Unlike The Witcher novels, the video game series developed by CD Projekt Red follows a more linear form of storytelling that is impacted by player choices. Geralt of Rivia's participation in influential conflicts means players dictate the outcomes of plotlines between the games. The Witcher 2 and 3 in particular have a unique relationship, as many plot-relevant player choices can completely change how the Witcher games' open-world is experienced and explored.
A cutscene in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt allows players who skipped Witcher 2 to craft their own worlds and choices without having to play the previous game. Shortly after arriving at the royal palace, Geralt will be ushered into a room to be made more presentable. While receiving a shave, he will be interrogated by a member of the royal court and be given an opportunity to answer questions that dictate the previous game's choices. This is an effective method to allow players to craft their own unique worlds without punishing new fans of the series.
There are four major choices players must make throughout The Witcher 2 that affect Witcher 3's narrative experiences and world. The first deals with the ultimate fate of Aryan La Valette, and whether Geralt kills him and his men during their castle siege. The second concerns whether or not Geralt sided with Vernon Roche, a Commander of the Blue Stripes who staged a conspiracy against King Henselt. The third regards the survival of Triss Merigold, and whether Geralt was able to save her. The final choice is deciding whether Letho, a fellow Witcher, has survived Witcher 2, dictating his appearance in Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.
Witcher 2's Aryan La Valette's Fate Is Decided Early On
During Witcher 2's prologue, Geralt of Rivia is tasked with thwarting a castle siege against Aryan La Valette and his forces. Aryan La Valette is the eldest son of Baroness La Valette and her old husband, though when a rumor sprung up about a love affair between his mother and King Foltest, Aryan was forced to defend his family's honor. He had been raised under the strict teachings of knighthood, with honor, courage, valor, and the duty to uphold peace instilled at him from a young age. This upbringing created a man that would have been the main hero in another video game series, but meets a rather tragic ending no matter his fate.
Players have three options when dealing with Aryan La Valette: convince Aryan to surrender, duel Aryan, or kill Aryan alongside all his men. Should Geralt of Rivia convince Aryan to surrender, he is left to the mercy of the King and threatened with torture and a ruined legacy. Geralt's further intervention prevents this terrible fate, and Aryan flees to obtain the help of foreign Kings to reunite his family and restore their legacy. Accepting Aryan's request to duel, or fighting him alongside his men, always leads to Aryan La Valette's demise. The choice to kill Aryan will forever change the Witcher series' nobility in the video game's world.
The Witcher Universe Is Filled With Conspiracies And Coups
Vernon Roche is a character that appears frequently throughout Witcher 2, and is the Commander of a special forces unit in the Temerian military known as the Blue Stripes. Unlike many characters of prestige in the Witcher series, Roche came from poverty and worked his way through society thanks to a stunning military career. A staunch supporter of King Foltest, Roche searches desperately for his leader's killer and begins to stage a conspiracy against King Henselt following the execution of his Blue Stripes. This choice will change Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Geralt's available allies and connections.
Geralt can determine Vernon Roche's fate throughout a myriad of choices in Witcher 2's campaign, all of which contribute towards Roche's survival and his trust of Witchers as a whole. Helping Vernon Roche in his campaign for justice will cause him to grow fonder of Geralt and eventually build a rapport with him. This can be a hidden surprise in the Witcher 3, as Roche will become available as an additional defender against the Wild Hunt at Kaer Morhen.
The Witcher 2 & 3 Place Heavy Importance On Triss Merigold
In The Witcher 2, players will have the choice to save either Triss Merigold or Anais La Valette, assuming players have taken Roche's path. Both women are extremely important to the Witcher world. Triss Merigold is a powerful witch and potential romance option for Geralt. She also assists him after he has lost his memory, though her intentions aren't the purest. Anais La Valette is the rightful heir to the throne in Temeria and can claim her place as Queen if she is retrieved and safely delivered to Roche. While Triss is close to Geralt personally, Anais La Valette could potentially change the lives of all the subjects in Temeria.
Rescuing Anais alongside Roche will give players the opportunity to make Anais La Valette the next Queen of Temeria and maintain its independence. There will also be an opportunity to make Temeria a protectorate of Redania, and place the country under the control of King Radovid. This is the best outcome for Anais and her family, and arguably the best outcome for Temeria. Unfortunately, this choice will result in a witch hunt for all mages across the continent, placing Triss, Yennefer, and their colleagues in grave danger. Saving Triss will result in Temeria being torn asunder, Roche and Anais being declared outlaws and going on the run, and the corrupt leaders of the kingdoms gaining more power. This is one of the most impactful decisions in the Witcher games.
Witcher 2's Letho Can Become An Interesting Character If Given The Chance
Letho the Kingslayer is one of the few fellow Witchers that players can meet in the Witcher trilogy. He hails from the School of the Viper, an order of Witchers known for their reputation of killing both monsters and humanoids. Keeping true to this legacy, Letho is responsible for the murder of King Foltest and setting off the events of The Witcher 2. Geralt will spend a majority of the game hunting Letho down, or dealing with the consequences of his actions, but his final fate is left in the players' hands.
If players do not follow Letho, he is left to return to his unsatisfied employer and is pursued by hounds and bounty hunters. His fate is unknown, though it is likely he perishes in the subsequent hunt for his life. Should players choose to follow Letho and assist him, it is possible to send him to the Witchers' home of Kaer Morhen with Lambert, Eskel, and Vesemir. He will assist in defending the keep against the Wild Hunt, and provide some entertaining dialogue in cutscenes.
The Witcher universe will ultimately be molded by players' choices and actions. Geralt's story will influence the relationships and perceptions between characters and species, as well as the borders and alliances of various kingdoms. Players seeking to create the perfect world for their Witcher 3 playthrough should think carefully about the consequences of their actions and tread lightly in a world constantly at the brink of collapse.