What Game Has 36 Endings? Exploring the Multiple Conclusions of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The game with 36 distinct endings is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. This critically acclaimed action role-playing game, developed by CD Projekt Red, is renowned for its rich narrative, engaging characters, and the profound impact player choices have on the unfolding story. While the base game itself doesn’t present 36 dramatically different conclusions, the varied states of the world and the character arcs that players can influence result in 36 unique permutations, making each playthrough feel deeply personal and impactful. The endings are not simply a matter of achieving a “good” or “bad” outcome, but a nuanced tapestry of consequences stemming from Geralt’s decisions throughout his journey.
Understanding the Complexity of Witcher 3 Endings
The 36 endings of The Witcher 3 are not all starkly different in their visuals or narrative, but rather are variations on three major potential outcomes, heavily influenced by the player’s interactions with key characters, particularly Ciri, Emhyr var Emreis, and the Lodge of Sorceresses. Each of these major outcomes also has sub-variations.
Ciri’s Fate
The overarching narrative revolves heavily around Ciri, Geralt’s adopted daughter, and her fate. The three primary endings related to Ciri are:
- Ciri Becomes a Witcher: If Geralt guides Ciri well throughout the game, supporting her independence and making choices that resonate with her desires, she may ultimately choose to embrace the life of a witcher. This ending shows her continuing her monster hunting training.
- Ciri Becomes Empress of Nilfgaard: If Geralt prioritizes the political landscape and takes actions that support Nilfgaard, Ciri may be persuaded to ascend the throne.
- Ciri Dies: Through a combination of mistakes and ill-fated decisions, Geralt may fail to guide and protect Ciri, resulting in her death. This ending is often perceived as the “bad” ending.
These three main scenarios are then modified by a multitude of smaller choices you make that further affect these outcomes and Ciri’s overall state of mind. It is these multiple variations of each outcome that create the 36 distinct endings the game boasts.
The State of the World
Beyond Ciri’s destiny, the endings are also impacted by the player’s decisions regarding the political landscape of the Northern Kingdoms and the fate of Nilfgaard. Whether Radovid remains ruler, or Emhyr’s influence is allowed to spread, will change the political structure of the game world. Each of these outcomes alters the game’s ending sequences, influencing who rules, who has peace, and which regions find prosperity or poverty.
The Witchers’ Future
How Geralt interacts with other witchers and their respective schools throughout the game is another key factor in shaping the ending. Player actions can strengthen the witcher community or lead it to its doom. This not only affects the witchers themselves but also those they protect in the game world.
Why the Witcher 3’s Endings are Memorable
The sheer number of endings in The Witcher 3 isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality and consequence. Each playthrough is a journey shaped by the player’s decisions, creating a rich and rewarding experience. Every choice, from the seemingly small to the overtly critical, can have ripple effects, leading to vastly different outcomes. This level of agency makes the ending feel earned and impactful, making the game a highly replayable experience.
The game’s commitment to player choice and consequence extends to secondary characters and side quests as well, all working in concert to deliver a unique experience each time you play. It’s a masterclass in how to create a living, breathing world that is deeply responsive to the actions of its player base.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Witcher 3 Endings and More
1. How many endings are truly dramatically different in The Witcher 3?
While there are 36 permutations, the fundamental differences lie in the fates of Ciri and the world’s political landscape. The more dramatic changes are within these, influencing the subtleties of the major endings rather than a complete deviation from the major themes.
2. Does The Witcher 3 have a true “good” ending?
It depends on your definition of “good.” Generally, the ending where Ciri becomes a witcher is seen as the most optimistic, reflecting a path where she is both happy and powerful, but there are valid cases for other outcomes to be seen as more desirable depending on the individual player’s perspective and priorities.
3. Can you change the ending after it happens?
No, once the ending is triggered, it is final for that playthrough. The only way to experience a different ending is to replay the game, altering key choices leading to the conclusion.
4. Does the main story ending affect DLC content?
The main story ending primarily influences the epilogue. The two major DLCs, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, operate mostly independently, though they can have their own distinct endings that do tie into the overall lore and narrative of the game.
5. Are all the endings equally satisfying?
Satisfaction with an ending will depend on individual player preferences. Some endings may feel more fulfilling or morally justifiable than others based on the choices made throughout the game. The game does not necessarily present all endings as morally “good” or “bad”, instead showcasing diverse outcomes based on the players’ choices.
6. How does my relationship with Yennefer or Triss influence the ending?
Your romantic relationship choice does not affect the major endings with Ciri’s fate, but does influence the epilogue, showing which partner Geralt settles down with.
7. Is there a guide to help you get specific endings?
Yes, numerous online guides and resources can help you make the specific choices needed to reach desired outcomes. However, many prefer to experience the game blind and replay it if they are curious about other possible endings.
8. How many hours does it take to complete The Witcher 3 main storyline?
A typical playthrough of the main storyline will take around 50-60 hours, but completionists can easily spend over 100 hours completing all the side content.
9. What makes The Witcher 3 so critically acclaimed?
Beyond its intricate story and multiple endings, The Witcher 3 is praised for its deep lore, incredible open world, complex characters, and the impact of player choices, making it one of the most engaging RPGs ever created.
10. How does the game handle choices made during previous playthroughs?
Each playthrough is a fresh start, so choices from previous games are not carried over. However, the knowledge you gain from previous playthroughs can inform your decisions during new games and lead to different results.
11. Does The Witcher 3 have a new game plus mode?
Yes, New Game+ lets you carry over your level and gear, allowing you to experience a new playthrough with increased difficulty and the option to aim for different outcomes.
12. What are some other games with a lot of endings?
Games like Detroit: Become Human, Until Dawn, and The Quarry are also well-known for having multiple endings based on player choices, but none come close to matching the permutations that the Witcher 3 provides.
13. Are there any hidden or secret endings in The Witcher 3?
While there aren’t hidden endings that drastically alter the main arc, some variations have nuanced differences that only become apparent through specific choices during side quests and encounters.
14. Is it worth replaying The Witcher 3 to see all the endings?
Absolutely. The depth and complexity of the choices and the rewarding narrative make it well worth replaying to experience the various possibilities.
15. How does the Netflix show affect the understanding of The Witcher 3 endings?
While the Netflix show does draw on the same source material as the game, its storyline can diverge. The game’s endings are not affected by the Netflix show but may provide a different context and perspective for understanding the lore.