Should Geralt Get With Triss or Yennefer? A Witcher 3 Romance Guide
The age-old question that plagues Witchers and gamers alike: Triss or Yennefer? The answer, frankly, is deeply personal and depends on what you, the player, want for Geralt. There’s no objectively “right” choice, as the game cleverly sidesteps dictating a true canon beyond the books (which heavily lean towards Yennefer). Do you seek a passionate, volatile, and ultimately soulmate-level connection? Go with Yennefer. Or do you prefer a warm, loving, and perhaps slightly more stable relationship? Then Triss is your answer. Ultimately, the choice is yours, influenced by your preferred dynamic and character interpretation.
Understanding the Romance Dynamics
The Witcher 3 doesn’t offer sanitized, Disney-esque romance. Both Triss and Yennefer are complex characters with their own flaws and strengths. The decision isn’t about choosing a perfect paragon of virtue; it’s about finding who resonates most with Geralt’s personality and your vision for his future.
The Case for Yennefer
Yennefer and Geralt share a history forged in magic, destiny, and a shared understanding of their unconventional lives. Their connection is immediate and intense, driven by a powerful attraction and a sense that they truly get each other. It’s a bond that transcends mere affection, hinting at something deeper, something intertwined with fate itself.
- Shared History and Destiny: Their relationship began with a Djinn’s wish, binding their fates together. This history adds a layer of depth that’s hard to ignore.
- Intellectual Parity: Yennefer is Geralt’s intellectual equal, challenging him and engaging him in stimulating conversations. They operate on the same wavelength, understanding each other’s wit and complexities.
- Passionate Connection: Their relationship is fiery and passionate. They challenge each other, argue, and make up fiercely.
- Canonically Supported (Books): For those who value fidelity to the source material, the books heavily imply Yennefer is Geralt’s true love. The games acknowledge this, making her the “canon” romance option within the game world.
The Case for Triss
Triss and Geralt’s relationship is built on a different foundation – one of warmth, comfort, and genuine affection. While the explosive passion of Geralt and Yennefer might be absent, Triss offers stability and a heartfelt connection that many players find appealing. She is fiercely loyal and kind and provides Geralt a safe harbor amidst the storm.
- Stability and Comfort: Triss provides Geralt with a sense of normalcy and warmth, a contrast to the chaotic nature of his life and Yennefer’s intensity.
- Genuine Affection: Her feelings for Geralt are undeniably sincere. She cares deeply for him and wants to see him happy.
- Practical Support: Triss is consistently there to support Geralt, offering practical assistance and emotional comfort.
- Less Conflict: The relationship with Triss is less fraught with conflict than the one with Yennefer, offering a more straightforward and peaceful path.
Consequences of Romancing Both
Attempting to woo both women leads to the infamous “Both” ending. In this scenario, Triss and Yennefer discover your attempts at duplicity and decide to teach Geralt a lesson. He wakes up naked and chained to a bed, a victim of their playful (but embarrassing) revenge. More importantly, neither woman will pursue a relationship with him afterward, leaving Geralt alone in the romantic department. So, choose wisely!
Gameplay Impact
The choice between Triss and Yennefer has minimal impact on gameplay. The story unfolds similarly regardless of your romantic choice. The primary difference lies in the emotional resonance and the sense of closure you achieve at the game’s conclusion. Some players may find the choice influences their approach to certain quests, but there’s no significant advantage or disadvantage to either romance. The Games Learning Society might be interested in analyzing how player choices affect the overall narrative experience in games like The Witcher 3. You can find more on game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does choosing Yennefer or Triss affect the ending?
The romance choice affects which character, if any, joins Geralt at Corvo Bianco in the Blood and Wine expansion. It influences the emotional tone of the ending but doesn’t drastically alter the main storyline’s conclusion.
2. Is Yennefer jealous of Triss?
Yes, Yennefer is very aware of Triss’s past relationship with Geralt and is understandably jealous. This is evident in her dialogue and actions throughout the game.
3. Is Triss manipulating Geralt due to his amnesia?
There is an argument to be made for this. Triss did take advantage of Geralt’s amnesia in the past. However, her love for him in The Witcher 3 seems genuine, and she does eventually try to do what is best for him, even if it means stepping aside.
4. How do I romance Yennefer successfully?
To successfully romance Yennefer, accept her request to help with the Djinn in the quest “The Last Wish,” tell her you love her when given the option, and avoid romancing Triss. In “The King Is Dead – Long Live the King,” kiss her when the room fills with gas.
5. How do I romance Triss successfully?
To successfully romance Triss, complete her questline in Novigrad (“Now or Never”), encourage her to stay in Novigrad, tell her you love her, and kiss her before she leaves.
6. Can I romance Triss and then change my mind and romance Yennefer?
No. Once you commit to a romance with Triss, it’s very difficult to successfully pursue a relationship with Yennefer. Your actions and dialogue choices have consequences.
7. What happens if I choose neither Triss nor Yennefer?
If you choose neither, Geralt will end up alone at Corvo Bianco in the Blood and Wine expansion. He’ll have his friends, but no romantic partner.
8. Is Yennefer the “canon” choice?
While the game doesn’t explicitly state it, Yennefer is widely considered the canon romance option due to her prominent role in the books and the intensity of her connection with Geralt.
9. Does Ciri have a preference between Triss and Yennefer?
Ciri has a strong bond with both Triss and Yennefer. In the books, Yennefer is essentially her adoptive mother, and this is hinted at in the game. Ciri’s affection for Yennefer often seems deeper, but she also cares for Triss.
10. Why do some people prefer Triss over Yennefer?
Some players prefer Triss for her warmth, kindness, and the relative stability of the relationship. Yennefer’s intense personality and the complexities of her history with Geralt can be less appealing to some.
11. Is Triss more powerful than Yennefer?
In the lore, Yennefer is considered more powerful and skilled in magic than Triss. She has more experience and a greater natural talent.
12. What are the key differences between Triss and Yennefer in terms of personality?
Triss is generally portrayed as warm, compassionate, and more approachable. Yennefer is portrayed as strong-willed, intelligent, ambitious, and sometimes cold.
13. Does romancing either character change the gameplay mechanics?
No, romancing either Triss or Yennefer doesn’t alter the gameplay mechanics. It only affects the narrative and the ending.
14. Can I still be friends with Triss/Yennefer if I don’t romance them?
Yes, you can still maintain a friendship with both characters even if you choose not to pursue a romantic relationship. They will remain allies and important figures in Geralt’s life.
15. What is the “happiest” ending for Geralt in terms of romance?
The “happiest” ending is subjective. Many players find the ending where Geralt and Yennefer retire together to be the most satisfying, as it provides a sense of closure and peace for the couple. However, others might prefer the warmth and stability of a life with Triss.