Should You Throw Sarah Out in The Witcher 3? A Detailed Guide to a Moral Quandary
The question of whether to throw Sarah out of the haunted house in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one that plagues many players. There’s no single, easy answer, as the decision hinges on your Geralt’s moral compass and your desired outcome. Ultimately, you should not throw Sarah out. Letting her stay leads to a more interesting questline, provides more rewarding gameplay experiences, and aligns with a more empathetic interpretation of Geralt’s character. While banishing her might seem like the “right” thing to do on the surface, it’s a simplistic solution that robs you of a richer narrative and several valuable rewards.
Weighing the Options: Banishment vs. Coexistence
The initial situation presents a classic Witcher dilemma: a seemingly simple problem with morally complex solutions. The banker, de Jonkheer, wants the haunted house sold. Corinne Tilly, the dreamer, is afflicted, and the source of the haunting is the godling Sarah. Geralt is tasked with resolving the situation. The two primary choices are:
- Banish Sarah: This involves forcing Sarah to leave, either through threats and the use of Burdock, or convincing her it’s the best course of action.
- Let Sarah Stay: This involves making a deal with Sarah, lying to the banker about the house being irreversibly haunted, and allowing her to remain.
While banishing Sarah resolves the immediate problem of the haunting for the banker, it leads to a less compelling outcome. Sarah ends up seeking refuge with Johnny, another godling, which is a bittersweet resolution, but the player loses out on the Haunted House secondary quest.
The Case for Letting Sarah Stay: A Deep Dive
Allowing Sarah to stay unlocks the Haunted House quest, which offers significantly more rewards. This quest involves investigating the history of the house and uncovering its dark secrets, leading to a confrontation with a powerful monster. The rewards include:
- Experience Points: A significant chunk of experience for completing the quest.
- Loot: Valuable items and crafting materials found within the house.
- A Unique Monster Encounter: Facing a challenging foe that offers a unique combat experience.
- A Richer Narrative: Delving deeper into the lore of Novigrad and the lives of its inhabitants.
Furthermore, allowing Sarah to stay provides a more nuanced portrayal of Geralt. He isn’t simply a monster hunter for hire, but someone capable of empathy and understanding towards non-humans, even those considered “monstrous”. This aligns with the overall themes explored in The Witcher 3, which challenges conventional notions of good and evil. Learning about game development and narrative designs are important as well. The GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable resources.
Ethical Considerations: A Witcher’s Dilemma
The decision to lie to the banker might seem morally questionable, but it’s important to consider the context. The banker is motivated by profit, while Sarah is simply trying to survive. Geralt is often forced to make difficult choices that involve compromising between different moral viewpoints. In this case, lying to the banker allows Geralt to protect a vulnerable being and unlock a more interesting questline, making it a justifiable action in the grand scheme of things.
Long-Term Consequences: The Ripple Effect
The decision regarding Sarah doesn’t have major repercussions on the main storyline, but it contributes to the overall world-building and player immersion. By choosing to protect Sarah, you reinforce the idea that Geralt is a protector of the innocent and a champion of the marginalized. This reinforces a player’s role in building a meaningful and morally complex game. The field of Game-Based Learning highlights the need to emphasize these moral considerations in gaming experiences. For additional resources on the intersection of ethics and gaming, visit the Games Learning Society website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Sarah decision in The Witcher 3, providing additional valuable information:
1. What happens if I choose to banish Sarah?
If you banish Sarah, she will eventually find a new home with Johnny, another godling. You will miss out on the Haunted House secondary quest and its associated rewards.
2. How do I banish Sarah?
You can banish Sarah by threatening her and then burning Burdock in the stove, which will drive her away. Alternatively, you can try to convince her that it’s the best thing for her to leave.
3. What is the Haunted House quest?
The Haunted House quest is a secondary quest that becomes available if you allow Sarah to stay in the house. It involves investigating the history of the house, uncovering its secrets, and facing a powerful monster.
4. What rewards do I get for completing the Haunted House quest?
The rewards for completing the Haunted House quest include experience points, valuable loot, a unique monster encounter, and a richer narrative experience.
5. Is it morally wrong to lie to the banker?
Whether it’s morally wrong to lie to the banker is a matter of personal interpretation. However, given the context and the potential benefits of protecting Sarah, it can be argued that it’s a justifiable action.
6. Does the decision about Sarah affect the main storyline?
No, the decision about Sarah does not have any major repercussions on the main storyline.
7. Can I still get the Haunted House quest if I banish Sarah?
No, you cannot get the Haunted House quest if you banish Sarah.
8. Is Sarah evil?
No, Sarah is not evil. She is a godling simply trying to survive and protect herself.
9. What is a godling?
A godling is a type of creature in the Witcher universe, often associated with nature and possessing unique abilities.
10. How difficult is the monster in the Haunted House quest?
The monster in the Haunted House quest can be challenging, but with proper preparation and strategy, it can be defeated.
11. Is there a “right” choice in this situation?
There is no definitively “right” choice. The decision depends on your personal moral compass and your desired outcome. However, letting Sarah stay offers more rewards and a richer narrative.
12. What level should I be to do the Haunted House quest?
The Haunted House quest is recommended for players around level 10-15.
13. Does Geralt approve of letting Sarah stay?
Geralt’s dialogue suggests that he is sympathetic to Sarah’s plight and is willing to help her if possible. This aligns with his character as someone who is willing to protect the innocent and marginalized.
14. Can I undo my decision about Sarah?
No, once you make your decision about Sarah, it is permanent and cannot be undone.
15. What does Johnny think about Sarah?
Johnny is another Godling, and the two are thought to get along and become friends or something more.