Can You Save Saskia and Triss in The Witcher 2? A Definitive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you absolutely can save both Saskia and Triss in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. However, accomplishing this requires specific choices and a clear understanding of the branching narrative paths within the game. Neither character is destined to die, regardless of your decisions, but ensuring their well-being and best possible outcomes demands careful planning. Saving them also impact the political landscape and future events referenced (or not) in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Triss: Escaping the Persecution
Rescuing Triss from the Lodge and Subsequent Events
Triss Merigold’s fate is intertwined with the broader political machinations involving the Lodge of Sorceresses and the persecution of mages. Regardless of which path you choose (Roche’s or Iorveth’s), Triss survives.
On Iorveth’s path, focusing on freeing Triss directly undermines Nilfgaard’s plot to blame the king’s assassination on all sorceresses. By rescuing her from Loc Muinne, you prevent her from being a scapegoat and contribute to revealing the conspiracy against mages. This action leads to certain members of the Lodge facing consequences for their actions.
On Roche’s path, if Geralt prioritizes saving Anais, Roche will still ensure Triss’s safety. Letho, the Kingslayer, rescues her, preventing her capture by the enemy forces. However, this path often leads to a more intense witch hunt and a less favorable outcome for the Lodge in general, although Triss herself is safe.
Note: Keeping Triss alive is almost assured; the question is at what cost to other mages and political stability.
Saskia: Curing the Dragon
The Dragon’s Curse and the Cure
Saskia, the dragon Saesenthessis, faces a unique challenge: she is mind-controlled by Philippa Eilhart. Saving Saskia involves freeing her from this magical enslavement.
On Iorveth’s path, you obtain an enchanted dagger during the quest to rescue Philippa Eilhart. This dagger is specifically designed to break the magical hold Philippa has on Saskia. Using the dagger on Saskia when the opportunity arises will cure her, allowing her to regain her free will and shape her destiny.
If you don’t save Philippa, and therefore don’t get the dagger, Saskia remains under Eilhart’s thrall. You will then face a confrontation with the dragon, where a positive outcome is less likely.
Even if it’s implied that Saskia died, she will be able to retreated for the remainder of the war, and stay alive and well.
Consequences of Your Choices
Failing to cure Saskia has significant consequences. She remains a puppet of Philippa, perpetuating conflict and hindering the establishment of a truly free Pontar Valley. Curing her allows for the potential of a more prosperous and independent region.
Ultimately, both Triss and Saskia can be saved in The Witcher 2. Achieving the best outcome for both characters requires strategic decision-making and a good understanding of the game’s intricate narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does saving Triss affect The Witcher 3?
Yes, saving Triss and the choices you make regarding her in The Witcher 2 have noticeable effects in The Witcher 3. If you import a save where you saved Triss, she will remember your actions and the relationship between Geralt and Triss will have a different dynamic. Certain dialogue options and interactions will change based on whether or not you rescued her. The game will reference her escape from persecution of mages and the outcome of events that transpired with the Lodge of Sorceresses.
2. Can Triss be tortured in The Witcher 2?
Yes, Triss can be tortured. If you are in Loc Muinne and trying to maintain your cover with the Witch Hunters, you may have to feign cooperation when they take Triss away. However, you can avoid her torture by choosing to fight the Witch Hunters head-on. This will trigger a challenging battle, but it ensures Triss remains unharmed. Choosing to go to adjacent room to see Menge, will not change the outcome.
3. What happens if I choose to save Anais instead of Triss?
If you are on Roche’s path, prioritizing Anais does not mean Triss will die. Roche takes it upon himself to ensure Triss’s safety, and she is rescued by Letho. However, saving Anais provides the opportunity to deliver her to either Temeria or Redania, influencing the political future of Temeria.
4. What is the “good ending” with Triss?
The “good ending” with Triss involves romancing her during the quests “A Matter of Life and Death” and “Now or Never” in The Witcher 3. You need to explicitly tell Triss that you love her and ask her to stay with Geralt. This locks you into a romantic relationship with Triss. At the end of Blood and Wine, Geralt can retire to Kovir with Triss for a happy life.
5. Does kissing Triss affect my relationship with Yennefer?
In The Witcher 3, kissing Triss during the “A Matter of Life and Death” quest does not negatively impact your potential relationship with Yennefer. The consequences come into play when you express your love for Triss during the “Now or Never” quest. Romancing both will end badly.
6. What kind of dragon is Saskia?
Saskia, whose real name is Saesenthessis, is a green dragon. While she is not a golden dragon (like her father, Borch Three Jackdaws), she was taught by a golden dragon to shapeshift into human form. Therefore, she can only shapeshift to one type of human form besides being a dragon.
7. What happens to Anais if I save her?
If you save Anais, you have to decide whether to hand her over to Redania or Temeria. This choice has huge consequences for the political landscape of the Northern Kingdoms. Giving her to Redania means she will be raised as a Redanian ward, while handing her to Temeria could potentially restore Temeria’s independence under her rule.
8. What are the consequences of letting Stennis get lynched?
If you allow the mob to lynch Stennis, you will not get the full truth about the poisoning of Saskia. While Stennis did poison Saskia, allowing the mob to kill him is seen as a miscarriage of justice. Keeping Stennis alive allows Geralt to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and understand the motivations behind his actions.
9. How does killing Radovid affect the game?
Killing Radovid significantly alters the political landscape of The Witcher 3. If you assassinate Radovid and side with Dijkstra, Dijkstra takes control of the North. He rules with an iron fist, imposing a harsh regime that may bring stability but at the cost of freedom and individual liberties.
10. What happens if I tell Triss I love her?
Telling Triss that you love her during the “Now or Never” quest in The Witcher 3 commits you to a relationship with her. It also prevents you from pursuing a romantic relationship with Yennefer. Making this choice is a critical decision that shapes Geralt’s personal ending.
11. Is it better to romance Triss or Yennefer?
Whether it is “better” to romance Triss or Yennefer is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. Triss offers a sweeter, more straightforward romance, but she has less screen time and fewer dedicated quests. Yennefer’s romance is more complex and intense, with a richer storyline deeply connected to Geralt’s past. Both offer unique and fulfilling relationships.
12. What happens if I refuse to bow to the Emperor in The Witcher 3?
Refusing to bow to Emperor Emhyr var Emreis when you first meet him in The Witcher 3 will upset his Chamberlain. It won’t have any major immediate repercussions, but it signals Geralt’s independent spirit and unwillingness to blindly follow authority.
13. What are the consequences of not simulating a Witcher 2 save?
If you choose not to simulate a Witcher 2 save in The Witcher 3, the game will make default decisions for you. These choices often result in less favorable outcomes, such as characters being dead or political situations being unresolved. It also locks you out of a side quest that is dependant on one of your decisions from The Witcher 2.
14. Can I sleep with both Triss and Yennefer?
Yes, you can sleep with both Triss and Yennefer in The Witcher 3. However, trying to maintain relationships with both simultaneously will lead to a painful outcome. At the end of Yennefer’s quest, if you tell both women that you love them, they will both leave you, leaving Geralt alone.
15. Is Triss a traitor?
The question of whether Triss is a traitor is complex. She betrayed Yennefer by having a relationship with Geralt while knowing about Yennefer’s feelings for him. This has made her a controversial character among fans.
Remember that choices matter in The Witcher universe. By understanding the consequences of your actions, you can ensure that you are making the best decisions for Geralt and the people he cares about – including Triss and Saskia. For more information on the educational aspects of gaming and decision-making, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.