Should I Help Dijkstra Assassinate Radovid in The Witcher 3? A Definitive Guide
The question of whether or not to help Dijkstra assassinate Radovid in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one that plagues many players. The answer isn’t straightforward, as it depends entirely on the outcome you desire for the Northern Kingdoms and Ciri’s fate. Simply put: there is no ‘right’ answer; it depends on your personal preferences and what kind of story you want to weave.
If you prioritize Ciri becoming a Witcher, then assassinating Radovid and ultimately siding with Roche over Dijkstra during the “Reason of State” quest is a viable path. It’s also crucial for this ending to take Ciri to Emhyr before facing Imlerith and the Ladies of the Wood.
If you want Dijkstra to take control of the North, then the answer is yes, you absolutely help him. However, this path requires you to betray Roche, Ves, and Thaler in “Reason of State,” allowing Dijkstra to eliminate them. Dijkstra’s rule is harsh, but arguably brings stability to the North and allows it to defeat Nilfgaard.
Ultimately, deciding whether to help Dijkstra assassinate Radovid is a pivotal choice that fundamentally alters the course of the game. There are multiple factors to consider before making the choice.
Understanding the Consequences
Assassinating Radovid triggers a chain of events, most notably the “Reason of State” quest. The critical decision point within this quest is who you ultimately side with – Dijkstra or Roche. Your choice dictates not only the fate of Redania and the war but also the fate of key characters.
Siding with Dijkstra: Leads to Dijkstra controlling the North. He implements a brutal but effective regime, focusing on industrial growth. This path necessitates letting Dijkstra kill Roche, Ves, and Thaler, which is a moral low point for many players. While the North wins the war, it comes at a great cost.
Siding with Roche: Ensures Nilfgaard conquers the North. Roche, Ves, and Thaler survive, and you maintain a degree of moral consistency. However, the Northern Kingdoms fall under the sway of Emhyr var Emreis.
Avoiding the Assassination: If you refuse to participate in the assassination plot, Radovid continues his reign. This will lead to him persecuting mages and non-humans. Radovid’s witch hunts continue, and his paranoia escalates, but the North is nominally “safe.”
Factoring in Ciri’s Future
Your decision regarding Radovid’s assassination also has major ramifications for Ciri’s ending. If you wish Ciri to become Empress, Nilfgaard must win the war. This means you must assist in Radovid’s assassination and, importantly, side with Roche during “Reason of State.” It is important that Ciri is taken to see Emhyr before the battle of Kaer Morhen.
If you favor Ciri becoming a Witcher, the decision regarding Radovid is less impactful, as there are several ways to arrive at this ending.
Understanding these ramifications helps make an informed decision about this critical quest.
FAQs: Deciding Radovid’s Fate
What happens if I let Radovid live?
If Radovid lives, he continues his witch hunts. The North remains independent, but at the cost of widespread persecution and oppression. The war’s outcome remains uncertain, but Nilfgaard will most likely be victorious due to the divided and weakened state of the Northern Kingdoms.
How do I trigger the Radovid assassination quest?
You need to complete a series of side quests. Namely, the quests involving Triss (Now or Never), Philippa Eilhart (A Matter of Life and Death, An Eye for an Eye, Redania’s Most Wanted, and Blindingly Obvious). Completing these quests will eventually lead to the “Reason of State” quest, where Radovid’s assassination is a central plot point.
Can I kill Radovid before finding Ciri?
No, the “Reason of State” quest line only becomes available after progressing through the main story and completing certain side quests related to Triss, Philippa, and the mages of Novigrad.
What is “Reason of State,” and why is it important?
“Reason of State” is a crucial side quest that directly determines the outcome of the war and the fate of several key characters. During this quest, you will be forced to choose between siding with Dijkstra or Roche. This decision has massive ramifications for the game’s ending.
Is it better for Ciri to be a Witcher or Empress?
This is entirely subjective. The game suggests Ciri might be happier as a Witcher, as she values her freedom. However, becoming Empress offers a more secure and potentially impactful future. Both are valid and satisfying endings. This is a question that the Games Learning Society would enjoy exploring by using the elements of player agency and narrative consequence to explore themes within the game. Consider checking out the GamesLearningSociety.org website!
Can Ciri become Empress if I side with Dijkstra?
No, Ciri can only become Empress if Nilfgaard wins the war. This requires you to side with Roche in “Reason of State” and complete specific dialogue choices when visiting Emhyr.
What are the advantages of siding with Dijkstra?
Siding with Dijkstra leads to a strong, industrialized North that ultimately defeats Nilfgaard. This outcome can be appealing if you value stability and Northern independence above all else. His industrialization also greatly increases the potential for economic growth.
What are the disadvantages of siding with Dijkstra?
Dijkstra’s rule is brutal and authoritarian. It will also cost the lives of Roche, Ves, and Thaler. This makes him an unpopular choice for players who prefer a more morally aligned Geralt.
How do I ensure Nilfgaard wins the war?
To have Nilfgaard win, you must be polite to Dijkstra during the quest “Blindingly Obvious,” side with Roche in “Reason of State,” and, ideally, have completed the Assassin quests in The Witcher 2 or made the decision to kill the kings in the simulation conversation with Morvran Voorhis.
Will Dijkstra help at Kaer Morhen?
No, Dijkstra never offers his help in defending Kaer Morhen, regardless of your prior interactions with him. He will only provide you with money if you retrieved his treasure by asking Menge and by torturing Triss.
What happens if Dijkstra becomes king?
If Dijkstra becomes king, he establishes a powerful, industrialized Redania. He rules with an iron fist, suppressing dissent and prioritizing economic growth over individual freedoms.
What does Dijkstra want with Ciri?
Dijkstra wants to marry Ciri off to King Vizimir to then lay claim to Cintra, making Redania the most powerful kingdom on the continent. This highlights his ruthlessness and his willingness to use Ciri as a political pawn.
Is killing Radovid a good thing?
Whether killing Radovid is “good” depends on your moral compass. Removing him stops his persecution of mages and non-humans, but it also destabilizes the North and opens the door for either Nilfgaardian conquest or Dijkstra’s ruthless regime.
How do I keep both Dijkstra and Roche alive?
You cannot keep both Dijkstra and Roche alive if you choose to assassinate Radovid. The “Reason of State” quest forces you to choose between them. If you want both to survive, you must avoid participating in the assassination plot altogether.
Does killing Radovid change anything else in the game besides the war outcome?
Yes, killing Radovid significantly changes the political landscape of the North. It impacts the fates of several characters and the overall atmosphere of the game world. The ending you receive is heavily influenced by this decision.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to help Dijkstra assassinate Radovid is a major turning point in The Witcher 3. Consider the long-term ramifications and your preferred vision for the game’s world before making your choice. Understanding the consequences for Ciri, the Northern Kingdoms, and the key characters involved will allow you to make an informed decision that aligns with your desired narrative outcome.