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Is “The Last Wish” Quest Important in The Witcher 3? A Definitive Guide

Absolutely, “The Last Wish” quest is critically important in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, especially for players invested in the narrative and character relationships. While technically a side quest, its implications ripple through the main storyline and determine the fate of Geralt’s romantic life. Failing or skipping it locks you out of the Yennefer romance, significantly altering the game’s emotional core and potential endings. So, its importance cannot be overstated if you’re aiming for a particular romantic outcome or wish to fully explore Geralt’s relationship with Yennefer.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip “The Last Wish”

“The Last Wish” quest goes far beyond a simple fetch quest. It delves into the complicated history between Geralt and Yennefer, forcing both characters (and the player) to confront the nature of their bond. Here’s a detailed look at why it’s so crucial:

Romance Lock: As mentioned earlier, this quest is the key to romancing Yennefer. Successfully completing it and choosing to pursue her confirms your commitment. Skipping it effectively closes that romantic path, leaving Triss as your only viable option.
Character Development: This quest provides invaluable insight into Yennefer’s character and her motivations. You’ll understand her better, seeing beyond her often abrasive exterior. It helps to grasp the depth of her feelings for Geralt and Ciri.
Narrative Impact: Ignoring the quest leads to a less satisfying conclusion, particularly if you’re interested in a specific ending for Geralt. The game’s ending can vary significantly based on who you romance and other decisions you make.
Unraveling the Wish: The quest’s primary goal is to determine if the magical bond between Geralt and Yennefer, caused by Geralt’s wish with a djinn, is genuine. This is a pivotal moment to decide if their love is fated or a matter of free will.
Affects Future Dialogue: The decisions made during “The Last Wish” will affect your dialogue options with Yennefer later in the game. You’ll have richer, more nuanced conversations if you’ve experienced this quest.

When to Undertake “The Last Wish”

Time is of the essence with “The Last Wish.” The article you provided mentions that this quest is time-sensitive, and if you fail to begin the quest before you pick up Uma and head to Kaer Morhen, you will no longer be able to access it. It’s highly recommended you complete it as soon as Yennefer asks you to. That puts the ideal time sometime in the middle of Act II. Doing it sooner, rather than later, guarantees you won’t miss the opportunity. Pay attention to the quest log and Yennefer’s dialogue cues.

The Consequences of Failing the Quest

The implications of failing “The Last Wish” can be extensive:

Locked Romance: You cannot pursue a romantic relationship with Yennefer.
Altered Ending: If you desire a specific ending that involves Geralt and Yennefer together, that ending will become unattainable.
Lost Content: You miss a significant portion of character development and a crucial element of the narrative.
Missed Experience: Completing the quest gives you experience points, loot, and further exploration of the Witcher world.

Team Yennefer vs. Team Triss

The “Last Wish” quest is particularly important to those firmly in “Team Yennefer.” Choosing to romance Yennefer provides a very specific gaming experience, but you should make sure to choose an option that aligns with your desires. While the game allows you to explore relationships with both characters, pursuing both can result in a less-than-ideal outcome: neither character wants to share Geralt.

Exploring Alternative Romances

If you’re leaning towards Triss, or are unsure, completing “The Last Wish” is still beneficial. This quest is mandatory if you’re going for the “It Takes Three to Tango” ending, & only optional if you’re romancing Yen. It provides closure to Geralt and Yennefer’s relationship, allowing you to pursue other romances with a clear conscience (at least, in Geralt’s world).

Understanding Ciri’s Ending

“The Last Wish” quest indirectly ties to Ciri’s ending because the choices you make in the game, including who you romance, impact Geralt’s overall state of mind and his relationship with Ciri. Since Geralt is a father figure to Ciri, his actions will contribute to her development. A stable and happy Geralt generally leads to a better outcome for Ciri. While Ciri becoming a Witcher is often seen as the “best” ending, your choices throughout the game are what will affect your ending.

Navigating the Djinn

During the quest, Yennefer will reveal her intention to use the djinn to reverse the effects of Geralt’s wish. This is a moment of truth, and your reaction matters. Going with your “gut” on how Geralt would react based on his feelings toward Yennefer is highly recommended.

Spying on Ciri

Decisions made in Act III, like whether to let Yennefer spy on Ciri, contribute to her overall arc. Showing her trust and allowing her to make her own decisions impacts the ending you receive.

The Books and the Game

If you’re interested in the larger Witcher universe, understanding the context from the books is helpful. It is best to read The Last Wish before reading Sword of Destiny.

Conclusion: Prioritize “The Last Wish”

“The Last Wish” is not just a side quest; it’s a cornerstone of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It provides crucial narrative depth, defines character relationships, and impacts the game’s endings. Prioritize completing it to ensure you get the most out of your Witcher experience. And don’t forget to explore other aspects of gaming and learning by visiting the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still romance Triss if I complete “The Last Wish”?

Yes, you can still romance Triss if you complete “The Last Wish”. Completing the quest doesn’t automatically lock you into a relationship with Yennefer. You need to make specific choices during and after the quest to fully commit to her. The most important part of the quest is whether you say that you want to try things with Yennefer without the djinn’s help.

2. What happens if I tell Yennefer I don’t love her during “The Last Wish”?

If you tell Yennefer you don’t love her during “The Last Wish,” you will effectively end your chances of romancing her. The quest serves as a decisive moment to define the relationship. Even if she’s still in love with Geralt, you’ll be unable to pursue a romantic relationship with her in the game if you do not mention loving her.

3. Does my light level matter when doing “The Last Wish”?

No, your light level in the game does not affect the completion or outcome of “The Last Wish.”

4. Does Geralt truly love Yennefer, or is it just the wish?

This is a central question explored in “The Last Wish.” The game leaves it open for interpretation, but the quest allows you to decide if their feelings are genuine or merely a product of the wish. The book series suggests their bond runs deeper than magic.

5. Can I romance both Yennefer and Triss?

Yes, you can attempt to romance both Yennefer and Triss. However, if you pursue both, they will discover your infidelity and leave you, resulting in a humorous but lonely outcome. The game calls this ending the “It Takes Three to Tango” ending.

6. Does romancing Shani affect my relationship with Yennefer?

No, romancing Shani does not impact your relationship with Yennefer or Triss. Shani’s romance is considered separate and doesn’t have long-term consequences.

7. What are the positive choices I need to make to ensure Ciri survives?

To ensure Ciri survives, you need to accumulate at least three positive choices related to her development. Examples include letting her make her own decisions, trusting her, and showing her support.

8. How does “The Last Wish” affect the ending where Ciri becomes Empress?

Your choices throughout the game, including who you romance and how you interact with Ciri, influence whether she chooses to become an Empress or a Witcher.

9. Does reporting to Emhyr after “The Last Wish” affect the Yennefer romance?

No, reporting to Emhyr after “The Last Wish” does not affect your romance with Yennefer. You can safely choose whether or not to speak with him without impacting your relationship with her.

10. What should I do if I accidentally skipped “The Last Wish”?

If you’ve skipped “The Last Wish” and saved your game, there’s no way to go back and complete the quest. You’ll have to either reload an earlier save or accept that you’ve locked yourself out of the Yennefer romance.

11. What happens if I kiss Triss during “A Matter of Life and Death”?

Kissing Triss during “A Matter of Life and Death” won’t upset Yennefer, as the interaction is brief and interrupted. However, progressing with a full Triss romance does conflict with romancing Yennefer.

12. What is the best ending for Ciri?

The “best” ending for Ciri is subjective and depends on your preferences. Many players consider the Witcher ending to be the most fulfilling, as it aligns with Ciri’s desire for freedom and adventure. However, the Empress ending is considered the safest.

13. How do the Witcher books influence my understanding of the game?

The Witcher books provide significant backstory and context for the game, enriching your understanding of the characters, lore, and world. Reading the books can enhance your appreciation for the game’s narrative.

14. Can Yennefer get pregnant?

In the Witcher universe, most sorceresses, including Yennefer, are sterile. This is a recurring theme in the books and game, influencing Yennefer’s character and motivations.

15. Is it better to let Yennefer spy on Ciri?

No, it is better not to let Yennefer spy on Ciri. Allowing Ciri to do things on her own instills confidence in her and shows that you trust her to handle situations on her own. This choice has a positive effect on the game’s ending.

Is The Last Wish quest important?