When one talks about some of the most expansive, definitive, and genre-defining video games of the decade, it goes without saying that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt definitely ranks among the very best in this regard. CD Projekt Red took everything they learned from the development of the first two Witcher games to create an expansive title that is undoubtedly one of the best role-playing experiences anyone can possibly expose themselves to.
A major reason as to why The Witcher 3 has turned out to become one of the greatest games of the decade is its story, weaving a complex and intriguing narrative that is arguably one of the greatest plots ever told in a video game. Unfortunately, even the greatest accomplishments aren't devoid of any faults — however minor they might seem, at first glance. The Witcher 3 is no exception to this, featuring some egregious narrative oversights that must be pointed out. Here are 10 unresolved mysteries and gaping plot holes that The Witcher 3 failed to address adequately.
10 Why Does Geralt Get A Free Pass In Novigrad?
When Geralt enters Novigrad in The Witcher 3, the entire city is plagued with Witch Hunts that are cornering witches, alchemists, and even nonhumans to be executed.
However, for some reason, a mutant who can brew potions and cast Signs ends up getting a free pass. One might argue that Geralt is left alone because Witchers can completely decimate mobs of humans... but if that's the case, then there's another thing that must be addressed.
9 Witch Hunts Are Downright Stupid
Sorceresses are absolute tanks in battle, with one spell wreaking havoc at a large scale. To go against them is an act only the strongest or dumbest of people can accomplish.
It's clear that Witch Hunters aren't exactly the definition of physical specimens, meaning that they are the absolute dumbest people in the Witcher universe. Mob mentality is one thing, but hundreds of people willingly giving their lives away for such a harebrained cause is something else altogether.
8 Dandelion Settles In Novigrad... Right After He Was Supposed To Be Executed In The Same City!
It seems the bulk of narrative inconsistencies in The Witcher 3 stem from the city of Novigrad itself. In a bid to rescue Dandelion from his pending execution, Geralt wreaks absolute havoc as he breaks his trusted friend out, killing numerous witch hunters and guards in the process.
So, what does Dandelion do after his friend sticks his neck out for him? Why, he simply decides to settle in Novigrad regardless and even open a cabaret — under his name, no less! The mere fact that no one comes to haul this stupid bard back into prison is an egregious oversight indeed.
7 Radovid's Lack Of Diplomacy Is Completely Glossed Over
Following the whims and fancies of a Mad King is bad enough as is, but it seems that the people who were under Radovid's thumb did so of their own accord and not because they were being forced to wage war.
Radovid's great plan to annex Nilfgaard... was to invade his allies — Kaedwen and Temeria — and then force its soldiers to fight for his cause.
The fact that nobody revolted against a ruler who was so obviously off his rocker is a gross oversight on the writer's part.
6 Is Keira Metz Really All That Afraid Of Rats?
One of the witches Geralt encounters during his travels is a powerful sorceress by the name of Keira Metz. While her power might be unmatched, she does state that she has a deathly fear of rats.
However, during the game, Keira is clearly shown casting her spell on three rats that were roaming around her feet without any issues.
If she actually is afraid of rats, then this fear is quite selective.
5 Triss' Concern For Philippa Comes Out Of Nowhere
Philippa Eilhart was a focal point of a massive conspiracy in The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. It reached a point where a bunch of sorceresses, led by Triss Merigold, testified against her during The Summit at Loc Muinne.
However, in the third game, Triss is visibly and audibly concerned when Geralt states that he's helping Radovid hunt down Philippa. Keep in mind that this is the same Philippa who had plans to invade the north, killed thousands of innocents, and almost led Geralt to an early grave.
So, it's understandable if we state that Triss' concern for Philippa is quite out of the blue, given the heinous actions the latter has committed.
4 The Logic Surrounding Higher Vampires Is Quite Murky
During the events of the Blood And Wine expansion pack, Geralt clearly states that a higher vampire can only be killed by another vampire. However, he apparently forgot about an exception to this rule — namely, himself.
Geralt has encountered several higher vampire over the course of the game, along with several bruxae and alps as well. If he managed to deal with them, then why would he state something that's completely incorrect?
3 Dudu The Doppler Has A Weird Moral Code
According to Dudu, his impersonations of people make him experience — and possibly be manipulated — by their personalities as well. This is the major reason why he's vehemently against the idea of impersonating Menge, a person who is sadistic and bloodthirsty in every aspect.
However, later on, Dudu decides to take over the identity of Whoreson Junior, one of the four crime bosses in Novigrad. Where did Dudu's moral compass disappear here?
2 How Did Ciri Destroy The White Frost?
The ending of The Witcher 3 is equal parts amazing and confusing. It's amazing since the long journey ultimately leads to a very satisfactory conclusion that takes all your decisions into account — unless, that is, you end up making some poor decisions. However, the confusion arises from the ambiguity of Ciri's actions after entering Tor Gvalch'ca, or the Tower Of The Falcon if your elder speech is a bit rusty.
There are so many questions that arise after Ciri disappears. However, the biggest one of the lot is perhaps the one that CD Projekt Red should've clarified — what exactly did Ciri do to ensure that the White Frost disappears?
1 Ciri Becoming An Empress Doesn't Mean That She Will Never Meet Geralt Again
Speaking of the ending, it's time to talk about the path where Ciri decides to become an Empress. While it's definitely a hefty responsibility, this doesn't mean that Ciri won't be able to meet Geralt further down the line.
However, the manner in which the ending plays out makes one genuinely feel that this is the last time Geralt and Ciri will be able to meet — a notion that is somewhat short-sighted.
It almost felt like the developers wanted this ending to tug at the heartstrings of gamers and completely threw any semblance of logic out of the window.