The Witcher 3 – how to get the best ending

I could cite a laundry list of reasons as to why CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has become one of the most enduring games of the last generation. Complex characters, interesting gameplay, and a novel-worthy story immediately spring to mind (which makes sense, since The Witcher is based on a book series). If you want that story to have a happy ending, though, you’re gonna have to do more than sit back and watch. Here’s how to get the best ending in The Witcher 3.

The ending you receive in this game weighs heavily on Geralt’s interactions with Ciri. The bad and normal endings show Ciri either dying or becoming a Witcher like Geralt, respectively, while the best ending leads her to becoming the next Empress. If you want to get Ciri on the throne, you’ll need to accomplish a few particular goals, as well as say all of the right things.

How to Get the Best Ending in The Witcher 3

Firstly, during the quest Blood on the Battlefield, Ciri will suggest going to visit Bald Mountain. You need to tell her, “Gotta visit the Emperor first.”

Secondly, you need to make sure that Nilfgaard wins their war. This is accomplished by completing particular side quests in Acts Two and Three of the story. In Act Two, you need to complete:

• An Eye for an Eye
• A Deadly Plot
• Redania’s Most Wanted

In Act Three, you need to complete:

• Blindingly Obvious while being nice to Dijikstra and giving him info about Ciri
• Reason of State, and side with Vernon Roche and Ves.

Finally, you need to make the correct decision in several vital plot points. 

• When Geralt is comforting Ciri during Blood on the Battlefield, say, “I know what might lift your spirits.”
• During Blood on the Battlefield, when visiting the Emperor, refuse any payment for your services, saying, “Didn’t do it for coin.”
• During Final Preparations, get Ciri to speak on her own to the Lodge of Sorceresses.
• When Ciri gets mad during The Child of the Elder Blood, tell her, “Go for it.”
• When Ciri requests Geralt accompany her to Skjall’s grave in The Child of the Elder Blood, say, “Yeah, I’ll go with you.”

If you get all this right, Ciri will realize she can do a lot of good as the Empress, and shares a bittersweet farewell with Geralt at the end of the story.