Should You Simulate a Witcher 2 Save in The Witcher 3? A Definitive Guide

The question of whether to simulate a Witcher 2 save when starting The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one that plagues many a new witcher. The short answer? Yes, absolutely, you should simulate a Witcher 2 save. But why? The reasons are manifold and significantly enhance your experience, granting you greater control over Geralt’s backstory and impacting the narrative in subtle but meaningful ways. Let’s delve into the depths of this decision and unpack its consequences.

Why Simulate? Unlocking the Past and Shaping the Future

Choosing to simulate a Witcher 2 save essentially unlocks a dialogue sequence during your stay in Vizima, early in the game. This sequence allows you to answer questions posed by a Nilfgaardian interrogator regarding Geralt’s actions and allegiances during the events of The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings.

• Control Over Your Narrative: The primary benefit is narrative control. Instead of the game making default decisions for you, you actively shape Geralt’s past. This is crucial if you have strong feelings about certain characters or wish to maintain consistency with your prior playthroughs (or intended backstory) of The Witcher 2.
• Avoiding Default Outcomes: If you choose not to simulate, the game makes default choices, many of which skew towards negative outcomes. These defaults can lock you out of certain quests and alter NPC relationships, potentially diminishing your overall experience.
• Character Interactions and Consequences: The choices you make during the simulation affect the presence and status of certain characters within The Witcher 3. For example, the fate of Aryan La Valette or the survival of Letho of Gulet directly hinges on your simulated choices. These consequences manifest in dialogue, side quests, and even minor character arcs.

Ultimately, simulating the save allows for a more personalized and engaging experience, ensuring that your past actions (or desired past actions) have tangible consequences in the world of The Witcher 3.

The Consequences of Your Choices

Let’s break down some of the key choices presented during the simulated save and their potential consequences:

The Fate of Aryan La Valette

Did you kill Aryan La Valette during the siege, or did you spare his life? Sparing Aryan results in minor dialogue and status changes for related NPCs. The general consensus leans towards sparing him, as this offers slightly more interesting narrative threads.

The Witcher Letho: Friend or Foe?

Perhaps the most significant choice revolves around Letho of Gulet. If you defeated Letho in The Witcher 2, he won’t appear in The Witcher 3. However, if you spared him, he may show up later and feature in an interesting side quest. This quest is generally considered a highlight for returning players, adding depth and complexity to the already rich world.

Sile de Tansarville: Magic and Morality

Your actions regarding Sile de Tansarville also matter. This choice determines her fate and can impact your interactions with other sorceresses throughout the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of simulating a Witcher 2 save in The Witcher 3:

1. What exactly does “simulate Witcher save” mean?

Simulating a Witcher 2 save presents you with dialogue options to define Geralt’s actions in the previous game. It’s a way to import your choices without actually importing a save file. Choosing “no” results in default decisions made by the game.

2. Should I simulate Witcher save on or off?

Definitely on. Choosing to simulate gives you control over your narrative and prevents the game from making potentially undesirable default decisions.

3. What happens if I don’t simulate Witcher 2 save?

If you skip simulating the save, the game makes default decisions. These defaults lean towards negative outcomes and can lock you out of certain content, particularly concerning Letho’s appearance.

4. Does simulating the save significantly impact the main story?

No, the core main story remains largely unchanged. However, it affects side quests, character interactions, and the overall depth of the world, adding layers of richness and consequence to your actions.

5. Is Letho a good guy or a bad guy?

Letho is a complex character. He’s not inherently evil, but rather driven by his own goals and circumstances. He can be seen as an anti-hero, and your interactions with him in The Witcher 3 (if you spared him in The Witcher 2) provide a nuanced perspective.

6. How do I get the “best” ending in The Witcher 3?

The “best” ending is subjective, but many consider Ciri becoming a witcher the most fulfilling. Critical decisions affecting this include:

• Skipping Emhyr and going straight to Velen.
• Prioritizing Ciri’s well-being and independence.
• Making supportive and encouraging choices for her.

7. Does simulating the save affect the romance options with Triss and Yennefer?

No, simulating the save does not directly affect romance options. Your choices with Triss and Yennefer are primarily determined by your interactions with them during The Witcher 3.

8. Can I import a Witcher 2 save instead of simulating?

No, The Witcher 3 does not directly support save file imports from The Witcher 2. The simulation dialogue is the only way to carry over choices.

9. I never played The Witcher 2. Should I still simulate a save?

Yes! Even if you haven’t played The Witcher 2, simulating the save allows you to craft a backstory for Geralt and influence the world around him. You can read up on key characters and events to make informed decisions.

10. What are the default choices if I don’t simulate?

The default choices generally assume Geralt took actions that led to negative outcomes for certain characters, such as killing Aryan La Valette and not sparing Letho.

11. Can I change my simulated save choices later in the game?

No, once you make your choices during the Vizima interrogation, they are locked in for that playthrough.

12. What if I regret my simulated save choices?

If you regret your choices, you’ll need to start a new game to change them.

13. Where does the simulated save dialogue take place?

The dialogue occurs during Geralt’s stay in Vizima, after the prologue. You’ll be questioned by a Nilfgaardian officer.

14. Are there any missable quests related to simulating the save?

Yes! The side quest involving Letho is missable if you don’t simulate and the game defaults to him being dead.

15. Will simulating the save teach me something new?

Absolutely! Understanding the choices and consequences in The Witcher 3, especially in relation to simulating Witcher 2 decisions, reveals a deliberate learning experience. The game uses narrative consequences to teach players about the importance of choices and their ethical implications, showcasing design principles highlighted by organizations like the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games and education.

Final Verdict: Embrace the Past, Shape the Future

Simulating a Witcher 2 save in The Witcher 3 is not just recommended; it’s essential for a complete and personalized experience. It allows you to shape Geralt’s past, influence character interactions, and unlock additional content. Don’t settle for the default choices; embrace the opportunity to craft your own Witcher saga.