosing not to proceed with the assassination plot.
Geralt's Romantic Future
Outside of Ciri's fate and the political machinations, Geralt's personal epilogue depends on his romantic entanglements. These endings are only accessible if Ciri avoids her bad ending.
Geralt and Yennefer
This ending depicts Geralt and Yennefer living a quiet, domestic life together, far from the conflicts of the world. To achieve this, Geralt must pursue Yennefer exclusively, declaring his love during "The Last Wish" quest and avoiding any romantic advances towards Triss.
Geralt and Triss
Geralt and Triss settle in Kovir, where Triss works as an advisor and Geralt occasionally takes on Witcher contracts. This outcome is secured by romancing Triss, professing love, and convincing her to stay during the "Now or Never" quest, while steering clear of Yennefer romantically.
Geralt Alone
If Geralt romances neither Triss nor Yennefer, he continues his solitary life as a wandering Witcher, perpetually on the move and short on funds, though not necessarily unhappy. This is achieved by avoiding romantic declarations to either sorceress at the conclusion of their respective quests. Notably, attempting to romance both women can result in Geralt ending up alone as both reject him.
Skellige's Ruler
Actions taken during the "King's Gambit" quest determine the future ruler of the Skellige Isles.
Cerys Becomes Queen
By supporting Cerys, players help establish a more prosperous Skellige, albeit one that loses some of its aggressive raiding traditions under her rule.
Hjalmar Becomes King
Assisting Hjalmar leads to a Skellige that continues its aggressive raiding against Nilfgaard, resulting in significant casualties.
Svanrige Becomes King
Failing to support either Cerys or Hjalmar results in Svanrige seizing power. He unites the clans through force, leading to considerable bloodshed and defying his mother's attempts at manipulation.