Should You Let Duke Live? A Witcher 3 Dilemma
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a game renowned for its morally grey choices, and the encounter with Duke, wounded by Drowners, is a prime example. The question of whether to let Duke live is a deeply personal one, as it hinges on your Geralt’s established character and your preferred playstyle. Generally, sparing Duke has no negative consequences, and even provides a small, quirky reward later on. He’ll be found in the sewers, seemingly resigned to his fate. Killing him provides immediate gratification in the form of his gold but cuts off the potential for a minor, humorous interaction later. The decision is ultimately yours, but the minimal “risk” of sparing him makes it the more narratively interesting choice for many players.
Analyzing the Duke Encounter
Weighing the Consequences
The Duke scenario exemplifies the core design of The Witcher 3. Decisions rarely have black and white consequences, and this minor encounter is no different. Here’s a breakdown:
- Killing Duke: Immediate gain of his gold. Simplifies the encounter to a resource grab. Reinforces a Geralt willing to make ruthless decisions for personal gain.
- Sparing Duke: No immediate gain, but a later, albeit minor, interaction in the sewers. Potentially reinforces a more merciful, or at least pragmatic, Geralt. Adds a small piece of unique world-building.
The choice really boils down to: do you prioritize short-term financial gain, or the potential for a small, flavourful, narrative moment down the line? There is no “right” or “wrong” answer.
The Bigger Picture: Roleplaying Geralt
A significant factor in deciding Duke’s fate is how you’re roleplaying Geralt. Are you playing a ruthless monster hunter, focused on contracts and coin? Or are you playing a Geralt who, despite his profession, retains a sense of compassion and moral ambiguity?
- Ruthless Geralt: Killing Duke aligns with a character who prioritizes self-interest and sees the world in transactional terms.
- Compassionate Geralt: Sparing Duke aligns with a character who, while capable of violence, is willing to show mercy even to those who may not deserve it.
Ultimately, the “correct” choice is the one that feels most authentic to your Geralt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does sparing Duke affect any major quests?
No. Duke’s fate has absolutely no impact on the main story or any significant side quests. It is a self-contained encounter with minimal repercussions.
2. Does killing Duke lock me out of any essential items?
No. Duke carries no unique or essential items. The gold you receive is the only concrete benefit.
3. Is Duke involved in any contracts later on?
No. Duke is not connected to any monster contracts or other Witcher work later in the game.
4. Does letting Duke live affect my Witcher ending?
No. The ending of The Witcher 3 is determined by choices related to Ciri, not minor encounters like this one.
5. How long does it take for Duke to appear in the sewers if I spare him?
There’s no guaranteed timeframe. He’ll eventually appear in the sewers, but it might require completing other quests or advancing the main story. Keep an eye out for him if you’re in the area.
6. Can I kill Duke in the sewers after sparing him initially?
Yes. If you find Duke in the sewers after sparing him, you still have the option to kill him. This allows you to reverse your initial decision, though it feels a bit cruel.
7. Is there any dialogue or quest associated with finding Duke in the sewers?
There’s brief dialogue, but no formal quest. He simply acknowledges his fate and offers a few lines of conversation.
8. Is Duke’s fate explained in the books?
No. Duke is a character exclusive to The Witcher 3 game. He does not appear in Andrzej Sapkowski’s novels.
9. Can I save Duke from the Drowners myself?
No. The game forces Geralt to arrive after Duke has already been wounded. You cannot intervene to save him from the Drowners’ initial attack.
10. Does difficulty level affect the outcome of the Duke encounter?
No. Difficulty level only affects combat. It does not change the dialogue options or the consequences of your choice regarding Duke.
11. What is the moral philosophy behind these choices?
The game consistently presents scenarios with ambiguous moral implications. According to the Games Learning Society, these situations invite players to explore ethical frameworks and consider the consequences of their actions. They are presented as choices which mirror real-world dilemmas.
12. Is Duke related to any other characters in the game?
No. Duke has no known family or connections to other characters in The Witcher 3. He is a self-contained figure within this specific encounter.
13. What are the “sewers” you mentioned? Where are they located?
The sewers referred to are likely located in Novigrad. You’ll explore them during various quests, including main storyline sections.
14. Does sparing Duke give me any kind of achievement or trophy?
No. Neither sparing nor killing Duke unlocks any specific achievements or trophies in The Witcher 3.
15. I’m a completionist. What is the most efficient way to approach the Duke decision?
For absolute completionists, the ideal (albeit slightly time-consuming) approach is to spare Duke initially, then return later to the sewers and kill him if you desire the gold. This allows you to experience both outcomes, ensuring you don’t miss any potential content. However, many players will find this too gamey.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to let Duke live is a microcosm of The Witcher 3’s brilliance. It’s a seemingly minor choice that invites you to consider your Geralt’s character, your own moral compass, and the value you place on short-term gain versus long-term narrative flavor. There’s no right answer – only the answer that feels right for your Witcher experience. Remember that there are excellent resources available for all things gaming, such as GamesLearningSociety.org.