Anyone who’s played The Witcher 3 will know that there’s no shortage of sad stories to be played through, standing out in fans memories as some of the most depressing quests in the series. It turns out The Continent is home to some of the most tragic characters in gaming, from broken marriages to slain instructors and the rest.
One of the best things about the game is the way it can sneak up on the player, walking them into a misery trap without a hint. Going from action-packed battles right into a cutscene taking away some of the fans favorite characters, The Witcher 3 doesn’t pull any punches, and players should be prepared.
10 10. Reverend Nathaniel
While this is a quest some might miss, those that see it through will understand the need for patience. This quest can take a left turn very quickly, leaving the player feeling both guilty and unsatisfied.
While Geralt is investigating the murders that have been popping up, there will be a choice that will either be a case of mistaken identity or reveal a vital piece of information. Choose wrong and the true killer will be free and Geralt will have the blood of a semi-innocent on his hands.
9 9. Harald
Harald is an elder of Faylund, calling the shots and guiding the town’s warriors. When Geralt meets him he’s with a party that is clearly torn about what to do with the monster terrorizing their town. The elder says they should leave it be as it strengthens their warriors and the young Sven wants to take it out.
While his reasoning might not be the best in the world, Harald’s fate is near sealed no matter what side the Witcher chooses to represent. Choosing Harald’s side will at least allow players to attempt a rescue, fighting off the group of young warriors who turn on the elder.
8 8. Lambert
While he definitely has a poison tongue, Lambert is definitely a character fans have grown to love no matter how jealous he is in this title. Trying to get as much time in as possible, players have a chance to meet up and help him with tracking down Jad Karadin’s clan.
The saddest part about Geralt not making it to Lambert in the Battle Of Kaer Morhen is what happens if the player does save him. Usually so displeased with his life situation, Lambert will fall in love with a sorceress, something that’s lost if Geralt lets him die on the battlefield.
7 7. Detlaff
Being an incredibly strong vampire, it might be shocking that his end is a sad one. Dettlaff was essentially going against his morals and killing his own friend, all by the woman that he was trying to save. She had deceived him and been behind some of his darkest moments, sending him into a rage spiral.
After this act, Dettlaff’s sympathy meter starts going down, taking his rage and frustration out on a whole town of people. It’s then that Geralt has to step in and put an end to the tortured creature’s downward spiral, all that getting to know the creature all for nothing.
6 6. Jorund
Highly respected among the locals and most important of all, willing to have a drink with Geralt. Jorund will hire him to get rid of the plague of wraiths and find out what happened to the lighthouse keeper, Mikkjal.
If players didn’t complete the King’s Gambit quest then two troublemakers will engage Geralt and Jorund in a fight, losing but fatally wounding the hospitable host. Unfortunately, this outcome does unlock multiple quests that are worth the tears.
5 5. Skjall
Skjall’s is a story of an innocent boy who was cast into a set of unfortunate circumstances, making all players with a heart feel for the boy. Not only is he interrupted in a romantic moment with Ciri by the Wild Hunt attacking his village, he’s then cast out after they think he deserted the village.
This then culminates in him venturing off to kill Morkvag, this ultimately fails and ends up getting him killed in the process. Just another victim of collateral damage that turns up when Ciri and Geralt are around.
4 4. Vesemir
Unfortunately, this death is unavoidable, probably the one most players would choose to save. Vesemir was the only Witcher left from the old days and the current squad’s teacher, one who had been with them for the majority of a century.
This makes it all the more heartbreaking when Geralt sees Ciri hunched over his lifeless body. Seeing the characters that fans have grown attached to lose one of the most important parts of their lives is sure to pull on the heartstrings of even the most hard-nosed Witcher.
3 3. Bloody Baron
A man that many players grow to sympathize with due to his dismal circumstances, the Bloody baron is a character that few forget. Coming home from war an alcoholic, this slowly began to deteriorate his home life and caused his wife and daughter to flee.
It’s only when Geralt comes around, previously described to Philip by Ciri, that he tried to find them again. Though he doesn’t tell the Witcher of his past abuses until it’s forced out of him, his many dark secrets come spilling out for all to witness, some that leave lasting images for players to remember.
2 2. Iris & Olgierd
The punishing tale of a long, drawn-out marriage that ended in tragedy, this quest forces the player to look back through the tale of a wish gone wrong. Olgierd Von Everic tasks Geralt with finding his long lost wife, one that he was cursed to leave as punishment for another desire granted.
This eventually turns into Geralt discovering the sad fate of Iris, Olgierd’s wife, long dead and now a prisoner to the Painted World. After giving up so much to be with his love, all that comes of the effort is a sad and cautionary tale of trusting Gaunter O’Dinn.
1 1. Ciri
This one is hard for anyone to accept, mostly because it can be avoided most of the time. It all depends on how good of a surrogate dad the player had been to Ciri, building her up to this one crucial moment.
Coming in as the bad ending, if Ciri feels self-doubt when she comes up against the White Frost, Geralt will have to hunt down her medallion and contemplate all the wrong choices he had made throughout their journey that lead to this horrific ending.
NEXT: The Witcher 3: The 10 Best Cities In The Game, Ranked
