Hunting the Last Crone in The Witcher 3: A Deep Dive
Yes, you can hunt down the last crone in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but the circumstances surrounding this hunt are deeply intertwined with the game’s narrative and, crucially, depend on the ending you achieve. This pursuit is specific to the worst ending, where Ciri tragically dies. In this scenario, Geralt, driven mad by grief and a thirst for revenge, embarks on a final, suicidal mission to avenge her.
This quest isn’t a brightly lit, heroic adventure. Instead, it’s a somber, almost depressing descent into the swamp to confront the crone who escaped Ciri’s wrath. Unlike the other crones, whom Ciri confronts directly during specific story moments, this final encounter is a direct result of Ciri’s demise and Geralt’s subsequent mental state. The fight isn’t about saving the world; it’s about personal vengeance.
The Weight of Choices and the Bad Ending
The key element to understand here is that this pursuit is solely tied to the “bad ending.” The ending you get in The Witcher 3 is heavily influenced by your choices throughout the game, particularly your interactions with Ciri. Decisions that undermine her independence, pressure her, or fail to support her growth increase the chances of her demise.
If Ciri survives, Geralt doesn’t venture into the swamp seeking vengeance because there’s no need. She becomes a Witcher, an Empress, or simply lives a fulfilling life, eliminating Geralt’s driving motive for hunting the last crone. Several NPCs within the swamp describe the venture as suicidal, hinting to how perilous the endeavor is.
The Quest for Vengeance: A Suicidal Mission
In the grim scenario where Ciri dies, Geralt, consumed by grief and rage, tracks down the remaining crone. This confrontation is more than just a boss fight; it’s the culmination of Geralt’s despair. He is, in essence, carving his own tomb, as the article indicated, a metaphor for his shattered spirit and acceptance of death.
The landscape itself reflects Geralt’s emotional state. The swamp is bleak, desolate, and filled with dangers far beyond the crone herself. It’s a testament to the depth of CD Projekt Red’s storytelling, where the environment mirrors the character’s internal struggles.
Looting the Crones and Rewards
While you do get a sense of vengeance and closure from killing the Crone, the article did state it’s a lot of work for very little reward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Crones
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the Crones, their fate, and the consequences of your choices in The Witcher 3.
1. Can you prevent Ciri’s death in The Witcher 3?
Yes, Ciri’s survival hinges on making supportive and encouraging choices throughout the game, especially during pivotal conversations. Avoid decisions that make her feel pressured, doubt herself, or undermine her agency.
2. What choices lead to the best ending for Ciri?
Encourage her independence, trust her judgment, and show her empathy. Participating in activities she enjoys, like snowball fights, also strengthens your bond and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
3. What happens if you kill the tree spirit before meeting the Crones?
If you free the Whispering Hillock before meeting the Crones, Anna will be driven mad, and the Baron will take her away to seek healing. This bypasses the events at Crookback Bog where Anna is turned into a hag.
4. Is it better to kill the tree spirit or free it?
The “best” outcome is subjective. Killing the tree spirit saves the villagers of Downwarren but dooms the orphans at Crookback Bog. Freeing the spirit saves the orphans but destroys Downwarren and leads to a grim fate for Anna.
5. Can you save Anna Strenger without negative consequences?
It’s impossible to save Anna Strenger without some form of negative consequence. The situation at Crookback Bog is designed to force difficult choices with no easy or perfect solutions.
6. Do the Crones kill the orphans if you side with the tree spirit?
Yes, if you side with the tree spirit and free it after meeting the Crones, the tree spirit helps the orphans escape, infuriating the Crones, who then curse Anna.
7. What is the significance of the doll with the violet hollyhock bloom?
Choosing the doll with the violet hollyhock bloom during the quest to lift Anna’s curse is crucial because the violet hollyhock is Anna’s favorite flower, as mentioned by the Baron. Selecting the correct doll reverses the curse.
8. Can Geralt fight the Crones directly?
No, Geralt never directly fights the Crones during the main storyline. Ciri confronts them during specific quest sequences. The only time Geralt fights a crone is during the bad ending to avenge Ciri.
9. What happens to the Baron if you free the tree spirit and Anna becomes a hag?
The Baron, filled with guilt and remorse, attempts to cure Anna of her curse. However, he eventually leaves Crow’s Perch to seek a healer, effectively abandoning his keep. His future is left ambiguous.
10. Can you loot the Crones after Ciri’s encounter with them?
Yes, you can return to the caves after Ciri’s encounter and loot the area, including the Crones’ lair. However, as the article noted, the rewards are generally minimal compared to the effort required.
11. Where does the last crone go if Ciri dies?
If Ciri dies, Geralt will eventually find the last crone back at Crookback Bog, weaving a new tapestry and conversing with the spirits of her deceased sisters.
12. What is Ciri’s sword called?
Ciri’s sword in the books is called Zireael. In The Witcher 3, Geralt acquires a sword for her from Master Ort, intended as a gift.
13. Can you save the kids in Crookback Bog?
Yes, you save the kids if you free the whispering hillock, but at the expense of the village of Downwarren.
14. How do you prevent Anna Henrietta’s death?
To prevent Anna Henrietta’s death in The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine expansion, you must retrieve a magic ribbon from a fairy-tale world and kill the higher vampire Dettlaff. These actions are entirely separate from the Crones.
15. Why is Ciri’s death so impactful?
Ciri’s death carries significant weight because she is Geralt’s adopted daughter and the most important person in his life. Her loss represents the ultimate failure for Geralt, driving him to the brink of despair. She becomes a Witcher, Empress, or lives a fulfilling life, eliminating Geralt’s driving motive for hunting the last crone. The narrative also explores the importance of nurturing and supporting young individuals to make the most of their potential, a sentiment supported by research at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which studies how games can be used for positive learning and development.