Who Should Rule Skellige in The Witcher 3? A Deep Dive into Political Intrigue

The question of who should rule Skellige in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt isn’t just a matter of picking a name. It’s a decision that ripples through the game world, affecting the political landscape, Geralt’s relationships, and ultimately, the overall ending. So, who’s the best choice? In most players’ opinions, Cerys an Craite emerges as the most beneficial option. Her focus on progressive solutions, uncovering the root of problems rather than simply applying brute force, leads to a more stable and prosperous Skellige. However, the “best” choice is subjective and hinges on your roleplaying preferences.

Cerys vs. Hjalmar: Weighing the Options

The choice between Cerys and Hjalmar comes down to two distinct governing philosophies. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your Geralt’s values.

Cerys an Craite: The Pragmatic Innovator

Cerys embodies a more intellectual and diplomatic approach to leadership. She favors investigation and thoughtful solutions over rash action. Her questline, “The King’s Gambit,” highlights this perfectly. Instead of blindly accusing someone of poisoning the mead, she investigates, uncovers the true culprit (Birna Bran), and prevents a full-blown clan war.

• Pros:

  • Economic Prosperity: Cerys’s reign is often characterized by economic growth and stability. Her focus on problem-solving leads to practical solutions that benefit Skellige as a whole.
  • Reduced Conflict: Her diplomatic approach minimizes internal conflicts between the clans.
  • Uncovers the True Culprit: In the “King’s Gambit” quest, helping Cerys leads to the revelation of Birna Bran’s treachery, preventing further chaos.

• Cons:

  • Less “Traditional”: Some may view her methods as unconventional and not befitting a Skellige ruler.

Hjalmar an Craite: The Warrior King

Hjalmar is the archetypal Skellige warrior, valuing strength, honor, and direct action. His questline revolves around hunting down a giant, showcasing his bravery and commitment to protecting his people.

• Pros:

  • Strong Military Alliance: Hjalmar’s martial prowess makes him a valuable ally in times of war. He’s more likely to offer direct military support.
  • Upholds Tradition: He embodies the traditional Skellige values of strength and courage.
  • Personal Help: As a Skellige Monarch, Hjalmar will personally offer his help in battle, while Cerys is unable to.

• Cons:

  • Prone to rash decisions: His reliance on brute force can sometimes lead to unnecessary conflict.
  • Less Focus on Long-Term Solutions: Hjalmar is less concerned with the subtle details of the economy and domestic policy.

The Impact on the Main Game

The choice of Skellige’s ruler has direct consequences on the main storyline, specifically concerning:

• Support in the Battle Against the Wild Hunt: A strong Skellige, regardless of who leads, is invaluable. However, the level of support and the willingness to risk Skelligan lives might differ based on the ruler.
• The Political Landscape: The ruler of Skellige can influence alliances and power dynamics in the North, impacting the war against Nilfgaard.

Roleplaying Considerations

Ultimately, the “best” choice is deeply tied to your Geralt’s personality and values. Do you prefer a leader who is pragmatic and forward-thinking, or one who embodies the traditional warrior spirit?

• A Pragmatic Geralt: If your Geralt values logic, investigation, and long-term solutions, Cerys is the more suitable choice.
• A Traditional Geralt: If your Geralt respects strength, honor, and direct action, Hjalmar aligns better with those ideals.

What About Bran?

You can also decide to not choose Cerys or Hjalmar and instead appoint Bran as the new Skelligan king. This is the worst ending. Bran does not help anyone and the quest will fail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it better to choose Cerys or Hjalmar?

Cerys is generally considered the better choice for long-term stability and prosperity in Skellige, due to her focus on problem-solving and diplomacy. However, Hjalmar offers a strong military alliance.

2. Does killing Radovid change anything?

If you kill Radovid and side with Dijkstra in the “Reason of State” quest, Dijkstra takes control of the North. His rule is effective but oppressive, creating dissatisfaction among his subjects.

3. Should you race Cerys?

Racing Cerys is optional. There’s no reward for winning, it’s purely for roleplaying purposes.

4. Who to help in Skellige?

Helping the an Craite clan is crucial for securing their support in the main game. Regardless of whether Cerys or Hjalmar becomes ruler, their backing is vital.

5. Should I pay the guy in Skellige?

Letting the man go will yield a profit. He will pay you 220 crowns the next day.

6. When should you head to Skellige?

It’s recommended to be at least level 17 before starting the Skellige quests.

7. Can I let Cerys win the race?

Letting Cerys win the race is a matter of honor. However, It doesn’t impact the quest in any meaningful way.

8. What if you help Cerys and Hjalmar?

Helping both Cerys and Hjalmar rewards you with experience points and the “Death From Above” crossbow.

9. How do you get Cerys to be queen?

To make Cerys queen, help her investigate the poisoning during the “King’s Gambit” quest and uncover Birna Bran’s involvement.

10. Is Radovid a bad guy?

Radovid is a complex character. While he turns to darkness, his actions are driven by a desire to protect his kingdom, albeit through extreme measures.

11. Can I assassinate Radovid?

Yes, Radovid can be assassinated during the “Reason of State” quest, which is triggered after completing a series of side quests.

12. Who is the best choice for Geralt?

This is subjective, but many players find Triss to be a more compelling romantic partner for Geralt due to her personal growth and genuine love for him.

13. Who pays best in Witcher 3?

Merchants in Oxenfurt and Novigrad generally offer the best prices for weapons, armor, and junk.

14. Does Hjalmar love Ciri?

Yes, Hjalmar develops romantic feelings for Ciri in some storylines.

15. Do I really have to pay 1000 to get to Skellige?

You’ll need 1,000 crowns to get to Skellige initially, but you will get them all back during the quests.

Conclusion

Choosing the ruler of Skellige is a significant decision in The Witcher 3. While Cerys offers a path to prosperity and stability, Hjalmar embodies traditional Skelligan values. The “best” choice ultimately depends on your roleplaying preferences and how you envision the future of the isles. Understanding the consequences of each choice allows you to craft a unique and satisfying Witcher experience. The study of games and their impact on learning is fascinating, and you can explore this further at the Games Learning Society website GamesLearningSociety.org.