Should I Lie for the Fake Witcher in The Witcher 3? A Definitive Guide
The decision of whether or not to lie for the fake Witcher in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a complex one, hinging on your Geralt’s moral compass and your desired outcome. Generally, it’s better to let the truth prevail and allow the villagers to decide his fate. This avoids perpetuating a lie and allows the natural consequences of his actions to unfold. However, there are nuances to consider. Let’s dissect this dilemma.
Understanding the Consequences
The quest involving the fake Witcher presents Geralt with a moral quandary. He can choose to:
- Accuse him of being a fake: This will likely lead to the villagers hanging him.
- Defend him, claiming he’s not a fake: This allows you to negotiate an alternative punishment, such as working off his debt to the village elder.
Choosing to lie can seem like the more compassionate option, sparing a life. However, it also involves deceiving the villagers and potentially enabling further deception by the fake Witcher in the future. Letting the villagers decide (after informing them of the truth) maintains Geralt’s integrity and respects their agency.
The Greater Good (or Lack Thereof)
The “greater good” argument doesn’t neatly apply here. While saving one life might seem noble, it’s important to consider the potential harm the fake Witcher could inflict on others if left unchecked. It is about making decisions and analyzing potential risks. If Geralt is concerned that the fake Witcher will go on to take advantage of others, revealing the truth is the more responsible course of action.
The Witcher series often explores themes of morality where there are no easy answers. This particular situation forces you to consider your responsibility to the truth versus the potential consequences of your actions, regardless of the outcome.
Factors to Consider
- Geralt’s Personal Code: Does your Geralt prioritize honesty above all else? Or is he willing to bend the truth to achieve a perceived positive outcome?
- The Fake Witcher’s Character: Does he show remorse or suggest he might change his ways? This could influence your decision.
- The Villagers’ Reaction: Are they easily swayed or are they already suspicious of the fake Witcher? This will affect the outcome of your persuasion attempt.
The Verdict
While there’s no definitively “right” answer, siding with the truth and allowing the villagers to decide is arguably the most consistent with the themes of the Witcher series. The complexities of morality, the weight of choices, and the gray areas of right and wrong are central to the narrative. It is the foundation of great character development and decision making. It shows how Geralt perceives things.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Weigh the potential consequences, consider your Geralt’s character, and choose the path that aligns with your vision for the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to this choice and other moral dilemmas in The Witcher 3:
1. What is the best choice for the ladies of the wood?
While there’s no clear “best” choice, you are able to save more lives by choosing to kill the spirit rather than free it, but it is up to you whether or not those lives are actually worth saving. The Crones are evil, but the spirit took vengeance on a town. It depends on which group you deem more deserving of salvation.
2. Should I trust the ghost in the tree?
There’s no clean or tidy outcome for this quest, but the most generally positive solution is to kill the Ghost in the Tree. Freeing it has dire consequences.
3. Should I simulate a Witcher 2 save?
Yes, you should choose to simulate a Witcher 2 save. If you choose not to simulate a save, decisions will automatically be made for you, robbing you of the opportunity to shape the world based on your past choices.
4. Should You Kill Jad Karadin In The Witcher 3?
This is a matter of personal preference. He’s a dangerous criminal, but sparing him can be seen as showing mercy. There is no big impact on the game.
5. What happens if you spare Gaetan?
Sparing Gaetan will let you avoid a difficult fight while also providing better rewards. You’ll get 250 crowns and Tegir for sparing him.
6. How do you get the “good” ending in Witcher 3?
To get one of the “good” endings, prioritize Ciri’s well-being and encourage her independence. Make choices that show you respect her agency and support her decisions. In terms of story beats, skipping Emhyr entirely and heading straight to Velen is one factor. Other critical decisions in the game’s third act are also key.
7. Are the Crones evil?
Yes, the Crones are undeniably evil. They are cruel, manipulative, and delight in causing suffering. They are the embodiment of darkness in the world of The Witcher.
8. What is the choice for Anna’s doll in Witcher 3?
The correct doll is the one with a violet hollyhock bloom, as The Baron had mentioned previously it is Anna’s favorite flower.
9. What should I choose to save Anna Witcher 3?
Select the doll with the hollyhock blossom. This is crucial to lifting the curse and restoring Anna to her human form.
10. Does it matter if the baron dies?
No matter which outcome, the Baron will end up gone from Crow’s Perch. His fate is tied to Anna’s, but his departure is inevitable.
11. Can the bloody baron survive?
Yes, he can survive, depending on your choices related to the Whispering Hillock and the Crones. However, even if he survives, he will leave Crow’s Perch to seek a cure for Anna.
12. Is there a way to save Anna and the Baron?
Yes, it is possible. Killing the Whispering Hillock ensures that both the Baron and Anna survive.
13. Should I go with the baron to save Anna?
Yes, assisting the Baron in his quest to save Anna is paramount if you want him to live. Her survival is directly linked to his.
14. Do the Crones eat the orphans?
Yes, they do. If you make choices that favor the Crones, the children at the bog village are beyond saving and will be eaten by them.
15. Is it better for Ciri to be a Witcher or Empress?
While the Empress Ciri ending might seem safer, it’s often considered less desirable because it isn’t what Ciri truly wants. The Witcher Ciri ending allows her to live a life of her own choosing, even if it’s more dangerous.
Delve Deeper into Game-Based Learning
To learn more about the educational and societal impacts of games, including role-playing games like The Witcher 3, visit the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores how games can be used as tools for learning, problem-solving, and critical thinking.