In The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, few side quests carry as much emotional weight and political impact as Now or Never. This pivotal mission in Novigrad challenges Geralt of Rivia to assist Triss Merigold in smuggling persecuted mages out of the city. The decisions made during this quest permanently alter the political atmosphere of the realm and define Geralt's romantic future.
Navigating the Evacuation and the Fate of Anisse and Berthold
As the evacuation begins, Geralt is forced to choose between heading straight to the hideout or stopping to save two young mages, Anisse and Berthold. Choosing to help the young mages ensures their survival, but it increases the danger faced by the main group waiting in the sewers. Ignoring their plea speeds up the escape effort, though it results in the tragic deaths of the two mages at the hands of Witch Hunters.
This dilemma highlights the moral complexity that CD Projekt Red masterfully integrates into RPG questlines. RPG enthusiasts who keep up with daily gaming news often point to this quest as a prime example of impactful narrative design. Balancing immediate human life against the success of a broader rescue operation creates genuine tension for players.
Deciding Geralt's Romantic Future with Triss
The emotional climax of Now or Never occurs at the Novigrad docks right before the mages set sail for Kovir. Geralt is presented with dialogue options that allow him to confess his love to Triss, ask her to stay, or bid her farewell. If Geralt confesses his love, Triss decides to step off the boat and commit to a future with him, locking in her romance arc.
However, players must exercise caution if they intend to pursue Yennefer of Vengerberg later in the story. Confessing love to both Triss during this quest and Yennefer during Last Wish triggers a famous narrative consequence where Geralt ends up alone. Choosing to say goodbye to Triss leaves the door open for Yennefer while allowing Triss to lead the mages to safety unburdened.
The Broader Political Impact on Novigrad
Successfully helping Triss evacuate the mages changes the social dynamic of Novigrad for the remainder of the game. With the mages gone, the Church of the Eternal Fire redirects its fanatic hatred toward non-humans like elves and dwarves. Walking through the city streets later reveals a noticeably darker tone as violence against non-humans escalates.
This outcome reinforces the theme that Geralt's actions rarely yield a perfectly happy ending. While saving the mages preserves innocent lives, it inadvertently destabilizes the city's remaining vulnerable populations. Understanding these far-reaching effects adds immense replay value for players exploring different choices in subsequent playthroughs.
Finalizing Your Path in Novigrad
Completing Now or Never is also a required prerequisite for unlocking Reason of State, a key political quest that determines the ultimate ruler of the North. Failing to complete Triss's storyline locks Geralt out of shaping the political destiny of Temeria and Redania. Preparing carefully for each decision ensures players achieve their desired storyline outcomes across the continent.
