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Fixing the “Bad Ending” in The Witcher 3: A Guide for Aspiring Guardians

So, you’ve finished The Witcher 3, but instead of a triumphant sigh of relief, you’re left with a lingering sense of dread. Ciri’s fate hangs in the balance, and it’s not the one you envisioned. You’re asking, How do I fix the bad ending in Witcher 3?

The simple answer is, sadly, you can’t directly fix it after the fact. The Witcher 3 doesn’t offer a “do-over” button once the credits roll. Your choices have consequences, and the ending is the culmination of those decisions. However, there’s good news: you can reload an earlier save and replay crucial moments to alter the outcome. This requires knowing which choices matter most. Think of it as having a time-turner, but instead of rewriting history, you’re rewriting Geralt and Ciri’s destiny.

The “bad ending,” more accurately described as the least desirable ending, generally involves Ciri sacrificing herself to stop the White Frost. It’s a bleak conclusion, highlighting Geralt’s failure to prepare Ciri for the challenges she faces. Avoiding this ending hinges on fostering a specific kind of relationship with Ciri throughout your playthrough. It’s about being a supportive father figure, not a controlling overlord.

Here’s a breakdown of the critical choices you need to make:

After the Battle of Kaer Morhen: This is where the clock starts ticking.
- Option 1: Visit the grave of Skjall. This shows empathy for Ciri’s grief and loss. Choosing to go drinking instead, while seemingly harmless, can be perceived as dismissive.
- Option 2: Let Ciri vent her anger after the Lodge of Sorceresses meeting. Allowing her to trash Avallac’h’s lab is surprisingly beneficial. Trying to soothe her or control her outburst will negatively impact her self-confidence.
- Option 3: Visit Imlerith’s corpse. This validates Ciri’s thirst for revenge and supports her emotional needs.
- Option 4: Convince Ciri to meet with the Lodge of Sorceresses. This is a tough one. On the surface, it seems like the “right” thing to do, but Ciri feels manipulated by them. However, the important decision here is how you convince her. You must frame it as her decision, not as you forcing her to do something she doesn’t want.
- Option 5: After visiting the Emperor, let Ciri decide if she wants to see him again. If you are going for the empress ending, you will want to let her meet him but if not, this is a great choice.
Dialogue Choices are Key: Throughout the game, pay attention to how you respond to Ciri. Avoid being overly strict or protective. Treat her like an adult who can make her own decisions. Supportive, encouraging words are worth their weight in gold. Don’t treat her like a child who needs constant guidance.
The Emperor Emhyr var Emreis: One of the major decision points leading to different ending branches involves Ciri’s meeting with her father. Choosing to take Ciri to Emhyr, and accepting money for doing so, locks you into one of the ending possibilities:
- Ciri Becomes Empress: This ending occurs if you take Ciri to Emhyr and she survives her encounter with the White Frost. To get this ending you will need to reach a certain ending value on the choices mentioned above.
- Ciri Becomes a Witcher: This ending occurs if you either refuse to take Ciri to Emhyr or take her but do not get paid.
- Ciri Dies: This ending occurs if you don’t make enough positive decisions for Ciri throughout the game.

Remember: You need to get at least three out of five of the above positive decisions to lead to the best possible outcomes. Less than three will usually result in the “bad ending.”

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are the most impactful moments. Playing through these sections again with a focus on supporting Ciri’s independence and emotional well-being will dramatically increase your chances of achieving a more satisfying conclusion. Ultimately, the key to a happy ending in The Witcher 3 is understanding that Ciri is her own person, not just a pawn in someone else’s game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What constitutes a “bad ending” in The Witcher 3?

The “bad ending” typically refers to the outcome where Ciri sacrifices herself to stop the White Frost, leaving Geralt devastated. It’s a tragic conclusion that many players find disheartening.

Can I load a save from the final quest and change the ending?

Generally, no. The choices leading to the ending are spread throughout the game, particularly during the final act. You’ll likely need to reload a save from before or immediately after the Battle of Kaer Morhen.

Does romancing Triss or Yennefer affect the ending with Ciri?

Your romantic choices don’t directly influence Ciri’s fate, but they do impact Geralt’s overall happiness in the epilogue. You can pursue either romance without jeopardizing Ciri’s outcome. Just be aware of the infamous “bed scene” consequences!

Is it possible to get all three endings in a single playthrough?

No, it’s not possible. You’ll need to make different choices in separate playthroughs to experience all the possible outcomes.

Does completing side quests influence the ending?

While many side quests add depth to the world and characters, they generally don’t directly impact the main ending concerning Ciri’s fate. Focus on the main quest line and Ciri’s related quests.

Are there any mods that can “fix” the ending?

Some mods exist that alter the epilogue or provide different narrative outcomes, but these are often considered non-canon and can affect game stability. Use them at your own risk.

What difficulty setting is recommended for replaying to get a better ending?

The difficulty setting doesn’t affect the ending. You can choose any difficulty level that suits your play style. Focus on making the right choices, not mastering combat.

I accidentally made a wrong choice. Do I have to start the whole game over?

No, you don’t need to start from scratch. Reload to a save prior to the critical choice and replay from there. The Witcher 3 is forgiving in that respect.

Does killing specific characters impact the ending?

Most character deaths don’t directly influence Ciri’s ending, but they can affect the political landscape and the overall tone of the epilogue.

What’s the difference between the “good” and “best” ending?

In the “good” ending, Ciri survives and becomes a Witcher. In the “best” ending, Ciri survives and chooses to visit Geralt as a Witcher, solidifying their bond. Both are preferable to the “bad” ending.

Does the DLC Hearts of Stone or Blood and Wine affect the main game’s ending?

The DLCs have their own self-contained storylines and endings. They do not directly impact Ciri’s fate in the main game. Blood and Wine adds a new epilogue scene, though, that takes place after the main game and is partially determined by your earlier choices.

How do I know if I’m on track for a “good” ending?

Pay attention to Ciri’s reactions to your choices. If she seems happy and confident, you’re likely on the right path. If she seems withdrawn or resentful, you may need to adjust your approach.

Is there a way to predict the ending based on my choices?

While there’s no definitive “ending calculator,” numerous online guides and flowcharts can help you track your progress and estimate the likely outcome based on your decisions.

Can I speed up the process of replaying to change the ending?

Yes, you can skip dialogue scenes you’ve already seen, focus on the main quest line, and lower the difficulty to breeze through combat encounters.

Where can I learn more about the impact of game choices on players?

There are many ways to learn about the impact of game choices on players. Educational institutions that encourage learning through games are an excellent way to start. You can learn more at the Games Learning Society, a professional organization dedicated to advancing knowledge of digital games and learning. Visit their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Ultimately, fixing the “bad ending” in The Witcher 3 is about understanding the nuanced relationship between Geralt and Ciri and making choices that foster her growth and independence. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience that highlights the power of player agency in shaping a compelling narrative. Happy hunting, and may your second playthrough bring you the ending you deserve!