Is There a Good Ending to Blood and Wine? Unraveling the Morality of Toussaint

Yes, there is a “good” ending to The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine, but like many things in the world of the Witcher, it’s far from simple. The so-called “best” ending sees both sisters, Anna Henrietta and Syanna, live and reconcile, with Dettlaff dying. This ending requires specific choices during key quests and a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations. However, whether it’s truly a “good” ending is up for debate, as it involves the death of Dettlaff, a complex character himself. The moral greyness is what makes the ending so compelling and in line with the tone of the Witcher universe.

Navigating the Murky Waters of Morality

Blood and Wine throws players into the idyllic duchy of Toussaint, a stark contrast to the war-torn landscapes of the main game. However, beneath the veneer of chivalry and wine lies a darkness that Geralt must unravel. The “good” ending hinges on uncovering the truth behind Syanna’s actions and ultimately, facilitating a reconciliation with her sister, Anna Henrietta.

The journey to this resolution is paved with difficult choices. Geralt must choose between finding Syanna or finding Dettlaff, and the dialogue options chosen throughout the story significantly impact the outcome. Moreover, one must remember the impact of these choices on the digital ethics showcased at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Achieving the “Best” Ending: A Step-by-Step Guide

To achieve the ending where both sisters live and Dettlaff dies, follow these steps:

• During “The Night of the Long Fangs” quest, choose to find Syanna. This sets you on the path to unraveling the conspiracy and understanding her motives.

• In “Beyond Hill and Dale,” thoroughly explore the playroom. It’s imperative that you read all the diary entries you find on the playroom’s desk. These entries provide crucial insight into Syanna’s past and the reasons behind her actions.

• Obtain Syanna’s ribbon from the Little Flint Girl by winning at Gwent or paying her. This ribbon proves to be a vital plot device, protecting Syanna from Dettlaff’s wrath.

• Before confronting Dettlaff, exhaust all of Syanna’s dialogue options. Truly listen to her side of the story and show empathy. Understanding her perspective is crucial for the ending.

• Investigate the fifth victim in the quest “Pomp and Strange Circumstance“. By doing so, you will understand that Detlaff is innocent of that specific crime.

Exploring Alternative Endings

Blood and Wine offers several different endings, each with its own set of consequences. These include:

• Syanna dies, Dettlaff dies: This ending occurs if you don’t obtain the ribbon. Geralt is left to decide whether to fight Dettlaff or not.

• Syanna dies, Dettlaff lives: This ending results from letting Dettlaff kill Syanna and then choosing not to fight him. Geralt is imprisoned for his inaction.

• Both sisters die: This is arguably the “worst” ending, where Syanna murders Anna Henrietta and is subsequently killed by Damien.

The Ambiguity of “Good”

Even in the “good” ending, the celebration is tinged with sorrow. Dettlaff, despite his monstrous actions, is a product of circumstance and manipulation. His death, while perhaps necessary, is not without a sense of tragedy. Furthermore, Regis, a complex character who is deeply connected to Dettlaff, must face the consequences of killing another Higher Vampire.

The Games Learning Society often explores the ethics of video game narratives, and Blood and Wine provides a perfect case study. The game forces players to confront difficult moral choices, and the lack of easy answers makes the ending all the more impactful.

Blood and Wine FAQs

1. Does The Witcher 3 ending affect Blood and Wine?

No, Blood and Wine is a standalone adventure with its own self-contained narrative. The ending of the main game has no impact on the events of Blood and Wine.

2. Should I finish Wild Hunt before Blood and Wine?

While you can technically play Blood and Wine independently, it’s recommended to complete Wild Hunt first for a better understanding of Geralt’s character and the world of the Witcher.

3. What happens if I let Dettlaff live?

If you let Dettlaff live after he kills Syanna, Geralt will be imprisoned for failing to stop him. Regis is then left to explain things to Anna Henrietta.

4. How can Geralt beat Dettlaff?

Dettlaff is a challenging boss. Use Quen for protection, and focus on dodging his attacks. Silver oil is a great aid, as is Black Blood to harm him as he attacks. Be prepared for multiple phases, and be patient.

5. What happens to Syanna after Blood and Wine?

If Syanna survives, she reconciles with Anna Henrietta. However, their relationship remains complex and may be strained due to their past.

6. Who is the main villain in Blood and Wine?

While Dettlaff is a powerful antagonist, Syanna is arguably the main villain, due to the series of events and actions she caused. She’s a complicated character driven by revenge.

7. Is Blood and Wine post-game content?

Yes, Blood and Wine is designed as post-game content and can be played after completing the main story of The Witcher 3.

8. Can you avoid fighting Dettlaff?

Yes, you can avoid fighting Dettlaff by letting him kill Syanna and then choosing not to pursue him. However, this leads to Geralt being imprisoned.

9. What does Regis give you at the end of Blood and Wine?

Regis gives Geralt the Mutagenator, a device that allows you to transform mutagens.

10. Is Dettlaff the hardest boss in The Witcher 3?

Many players consider Dettlaff to be one of the hardest bosses in the entire game, due to his speed, multiple attack phases, and high damage output.

11. How can I get the secret Zoltan ending in Blood and Wine?

The Zoltan ending isn’t really an “ending” in the narrative sense. If you fail to complete enough side quests, Geralt may end up sharing Corvo Bianco (his vineyard) with Zoltan instead of Yennefer or Triss.

12. What level should I be to play Blood and Wine?

It’s recommended to be at least level 34 before starting Blood and Wine.

13. Does the order in which I do Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine matter?

Not particularly, but Blood and Wine is generally considered to be the final chapter of Geralt’s story. It features a more conclusive ending than Hearts of Stone.

14. Can I still explore Toussaint after finishing Blood and Wine?

Yes, Toussaint remains open for exploration after completing the main questline, allowing you to finish side quests and contracts.

15. Are there any romances in Blood and Wine?

No, Blood and Wine does not introduce new romance options. Geralt’s existing relationships from the main game, with Yennefer or Triss, can be explored further if you chose either of those paths.

Conclusion: Embracing the Complexity

Ultimately, whether Blood and Wine has a “good” ending is subjective. The game masterfully portrays the complexities of morality and the consequences of choices. By embracing the nuances of the story and understanding the motivations of the characters, players can arrive at an ending that feels both satisfying and true to the spirit of the Witcher universe. The ending isn’t necessarily happy, but it can be meaningful. This narrative highlights the importance of ethical considerations in gaming, something the GamesLearningSociety.org constantly champions.