10 Hidden Fates in The Witcher 3 You Might Have Missed

The Witcher 3 is known for its complex decisions that have real impacts on Geralt’s world. In fact, there are many choices you might not even be aware of that decide whether certain NPCs live or die. 

From big names like Birna Bran to lesser-known figures like the young Eternal Fire deacon, here are ten lesser-known outcomes for Witcher 3 characters based on your decisions.

Birna Bran Can Live If Geralt Doesn’t Intervene In Skellige

Birna Bran concocts a master plan to get all the prospective heirs to the throne killed after her husband’s death so that her son can ascend to the throne. Given her treachery, most players choose to support Hjalmar or Cerys and Birna is sent to a cruel but justified death.

However, if you decide not to interfere in Skellige’s political matters after this point, then Birna survives and her son, Svanrige, ascends to the throne.

You Can Save the Young Eternal Fire Deacon

The December 2022 Next-Gen update added a new questline where players interact with a young Eternal Fire deacon who wishes to investigate the abandoned mine in Devil’s Pit and asks for Geralt’s help. 

Depending on how players progress in the quest, the deacon will be summoned and either spared or killed by the spirit of Reinald, a Wolf school witcher. But most people don’t know that you can save the deacon and help the spirit go peacefully, which is arguably the best outcome. 

Cerys & Hjalmar Can Die In A Failed Attack On Niilfgaardian Forces

Most people see the Skellige quest to completion and help either Cerys or Hjalmar ascend to the throne. So, it’s easy to see why most people don’t know of the repercussions that occur if Geralt doesn’t play a major role here. 

If Svanrige is allowed to ascend to the throne, then Crach an Craite reveals during the endgame that both of his children died in a bold attempt to lead a charge on a Niilfgaardian fleet.

Lambert Can Perish During the Battle of Kaer Morhen

The Battle of Kaer Morhen is one of the best set-pieces in the entire game, and players would want to carry out their actions here as perfectly as possible. Coming to Lambert’s aid during the siege on the fortress is not that hard, given the generous time limit. So, most people have no idea that failing to reach Geralt’s friend in time leads to him being overwhelmed and killed by the Wild Hunt’s forces.

If Dettlaff Kills Syanna, Players Can Let Him Go

While Dettlaff is not a clear-cut villain, most players choose to kill him during the Blood and Wine questline because of the many innocent deaths he causes. However, there is a lesser-known option: you can spare Dettlaff after he kills Syanna.

This can only happen if you fail to get the red ribbon in The Land of a Thousand Fables which saves Syanna from Dettlaff’s fury. 

Lifting Morkvarg’s Curse

Morkvarg is a heinous Skellige pirate who was cursed into an insatiable werewolf for his many atrocities. Geralt can kill him, leave him, or turn him back into a human after undoing said curse. 

Given how evil this pirate is, most people would prefer to give Morkvarg the permanent death he deserves or leave him cursed. However, you can also lift his curse. 

But after doing so, Morkvarg will inform you that he intends to commit the same horrible crimes again. Killing him after that is the best option, as he will also reveal the location of his treasure.

Gaetan’s Fate Is In Geralt’s Hands

Gaetan is a witcher that players can encounter near the ruined village of Honorton, where the sole survivor is a young girl who informs Geralt that someone with cat-like eyes similar to his ravaged the entire village. Gaetan flew into a blind rage after the villagers who’d contracted him to take out a leshen tried to kill him and save a few orens. At this point, Geralt can either sympathize or engage in a duel to punish Gaetan’s massacre.

Madman Lugos Can Live If Geralt Doesn’t Help Crach’s Children

Madman Lugos may not be the most popular character around, so most players won’t mind killing this character after Hjalmar or Cerys ascends to the throne. However, if Svanrige becomes the king of Skellige, then Lugos won’t lose his temper and can be left alive. 

While the loss of his son still stung, the knowledge that his rival’s children didn’t reap the benefits of his son’s death prevented him from going against the witcher in a battle with a foregone conclusion.

You Can Leave Iris Stranded In the Painted World

Iris von Everec’s story is as tragic as they come, with players going into the Painted World where her spirit resides to uncover Olgierd’s atrocities and the deal he made with Gaunter O’Dimm. At the end of this memorable sequence of events, Geralt can either take the rose or refuse this gift. If you accept, like most players, Iris’ spirit is finally laid to rest. But it’s possible to reject the gift, leaving Iris’ spirit forever trapped alone with her sad memories.

Bringing Anabelle’s Remains To Graham Kills Him

Players interact with a plague maiden during the side quest “A Towerful of Mice.” Paralyzed by a potion, she died an excruciating death being eaten alive by mice. She requests that players bring her remains to her former lover, which is unquestionably the wrong course of action to take. This is because bringing Annabelle’s remains to Graham not only kills the poor man but also unleashes the wrath of the Pesta all across the countryside.